Maine Initial School Counselor Certification
AKA: Professional School Counselor Certificate, Conditional School Counselor Certificate
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There are two types of certification for school counselors in Maine, Professional and Conditional. The licensure pathway for each certificate (under umbrella term of “education specialist”) entails similar requirements for both the Professional (5-year) and Conditional (3-year) certificates. Applicants must fulfill educational criteria, including coursework aligned with Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards covering foundational, contextual, and practical aspects of school counseling. Additionally, completion of approved courses addressing teaching exceptional students and classroom diversity is mandatory.
The Professional certificate requires an advanced degree from an approved Maine program or accredited institution, while the Conditional certificate mandates at least a bachelor’s degree and enrollment into an approved master’s program in school counseling. Both certificates are valid for their respective terms, with the Conditional certificate serving as a provisional credential until all requirements for the Professional certificate are met. Applicants for the Conditional certificate must complete 24 graduate semester hours in school counselor education along with a criminal history record check.
These requirements ensure that certified school counselors are equipped to address the diverse needs of students and contribute meaningfully to educational environments in Maine (see Maine’s administrative code regulating the certification process).
Applicants must possess an advanced degree (Master’s or Doctorate) from an approved Maine school counseling program dedicated to school counselor preparation or from an accredited college or university.
Key areas covered include:
Applicants must possess at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. They also must be enrolled in an approved program for school counselor education or active participation in graduate coursework for school counselor education.
Specifics of the education requirement also include:
Tips for Success:
Both certifications do not explicitly mention experience requirements. However, it is important to note that practical experience in counseling, particularly in educational settings, can significantly enhance an applicant’s qualifications and competitiveness.
Applicants are encouraged to seek out internships, practicums, or volunteer opportunities in school counseling or related fields to gain hands-on experience working with students, educators, and families. Additionally, involvement in professional organizations, workshops, and conferences can provide valuable networking opportunities and professional development.
Overall, gaining practical experience alongside meeting educational requirements can help individuals prepare for successful careers as school counselors and meet the criteria for obtaining either the Maine Professional School Counselor Certificate or the Maine Conditional School Counselor Certificate.
The testing requirements for the Guidance Counselor endorsement (Code 075) at the K-12 grade level include achieving a minimum score of 156 on the PRAXIS II test with test code 5421, which is named Professional School Counselor (Educational Specialist; Ch. 13).
To register for the PRAXIS II Professional School Counselor exam, you must visit the Educational Testing Service (ETS) official website, the organization responsible for administering PRAXIS exams. You can find detailed information about the exam, registration procedures, test dates, study materials, and other relevant details on the ETS website.
On the ETS website, you’ll be able to access the following information:
By visiting the ETS website, you’ll have all the necessary information and resources to successfully register for and prepare for the PRAXIS II Professional School Counselor exam (School Guidance Counseling).
A background check is required for certification to ensure the safety and suitability of individuals working in educational settings. It helps identify any criminal history that may pose a risk to students or the school community.
To meet the background check requirements outlined by the Maine Department of Education, applicants must follow these steps (see Maine’s Dept of Ed fingerprinting overview):
Associated fees: $15 processing fee for submitting the Application for Initial Educational Approval.
For additional inquiries or assistance regarding the Maine Department of Education criminal background checking, applicants can contact a certification specialist via email at cert.doe@maine.gov or by calling (207) 624-6600 during normal business hours.
All applications can be completed online through the Maine Educator Information System (MEIS). The application fee for the Maine School Counselor license is $100.
The application process for obtaining a Maine School Counselor license involves the following steps:
Preparation:
Organization:
Gather all required materials including:
Submission:
If you have any inquiries or require assistance throughout the application procedure, you can reach out to the Maine Department of Education during regular business hours at (207) 624-6600.