Massachusetts School Counselor Certification Renewal

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: January 7th, 2025

Certification Renewal Process for School Counselors in Massachusetts

Navigating the Massachusetts School Counselor certification renewal process involves two (2) distinct pathways, each tailored to accommodate the diverse professional experiences of educators. The first avenue emphasizes the completion of 60 credit hours of graduate coursework over three (3) years of school counseling employment, incorporating credits earned during the initial master’s degree program. Alternatively, educators can pursue renewal through certification or licensure with recognized organizations, such as the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) or the National Board for School Counseling.

Regardless of the chosen pathway, applicants must submit online renewal applications (see Massachusetts Admin Code for renewals), furnish evidence of completed requirements, and remit a $100 application fee. The renewal period spans five (5) calendar years, and the acquisition of Professional Development Points (PDPs) is imperative, with specific allocations for content, pedagogy, and proficiency in Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) or English as a Second Language (ESL). The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Educator Licensure and Renewal (ELAR) system serves as the expeditious platform for this process.

Renewal through Graduate Coursework

Requirements:

  • Completion of three (3) years of employment as a school counselor.
  • 60 credit hours of graduate coursework, including credits earned in the masters degree program that qualified for the initial license.

Application Process:

  • Submit a renewal application online.
  • Include proof of the completed graduate coursework.
  • Pay a $100 application fee.

Renewal through Certification/Licensure

Requirements:

  • Completion of three (3) years of employment as a school counselor.
  • Certification or licensure with one of the following organizations:
    • National Board of Certified Counselors.
    • National Board for School Counseling.

Application Process:

  • Submit a renewal application online.
  • Provide proof of certification or licensure from one of the above-specified organizations.
  • Pay a $100 application fee.

General License Renewal Information

  • Professional licenses are valid for five (5) calendar years.
  • Professional licenses must be renewed to remain active.
  • Renewal can only occur if the required number of Professional Development Points (PDPs) have been earned.
  • The Educator Licensure and Renewal (ELAR) system is the quickest way to renew a professional license.
  • Application fees: $100 for the primary license, and $25 for additional licenses.

Professional Development Requirements

Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP) must include at least 150 PDPs, distributed as follows:

  • 15 PDPs in content (subject matter knowledge).
  • 15 PDPs in pedagogy (professional skills and knowledge).
  • 15 PDPs related to Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) or English as a Second Language (ESL).
  • 15 PDPs related to training in strategies for effective schooling for students with disabilities and diverse learning styles.
  • Remaining 90 PDPs through elective activities, additional content, and/or pedagogy.

Application Process for All Renewal Pathways

  • Submit a completed application as requested through the online platform.
  • Pay the required fee.
  • Provide proof of sound moral character.
  • Sign a statement, under penalties of perjury, indicating completion of all requirements, including earning the required PDPs under an Individual Professional Development Plan.
  • Applicants employed by Massachusetts public schools must submit a statement indicating either final approval of their completed Individual Professional Development Plan by their supervisor, reliance on compliant Educator Plans, or both.

Note: Do not send supporting documentation unless selected for an audit.

For additional assistance, individuals can contact the Licensure Call Center at 781-338-6600 during the specified hours (Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST).