Michigan Initial School Counselor Certification

AKA: School Counselor License (SCL), Teaching Certificate with School Counselor (NT) Endorsement, Preliminary School Counselor License (PSCL), Temporary School Counselor License (TSCL)

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: January 10th, 2025

Initial Michigan School Counselor Certification

In Michigan, aspiring School Counselors can pursue certification through several distinct pathways tailored to accommodate varying educational backgrounds and professional experiences (see MI Dept of Ed School Counselor License Overview) :

School Counselor License (SCL)

This pathway for attaining the School Counselor License (SCL) involves completing a master’s program in school counseling, fulfilling internship requirements, and successfully passing the MTTC School Counselor exam. This program typically consists of a minimum of 30 graduate-level semester hours focused on various aspects of school counseling, including guidance services, counseling theory, and supervised experiences. Candidates seeking to pass the exam are typically required to obtain a recommendation from an approved preparation program, possess a master’s degree in school counseling or its equivalent, and have practical experience in real-world settings. Upon certification, the SCL is valid for five (5) years, with the option for renewal based on specific criteria set by the licensing authority.

Michigan Teaching Certificate with the School Counselor (NT) Endorsement

This pathway includes holding a valid Michigan Teaching Certificate, completing specific coursework in guidance services, individual and group analysis, counseling theory and practice, and guidance information. Candidates must also gain supervised experience, undergo evaluation, and pass a School Counselor exam. A recommendation from an approved program, usually a master’s degree program in school counseling, is required. Candidates must complete at least 30 graduate-level semester hours in school counseling, supervised counseling internship, and practicum experiences. The validity period of the NT endorsement depends on the candidate’s teaching certificate.

Preliminary School Counselor License (PSCL)

The Preliminary School Counselor License (PSCL) is a program designed to prepare individuals for school counseling roles who have not yet completed a master’s program in school counseling. Applicants must be enrolled in a master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited institution, covering areas like guidance services, individual and group analysis, counseling theory and practice, and supervised experiences. They must also complete a supervised counseling practicum and have completed at least 30 graduate-level semester hours in school counseling. A comprehensive School Counselor exam is also required. An endorsement from an approved program signifies fulfillment of all requirements, allowing candidates to pursue employment opportunities as School Counselors. The PSCL is valid for three (3) years and non-renewable, allowing candidates to accumulate valuable experience and meet additional prerequisites for full licensure.

Temporary School Counselor License (TSCL)

The Temporary School Counselor License (TSCL) is a temporary measure for out-of-state applicants with a master’s degree or higher in school counseling and an approved School Counselor educator program. It allows them to practice as School Counselors in Michigan’s K-12 educational system while meeting the testing prerequisites for the Michigan School Counselor License (SCL). Candidates must have a valid or expired School Counselor License from another state, country, or federally recognized Indian tribe and have completed a master’s degree or higher in school counseling. To qualify for the SCL, they must apply for a School Counselor License via the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS) and pass the mandated Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC). The TSCL is valid for one (1) year and cannot be renewed. Learn more about the specifics of out-of-state school counseling certification in Michigan.

These diverse pathways ensure accessibility and inclusivity, guaranteeing that proficient professionals are available to effectively meet the counseling needs of Michigan’s student populace.

Michigan School Counselor License (SCL)

This is the most common pathway. The School Counselor License (SCL) is a credential awarded to School Counselors who have completed a master’s program in school counseling from an accredited institution, fulfilled internship requirements, and passed the MTTC School Counselor exam. The program mandates a minimum of 30 graduate-level semester hours dedicated to school counseling, covering various facets such as guidance services, counseling theory, and supervised experiences.

The SCL is valid for five (5) years, subject to renewal upon satisfying renewal criteria established by the licensing authority. This pathway ensures that candidates possess the essential knowledge and skills to effectively address students’ academic, social, and emotional needs within the school environment. Follow below to learn about each step required for certification:

Education or Degree Requirements

  • Completion of a master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited program.
  • At least 30 graduate-level semester hours specific to school counseling, covering various aspects such as guidance services, counseling theory, and supervised experiences.

Tip: Research accredited programs offering comprehensive coursework in school counseling.

Experience Requirements

Completion of an internship of at least 600 clock hours, with 300 hours in a school setting, under the supervision of a credentialed School Counselor or School Counselor Educator.

Testing Requirements

The Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) is a computer-based examination designed to assess the knowledge and skills necessary for educators seeking certification in the state of Michigan. The test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering various subject areas relevant to teaching.

Here’s a breakdown of important details about the MTTC:

  • Availability: The test is available year-round, Monday through Saturday, at test sites located in Michigan and nationwide.
  • Passing Score: Candidates must achieve a minimum score of 220 to pass the exam.
  • Test Fee: The fee for taking the MTTC is $129.
  • Score Release: Scores are typically released within six (6) weeks of the testing date.
  • Rules and Policies: Candidates must agree to abide by all testing rules and policies established by the testing organization.
  • Preparation Materials: Preparation materials for the test are available to help candidates study and familiarize themselves with the exam content.
  • Future Administration Questions: Tests may include questions for future administrations, which do not affect a candidate’s score.

To access more specific information about the MTTC, including registration details, test dates, preparation resources, and testing policies, you can visit the official website of the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification. On the website, you’ll find comprehensive information regarding the exam, including test frameworks, study guides, practice tests, registration procedures, and other essential details to help you prepare for and complete the MTTC.

Background Checks

While not a requirement for certification, background checks are required by school districts in order to be hired. Background checks are am important prerequisite to ensure the safety and well-being of students. Applicants are required to submit fingerprints for a criminal background check. Various sources provide Criminal Background Check documents, such as the Michigan State Police Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), MSP – Criminal History Records, and the U.S. Department of Justice FBI Criminal History Record.

  • When offered employment, fingerprint submission is required for a criminal background check. For detailed answers to frequently asked questions about the Department of Educations background check policies, refer to this PDF.
  • You may contact Melissa Sherry at sherrym2@michigan.gov or by phone at 517-763-9367.

To validate a criminal background check, it needs a true copy statement signed by a Michigan notary. Only the person named in the document or the document’s producer can make this statement, except for underage individuals and notaries who can make “true copy” statements on copies of any records. A proper notarization requires the notary’s printed name, signature, date of notarization, commission expiration date, county of commission, and acting in the county. Notaries cannot notarize documents without witnessing a signature, make a true copy statement, or certify persons, businesses, or documents. They cannot charge more than $10.00 for notarization, extra for travel, or a fee for corrections. Notarial elements, whether written, stamped, or embossed, must not render any part of the document or notarial block illegible.

Application Process

Application is submitted online through the Michigan Online Educator Certification System, a secure web-based system allowing educators access to their certification data, apply for certificates and endorsements and renew their certificates. Required materials for the application include:

  • Completed application form through MOECS.
  • Official transcripts from all attended colleges/universities.
  • Proof of passing scores for the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification-School Counselor (051) examination.
  • $160 School Counselor license application fee.

For those without a master’s degree in school counseling, a work experience report form is required. This form must be completed by the supervising school counselor, principal, superintendent, or chief official designee of the employing school district or school, and delivered with your application materials.

This form must be completed and submitted along with your application documentation to demonstrate three (3) years of successful experience as a School Counselor. Individuals who must take the School Counselor MTTC do not need to complete this form. Send this form to mde-educatorhelp@michigan.gov, including application documents.

You have access to the support desk every Monday through Thursday, available from 8:05 AM to 12:00 PM EST and 1:05 PM to 4:55 PM EST, by dialing 517-241-5000.

Michigan Teaching Certificate with the School Counselor (NT) Endorsement

This certification pathway (as outlined by the Michigan Department of Education) entails holding a valid Michigan Teaching Certificate and School Counselor (NT Overview) endorsement completing specific coursework in various areas such as guidance services, individual and group analysis, counseling theory and practice, and guidance information. Additionally, candidates must gain supervised experience and undergo evaluation. Passing a School Counselor exam is also mandatory, assessing candidates’ knowledge and competency in the field.

A recommendation from an approved program, usually a master’s degree program in school counseling, is also necessary. Candidates must complete at least 30 graduate-level semester hours in school counseling, supervised counseling internship, and practicum experiences for practical training.

Furthermore, candidates must specify the grade range of their credentials, which can be Elementary [K-8], Secondary [6-12], or K-12. The validity period of the NT endorsement is contingent upon the candidate’s teaching certificate. Overall, obtaining a School Counselor (NT) endorsement in Michigan is thorough and demanding.

Michigan teachers have two (2) pathways to add endorsements to their teaching certificates. They can either complete an approved Indian tribe-endorsed program through an Educator Preparation Program (EPP), which requires at least 20 semester credit hours of coursework, or they can hold an endorsement on a teaching certificate from another state, country, or federally recognized Indian tribe. The out-of-state certificate must have been valid for three (3) years of successful teaching experience.

To apply for an endorsement in addition to a valid Michigan teaching certificate, teachers need to use the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS). If teachers have completed endorsement programs at Michigan institutions, they must coordinate with their certification officer to ensure the application process is correct and that they pass the appropriate Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC).

For teachers who have completed endorsement programs outside of Michigan, the Office of Educator Excellence (OEE) evaluates their credentials. They must meet all requirements and pass the corresponding MTTC before the endorsement can be added to their Michigan teaching certificate. Michigan teachers are allowed to work in subject areas or grade levels outside of their certificate under the flexibilities offered by their employing school.

Application Process

The application for adding a School Counselor (NT) endorsement to a valid Michigan teaching certificate is submitted online through the Michigan Online Educator Certification System.

The materials required for the application process include:

  • Completed application form through MOECS.
  • Copy of valid Michigan Teaching Certificate.
  • $50 additional (NT) endorsement fee.

For additional assistance, you can reach out from Monday through Thursday by calling 517-241-5000 between office hours from 8:05 AM to 12:00 PM EST and 1:05 PM to 4:55 PM EST.

Michigan Preliminary School Counselor License (PSCL)

The Preliminary School Counselor License (PSCL) serves as an alternative certification pathway for individuals enrolled in an approved Educator Preparation Institution (EPI) within Michigan, specifically those completing a school counselor endorsement program or pursuing a School Counselor License (SCL). This credential allows individuals to be hired by Michigan school districts to serve as school counselors.

To qualify for the PSCL, applicants must complete at least 30 semester credit hours in an in-state counselor education program and pass the School Counselor examination on the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC). Upon meeting these criteria, applicants can be recommended for the PSCL by their EPI.

Once issued, the PSCL is valid for three (3) years and is non-renewable. During this period, individuals are expected to complete any remaining coursework, including practicum or internship requirements, to be recommended for a school counselor endorsement on a Michigan teaching certificate, an SCL, or both.

The application process involves applying to the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS). In-state university enrollees’ applications will be electronically sent to their EPI for eligibility assessment. Applicants must specify whether they are applying for an endorsement or the School Counselor License in MOECS. If seeking both credentials, applicants need to submit separate application fees and apply for each credential separately.

Applicants for the PSCL are required to possess a minimum of a master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited institution. This degree should cover essential areas such as guidance services, counseling theory and practice, and supervised experiences. Completing a supervised counseling practicum and passing a comprehensive School Counselor exam are mandatory.

The PSCL allows candidates to gain valuable experience in school settings and meet additional prerequisites for full licensure. It specifies different grade ranges such as Elementary, Secondary, or K-12. Upon obtaining the PSCL, individuals can seek employment opportunities as School Counselors within Michigan school districts.

Below is a structured outline delineating the sequential progression of events:

  • Eligibility and Criteria: Applicants must complete at least 30 semester credit hours in an approved in-state counselor education program and pass the School Counselor examination on the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC). The recommendation for the PSCL comes from the Michigan EPI where the candidate is enrolled.
  • Application Process: All applicants must apply to the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS). In-state university applicants have their applications sent electronically to the EPI for eligibility assessment.
  • Hiring Process: Upon issuance of the PSCL, individuals become eligible to be hired by a Michigan school district to work as a school counselor.
  • Credential Validity and Renewal: The PSCL is valid for three (3) years and is non-renewable. During this time, individuals are expected to complete any remaining coursework, practicum, or internship required for full certification as a school counselor.
  • Requirements: Applicants for the PSCL must hold a minimum of a master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited institution. They must also complete supervised counseling practicum hours and pass the comprehensive School Counselor exam.
  • Scope of Certification: The PSCL may specify different grade ranges, such as Elementary [K-8], Secondary [6-12], or K-12, depending on the candidate’s focus area.

The PSCL provides an interim certification option for aspiring school counselors in Michigan, allowing them to gain valuable experience in school settings while completing the requirements for full licensure.