Nebraska Initial School Counselor Certification

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: January 29th, 2025

Initial Nebraska School Counselor Certification Requirements

Nebraska offers two (2) primary pathways to obtain School Counselor Certification:

  1. School Counselor Certification as an Endorsement to a Current Teaching CertificateThis pathway is intended for individuals who already hold a teaching certificate. They are required to complete an approved counseling program and fulfill specific criteria, including passing the Praxis Subject Assessments and obtaining institutional verification. Provisional endorsements may be granted to candidates who have completed at least 50% of the program but have not met all requirements. These endorsements have a limited validity period and are not renewable (see NE Dept of Ed Endorsements Overview).
  2. School Counselor Certification Without a Teaching Certificate
    Designed for individuals without a teaching certificate but who have completed a master’s degree in School Counseling or a related field, this pathway allows for direct certification as a School Counselor. Typically, it involves meeting educational prerequisites, fulfilling practicum and internship requirements, and passing necessary exams like the Praxis Subject Assessments.

Both pathways require candidates to meet specific educational and training criteria, demonstrate proficiency in counseling competencies, and adhere strictly to professional standards set forth by the State Board of Education. Certification serves as a hallmark of competence, ensuring that School Counselors are adequately qualified to offer effective support to students and play a significant role in Nebraska’s educational landscape (Nebraska’s Certification Overview).

Below you will find specific requirements for each step toward certification.

Education or Degree Requirements

Both pathways toward certification require a master’s degree in school counseling and a minimum of thirty-six (36) graduate semester hours. Additionally, candidates without a teaching certificate must complete twelve (12) additional semester hours of professional teacher education coursework.

Tips for Meeting Requirements:

Experience Requirements

Candidates must fulfill practicum and internship requirements as part of their master’s degree program. This typically involves hands-on experience in school settings under the supervision of licensed counselors.

  • Pre-internship Field Experiences: A minimum of 100 clock hours of school counseling field experiences.
  • Internship: A minimum of 450 clock hours of school-based counseling internship at the desired grade level(s) endorsement.

Testing Requirements

To be eligible, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 159 on the Professional School Counselor Exam (ETS Test Code 5422). The Praxis® School Counselor exam evaluates the proficiency of aspiring School Counselors in essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required for effective professional practice. Aligned with the ASCA School Counselor Professional Standards & Competencies, this test ensures that candidates meet the criteria reflecting the mindset and behaviors necessary for successful engagement in the School Counseling field. These standards and competencies outline the expectations for School Counselors to address the diverse needs of students spanning from pre-K through 12th grade.

Please be aware that the Praxis Core (basic skills) exams are no longer necessary to obtain certification as of May 16, 2023. For further details and registration, candidates can visit the Praxis website.

Background Checks

All prospective candidates must undergo a background check as part of the certification process, ensuring they meet the criteria of being of good moral character and free from certain criminal convictions (see background check overview). This requirement aims to safeguard the well-being of students and the school community.

  • To fulfill the background check requirement in Nebraska, applicants have the option to provide their fingerprints either through Livescan or Ink Rolled methods (see fingerprinting instructions here).
  • For Livescan prints, applicants need to schedule an appointment (nde.tcertweb@nebraska.gov) and verify operating hours with the Nebraska State Patrol.
  • Those opting for Ink Rolled prints must first request a fingerprint packet from the Nebraska Department of Education after completing their application and associated fees online.

While the Nebraska State Patrol offers Livescan prints free of charge, applicants should note that there may be fees associated with Ink Rolled prints from other law enforcement agencies.

Application Process

The application process for obtaining an Educator Certificate in Nebraska typically follows these steps:

  1. Apply through the TEACH portal: The TEACH portal is the online platform to initiate your application process. This is likely the preferred method for most applicants due to its convenience and accessibility.
  2. Submit Official Transcripts: If applicable, you must provide official transcripts from your educational institutions as part of your application.
  3. Professional School Counselor Exam: Provide documentation of your passing the Professional School Counselor (ETS Test Code 5422) test.
  4. Pay Application Fee: There is usually an application fee ($55) associated with submitting your application. The exact fee amount may vary depending on the type of certificate you’re applying for.
  5. Submit Fingerprints: If you haven’t been a resident of Nebraska for the past five (5) years and/or haven’t previously held a Nebraska Teaching Certificate/Permit, you may need to submit a set of fingerprints (see fingerprinting instructions).
  6. Additional Forms: Depending on the type of certification you’re applying for; you may need to submit additional forms. These could include various supporting documents or specific forms related to your certification type (find forms here).

It’s worth noting that you don’t need all additional forms and documents ready at the time of application. You can submit them later as required.

For assistance with the application process, applicants can contact the certification office at (402)-471-0739 during normal business hours or email a specialist at nde.tcertweb@nebraska.gov.