Michigan School Counselor Certification Reciprocity

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: January 9th, 2025

Certification Reciprocity Process for School Counselors

Individuals who have attained a masters degree or higher from an accredited School Counselor education program located outside of the state, or possess a bachelors degree from an out-of-state institution along with a valid School Counselor certificate from that state, and have effectively worked as a School Counselor for a minimum of five (5) out of the last seven (7) years, are eligible to apply for assessment for a Michigan School Counselor credential.

The Temporary School Counselor License (TSCL) serves as a temporary measure for out-of-state applicants who hold a master’s degree or higher in school counseling and have met the criteria of an approved School Counselor educator program elsewhere. This enables them to practice as School Counselors in Michigan’s K-12 educational system while fulfilling the specific testing prerequisites for the Michigan School Counselor License (SCL).

To initiate the process, candidates must possess a valid or expired School Counselor license from another state, country, or federally recognized Indian tribe, alongside having completed a master’s degree or higher in school counseling. They are required to apply for the Temporary School Counselor License via the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS), along with a processing fee and all pertinent supporting documentation. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) assesses the application to ascertain eligibility.

Once approved, candidates are granted the TSCL, permitting them to practice as School Counselors in Michigan’s K-12 educational settings for one year (TSCL is valid for one year and cannot be renewed). During their employment, candidates must undertake and successfully pass the mandated Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) to qualify for the Michigan School Counselor License (SCL).

Requirements Overview for Certification:

You will need to have completed a masters degree or higher in school counseling. This should include an internship in a school setting.

   OR

Alternatively, you can have an earned bachelors degree and at least five (5) years of successful employment as a school counselor within the previous seven (7) years, along with a valid school counselor endorsement from another state.

Additionally:

  • You must achieve a passing score on the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification-School Counselor (051) examination. You can find more information or register for a test date on the MTTC website.
  • You need to provide a copy of your current, valid school counselor license from another state.
  • If you don’t have a masters degree or higher in school counseling, you’ll need to submit a Work Experience Report Form for a Michigan School Counselor License. This form can be found on the Michigan Department of Education website.
  • There’s a $210 out-of-state School Guidance Counselor License application fee.

Application Process

  • Application for a School Counselor License is through the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS).
  • Make sure to select that you are applying for a Temporary School Counselor License (TSCL) within MOECS.

As part of the application process, you’ll need to answer a series of questions. These answers will be used to evaluate your eligibility for the TSCL.

Ensure that all supporting application documents, including transcripts, work experience reports (if applicable), and the application fee, have been received by the Office of Educator Excellence.

If you have any questions about your out-of-state application or the certification process, you can contact the Michigan Department of Education during normal business hours at 517-241-5000 or via email at MDE-EductorHelp@michigan.gov.