Maryland Initial School Counselor Certification

Initial School Counselor Certification

In Maryland, initial school counseling certification signifies that an individual has met the state’s rigorous educational and professional standards to legally practice as a school counselor. This certification process ensures that counselors possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies to effectively support students’ academic, social, and emotional growth.

Why is it important?

• Student Well-being: Certified school counselors play a vital role in creating a positive and supportive school environment where all students can thrive.< They provide essential services like academic counseling, social-emotional learning, and crisis intervention.
• Professionalism: Certification establishes a high level of professionalism and accountability within the school counseling field. It ensures that counselors adhere to ethical guidelines and best practices in their work.
• Public Trust: Certification provides the public with assurance that school counselors have the necessary qualifications and training to effectively support students.

By obtaining initial school counseling certification in Maryland, individuals demonstrate their commitment to providing high-quality services to students and contribute to the overall well-being of the school community.

Education or Degree Requirements

To qualify for initial certification as a school counselor in Maryland, applicants must possess a master’s degree in school counseling or school guidance and counseling from an accredited institution. There are several options for meeting this requirement:

• Option I: Master’s degree in school counseling or school guidance and counseling from an institution of higher education (IHE), along with a National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) certificate, and two (2) years of satisfactory performance as a teacher or school counselor in a school setting.
• Option II: Master’s degree in school counseling or school guidance and counseling from a program approved using state-approved standards under COMAR 13A.07.06.01, and either two (2) years of experience as a teacher or school counselor or completion of 500 clock hours in a supervised practicum in school counseling or school guidance and counseling.
• Option III: Master’s degree in school counseling or school guidance and counseling from a program approved by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
• Option IV: Completion of a master’s program in school counseling or school guidance and counseling, resulting in state certification, along with either two (2) years of successful teaching or school counseling experience or the completion of a supervised practicum in school counseling or school guidance and counseling totaling 500 clock hours.

Tips:

• Research accredited institutions offering master’s programs in school counseling.
• Consider the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) Certificate for school counselors, state-approved standards, or research master’s programs accredited by CACREP.

Experience Requirements

Prospective candidates must meet one of the following criteria:

• Either possess two (2) years of service as an educator or school counselor within a school environment. Typically for those who are coming from out-of-state.

• Or, fulfill 500 clock hours in a supervised practicum focusing on school counseling or guidance and counseling.

Testing Requirements

As of January 2022, Maryland School Counseling certification does not entail any examination prerequisites.

Background Checks

A background check is required to ensure the safety and security of students in Maryland schools. Most background checks are either initiated by school districts or school counseling program educational institutions. Background checks are conducted by the state of Maryland and the FBI. To find locations to have your fingerprints taken, see the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.

For inquiries regarding Fingerprinting Services/Background Checks, you can reach out at 6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 101/Suite 103, located on the west side of Reisterstown Road Plaza in Baltimore, MD 21215, or can contact at 410-764-4501 and 888-795-0011(toll-free).

Application Process

The Maryland School Counselor certification application is completed online through the Department of Education Certification Branch Portal.

• Applicants must create a portal account with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Certification Branch Portal on the MSDE website and submit the completed Initial Application for Educator Certification online.
• Mail or electronically submit supporting documentation, including official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, to the Maryland State Department of Education Certification Branch, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore MD 21201 (email to certdocuments.msde@maryland.gov).
• Wait for confirmation of eligibility and notification via email and upon confirmation, submit the required fee of $10. Details on fee submission will be provided in the email notification.

If you require help with the online submission portal, kindly reach out to the helpdesk of the certification department by sending an email to eishelp.msde@maryland.gov. For detailed answers to frequently asked questions, applicants can visit the MSDE website. For further assistance, the Certification Assistance Line is available at 1-866-772-8922.