Missouri Initial School Counselor Certification

AKA: Initial Student Services Certificate

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: January 28th, 2025

Initial School Counselor Certification

The Initial School Counselor Certification (termed Initial Student Services Certificate) pathway stands as the most common route for aspiring School Counselors seeking licensure in Missouri. This comprehensive process, overseen by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), requires candidates to fulfill rigorous educational and experiential criteria. Primarily, applicants must complete a master’s degree program in School Counseling from an accredited institution, encompassing a well-rounded curriculum spanning various critical areas of counseling practice (Missouri Academic Code Regulating Certification).

Additionally, candidates must accrue a minimum of 300 hours of field and clinical experience, culminating in extensive immersion within elementary and secondary school settings. Essential to this journey is the successful completion of the Missouri Educator Gateway Assessments (MEGA), ensuring proficiency in essential competencies. Furthermore, stringent background checks, including fingerprinting and criminal record reviews, are mandatory to uphold the safety and welfare of students within Missouri’s public school system.

Follow below for a more detailed overview of the certification process:

Education or Degree Requirements

To qualify for the Initial Student Services Certificate for School Counselor, applicants must meet the following education requirements:

  • Completion of a master’s degree in school counseling from an approved college or university, including a planned program of at least forty-two (42) semester hours of approved graduate credit courses in counseling.
  • Coursework should cover various areas such as student development, program implementation, professional relationships, leadership and advocacy, and ethical and professional conduct.

Tips:

Experience Requirements

Individuals must complete a minimum of three hundred (300) clock hours of field and clinical experience, with specific hours allocated to major and minor areas (elementary or secondary). This includes a culminating clinical experience in elementary and secondary school placements, working under the supervision of a certified School Counselor.

Testing Requirements

The applicants seeking certification as School Counselors in the state of Missouri must pass the Missouri Content Assessment for School Counselors (Test 056), which is part of the Missouri Educator Gateway Assessments (MEGA) program administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Test Description:

Test Name: Missouri Content Assessment for School Counselor (Test 056).

Format: Computer-based test (CBT) and online-proctored test.

Number of Questions: 100 multiple-choice questions.

Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes total appointment time.

Passing Score: 220

Test Fee: $73 (Additional fees may apply).

Test Dates: By appointment year-round for computer-based testing; online proctoring during one-week testing windows each month.

Test Sites: Computer-based testing is available nationwide; online proctoring allows testing remotely from home.

Online Proctoring Information:

Online proctoring is available for select MEGA assessments, including the School Counselor (Test 056). It allows candidates to take the test securely from their home, school, or business.

Score Reporting:

Examinees will receive their official score reports directly from the testing company, and scores will be uploaded to their educator profiles by DESE. Score report dates and more information can be seen on the DESE website.

Background Checks

To ensure the safety and security of students within Missouri public schools, the certification mandate necessitates a thorough fingerprinting and background check process. This process entails the following steps:

  • Initiate pre-registration via the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) online platform for fingerprinting purposes.
  • Acquire a unique four (4)-digit registration code upon completion.
  • Submit the required background checking fee of $41.75 through the designated online system.
  • Await the outcome of the criminal record review.

For any further assistance or inquiries, individuals can reach out to IdentoGo by Idemia Customer Service at 844-543-9712. Additionally, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Background Check Procedures page serves as a supplementary resource for additional information.

Application Process

The application for the Initial Student Services Certificate can be completed online through the DESE Application Portal. The online application option provides a convenient and efficient way to apply for certification.

1. Create Account:

  • Visit the Certification Account Portal and click on “Create Account” to register.
  • Complete the registration questions and click “Create Account.”
  • After creating the account, return to the DESE login page.

2. Connect Username/Password to Web Applications System:

  • Sign in with your newly created username and password.
  • Access the Educator Certification System and submit necessary information like your Social Security Number (SSN) and date of birth (DOB).
  • Verify your profile information and save it.

3. Apply for Certification:

  • Once logged in, locate the appropriate application (Initial, Substitute, Non-MO Graduate, etc.) under “Applications” on the left side of your Profile page.
  • Click on the application name link to open the application.
  • Complete the application and submit it to DESE:
    • Applicants must submit official transcripts, proof of passing scores from the Missouri Content Assessment for School Counselors (Test 056), and any applicable application fees.
    • Mail supporting documents if indicated on the application checklist to Educator Certification, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102.

Fees:

  • If you earned a school counseling degree from a Missouri college or university, there’s no application fee for the initial certificate.
  • For non-Missouri graduates, the application fee is $100.

For more information and support, please see the Educator Certification Help Guide.

For support with your application for a School Counselor license, you have the option to reach out to the Missouri Educator Certification office during their regular business hours. You can either place a call at 573-751-0051 or correspond via email with a specialist at certification@dese.mo.gov.