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Certification Renewal Process for School Counselors
Renewing Class AA, AAA, and AAAA licenses for School Counselors in Mississippi typically spans a five (5)-year duration, offering various avenues for renewal (see Renewal Requirements Overview). These avenues include completing semester hours, obtaining Continuing Education Units (CEUs), or achieving certification from the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC).
To renew your current license, you must complete an online application, submit a Verification of Lawful Presence form, and provide additional documentation such as applicable Continuing Education Units (CEU) certificates, official transcripts, National Board letters, or School Executive Management Institute (SEMI) credits. All renewal coursework, CEU credits, National Board Documentation, or SEMI credits must be dated within the current renewal cycle, and renewal credits must be earned after the beginning validity date for career-level administrators.
One option for renewal is completing three (3) semester hours of coursework in a relevant subject area or skill. Alternatively, counselors can accumulate five (5) continuing education units (CEUs) or the equivalent in contact or clock hours in a relevant subject area or skill. Another pathway is completing the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards process. Additionally, counselors may submit official documentation of retirement from service in Mississippi public schools or provide a valid standard out-of-state teaching license during the final year of their valid Mississippi license.
Once these requirements are fulfilled, applicants must provide official documentation, such as college transcripts showing completed coursework or professional learning certificates indicating the appropriate number of CEUs, contact hours, or clock hours. All college courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher at accredited senior colleges, universities, or community colleges. Official transcripts should be securely sent electronically to the Division of Educator Licensure through platforms like the National Student Clearinghouse or Parchment. Notably, there is no pre-application requirement for criminal background checking, and no licensure renewal application fee is mentioned.
The renewal application process involves gathering the necessary documentation, such as certificates of completion for professional development activities and transcripts for completed coursework or NBCC certification documentation. Applicants then complete the licensure renewal application available on the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) website and submit it online.
To meet renewal criteria, counselors can choose one of the following:
- Complete three (3) semester hours of coursework in a relevant subject area or skill.
- Accumulate five (5) continuing education units (CEUs), or the equivalent in contact or clock hours, in a relevant subject area or skill.
- Complete the National Board for the Professional Teaching Standards process.
Documentation:
- Certificate of completion for professional development activities.
- Transcripts for completed coursework or NBCC certification documentation.
- Any other relevant documentation as per the chosen renewal option.
Renewal Application Process (see MS Ed Dept Renewal Overview):
- Gather necessary documentation (certificate of completion, transcripts, NBCC certification, etc.).
- Complete the licensure renewal application available on the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) website.
- Apply online.
It is imperative to ensure all required documentation is accurate and up-to-date to prevent any delays or lapses in licensure. Applicants should also keep track of application deadlines to ensure timely renewal. For additional assistance during the application process, applicants are encouraged to contact the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) at 601-359-3483. Dedicated specialists are available to assist between 9 AM and 4 PM CST, Monday through Friday.