Montana Initial School Counselor Certification

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: January 29th, 2025

Initial School Counselor Certification Requirements

Navigating the journey toward becoming an Initial School Counselor in Montana involves fulfilling specific criteria related to education, experience, examinations, and procedural steps. According to Montana regulations, candidates are required to pursue a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, with a specialization in School Counseling, coupled with a 600-hour internship within a school setting. This requirement can be satisfied by completing either a master’s program accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) or a master’s degree in School Counseling from an accredited institution.

In addition to educational qualifications, applicants must achieve a passing score of 159 or higher on the Professional School Counselor Exam, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Furthermore, a comprehensive background check, which includes fingerprint clearance, is mandatory to assess suitability for working with students. And, before obtaining licensure, it is mandatory to fulfill the requirement of completing and validating the complimentary web-based course “An Introduction to Indian Education for All in Montana”.

The application process, facilitated through the Montana Educator Licensure System (Teach Montana), requires the submission of various documents such as transcripts, recommendation forms, and the requisite background check materials. By diligently adhering to these established requirements, individuals aspiring to become school counselors can effectively navigate the licensure process, thereby making valuable contributions to the educational landscape of Montana. Follow the steps below for more detailed explanations for each step.

Education or Degree Requirements

To meet the education requirements, applicants must have either:

  • Complete a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with program accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) that includes a 600-hour internship in a school setting.

OR

Tips to meet these requirements include:

  • Research accredited programs that offer School Counseling degrees in Montana.
  • Ensure the program includes the necessary internship hours.
  • Maintain a high academic performance throughout the program.

Montana educator license applicants are required to take the free, online course “An Introduction to Indian Education for All in Montana” to meet licensure requirements (click here to learn more). The course is available on the Teacher Learning Hub and takes approximately two (2) hours to complete. It is recommended to use a computer, laptop, or tablet with a keyboard and mouse, with Google Chrome being the preferred browser. To enroll, create a free account on the platform and log in.

At the end of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion, which you can save and print. You will be unenrolled shortly after completing the course, so it is important to secure the certificate immediately. To submit the certificate, print the form, add the date of completion, leave the SEID # blank, and submit it with your license application to OPI’s Licensure Unit.

Experience Requirements

One essential prerequisite for obtaining Initial School Counselor Certification (Class 6 School Counselor Specialist license in Montana) involves completing a 600-hour supervised internship within a school environment. This internship experience is a crucial step towards meeting the certification requirements and ensures readiness for the responsibilities of a school counselor upon receipt of a certification.

Testing Requirements

The Professional School Counselor Exam (ETS Test Code 5422), commonly referred to as the Praxis School Counselor test, is designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for competent professional practice in School Counseling. The test is aligned with the ASCA (American School Counselor Association) School Counselor Professional Standards & Competencies, which outline the key mindsets and behaviors required for effective school counseling.

To prepare for the exam, candidates can access free resources such as study companions, sample questions, and tips for studying, which are available for download as PDFs. These resources offer detailed overviews of the content covered in the exam and strategies for effective preparation.

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) administers the exam, and registration information can be found on the ETS website. Applicants must achieve a passing score of 159 or greater on the Professional School Counselor Exam to meet the testing requirement for licensure.

For more information and to register for the exam, candidates can visit the ETS website and navigate to the section specifically dedicated to the Professional School Counselor Exam (ETS Test Code 5422). Additionally, the Praxis® Tests Information Bulletin provides comprehensive details about the exam format, content, and administration procedures.

Background Checks

A background check is required for certification to ensure the safety and suitability of individuals working with school students. It verifies an individual’s criminal history and other relevant information and must be of good moral and professional character.”

To meet the background check requirement applicants must complete either a name-based or fingerprint-based background check (see the OPI overview of background checks):

  • For a name-based check:
    • Online: Submit the individual’s complete name and date of birth, optionally including Social Security Number, via CHOPRS and pay a $20.00 fee per record search.
    • Mail-in: Send the required information along with a $15.00 processing fee per individual checked, paid by check or money order.
  • For a fingerprint-based check (Non-Federal, State only):
    • Obtain an applicant’s fingerprint card and fill it out completely, including contact information.
    • Mail the completed card along with a $10.00 processing fee per individual checked, paid by check or money order.

Associated fees:

  • Name-based online search: $20.00 per record search.
  • Name-based mail-in request: $15.00 processing fee per individual checked.
  • Fingerprint-based mail-in request: $10.00 processing fee per individual checked.

You can reach out to Montana Criminal Records at P.O. Box 201403, Helena, MT 59620-1403. For email inquiries, you can contact them at dojcriss@mt.gov. Feel free to give them a call at (406) 444-3625, or send a fax at (406) 444-0689.

Application Process

Applicants can submit their applications online through the Montana Educator Licensure System (Teach Montana) to obtain a five (5)-year Initial School Counselor Certification:

  • Profile: Applicants must fill out their profile accurately and comprehensively as part of the application process.
  • Official Transcripts: Submission of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended is mandatory.
  • Professional School Counselor Exam: Proof of passing the Professional School Counselor Exam (ETS Test Code 5422) is a prerequisite.
  • Completion of “An Introduction to Indian Education for All in Montana:” Applicants must provide evidence of completing this specific course.
  • Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of $95 (as of 2025) is applicable for processing the application. Payment can be made through a check or money order payable to the Montana Office of Public Instruction.
  • Supporting documents must be mailed to the Montana Office of Public Instruction at Educator License, P.O. Box 202501, Helena MT 59620.

For further assistance with the application process, applicants can contact the Montana Educator License office at (406)-444-3150 during normal business hours.