Mississippi School Counselor Certification Reciprocity

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: January 14th, 2025

Certification Reciprocity Process for Mississippi School Counselors

The Department of Education in Mississippi grants a two-year or five-year educator license through reciprocity to individuals who possess a valid license from another state or country within 21 days of completing an application.

License Renewability

The two-year license is non-renewable and is available to candidates who possess a valid school counselor certification from another state, but who have not yet completed a subject assessment examination. The 5-year license is renewable indefinitely.

Varying Classes of License

Class A requires a valid standard license issued by an educator licensing agency outside the state of Mississippi and an official sealed copy of all college/university-level academic transcripts.

Class AA, Class AAA, or Class AAAA require a valid out-of-state Standard Class AA (master’s degree), Class AAA (specialist degree), or Class AAAA (doctoral degree) License in a Mississippi endorsement area. The license is valid for five (5) years and renewal requires one of the following options:

  • Ten (10) continuing education units (CEU’s)

OR

  • Three (3) semester hours in content or job/skill-related area AND
  • Five (5) continuing education units (CEUs) in content or job/skill-related area

OR

  • Six (6) semester hours in content or job/skill related area

OR

  • Completion of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards process for school counselors.

Application Process:

  • Create an account on the MECCA system to initiate the application process.
  • Upload the PDF copy of the valid out-of-state standard license and official sealed academic transcripts through the MECCA system.
  • Submit the Verification of Lawful Presence (VLP) form if not previously provided.
  • For those seeking a 5-year license, provide proof demonstrating a passing score on exams necessary for certification by the issuing state, or proof confirming that your out-of-state license was achieved with requirements equal to current Mississippi license guidelines.

The department shall grant a two (2)-year or standard five (5)-year license within twenty-one (21) days from the date of a completed application.

Should you require assistance regarding your out-of-state application, we encourage you to reach out to the Licensure Division at the Mississippi Department of Education. Their dedicated team is available to assist you from 9 AM to 4 PM CST. Please feel free to contact them at your convenience by dialing 601-359-3483.