Maryland School Counselor Certification Renewal

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: December 30th, 2024

Certification Renewal Process for School Counselors

On October 6, 2016, Maryland implemented additional renewal criteria for school counselors (see renewal requirements overview). During the renewal process, individuals are required to submit six (6) acceptable credits, including one (1) semester hour of coursework, one (1) Continuing Professional Development (CPD), or an equivalent number of Continuing Education Units (CEUs). These credits should specifically address the capacity for intervention or referral concerning mental health and behavioral distress indicators, such as depression, trauma, violence, youth suicide, and substance abuse.

Coursework must be obtained or taught at a regionally accredited college/university or through Maryland-approved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits. It should be acquired within five (5) years of the certificate’s issuance (see Maryland Administrative Code).

Educators Employed in Local School Systems, Non-Public Special Education Facilities, and State Institutions (see Renewal Requirements)

  • Educators employed in these settings need to fulfill specific requirements based on their current certification level (IPL, PL, or APL).
  • Requirements include completing semester hours of acceptable credit, years of satisfactory experience, and a professional development plan.
  • Renewal may also require completion of a master’s degree, post-baccalaureate credits, national board certification, or professional technical education credits.
  • Educators who are not Employed or Working in a Private School:
    • These educators may hold a Professional Eligibility Certificate (PEC) or Advanced Professional License (APL).
    • Renewal pathways for PEC holders involve completing semester hours of acceptable credit and gaining experience.
    • Transition from PEC to APL may involve completing a master’s degree, post-baccalaureate credits, national board certification, or professional technical education credits, along with fulfilling experience requirements.

Documentation and Fees:

  • Acceptable credits must be approved by the local superintendent of schools or through Maryland-approved Continuing Professional Development credits.
  • Documentation typically includes official transcripts or Maryland CPD forms.
  • The fees can be paid to the Maryland State Department of Education via money order, certified check, cashier’s check, or electronic payment (see Maryland Department Education Licensing Fees).

Application Process

The application process should be completed online (see MD Dept of Ed online portal).

Submission of Documentation:

  • Submit the required documentation along with your renewal application (send to certdocuments.msde@maryland.gov).
  • For coursework, include a course description or syllabus.
  • For CPD and CEUs, provide documentation confirming completion.

Timeline:

  • Renewal must occur within the specified renewal cycle.

Additional information regarding renewal requirements may be found on the Maryland State Department of Education Certification website. For any assistance regarding Maryland certification renewal, you can contact the Department of Education call center at 410-767-0412.