Nevada Initial School Counselor Certification

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: January 30th, 2025

Initial Nevada School Counselor Certification Requirements

Obtaining Initial School Counselor certification in Nevada involves navigating through a structured process encompassing education, certification, and experience requirements. Aspiring cchool counselors must hold a master’s degree or higher in School Counseling, along with completing specific graduate credits and field experience hours (see Alternative School Counselor Certification below to learn about a quicker temporary option). Additionally, candidates are required to pass the Professional School Counselor Exam and undergo a background check to ensure suitability for working with students.

The Superintendent of Public Instruction may grant temporary employment authorization for qualified individuals who meet certain academic criteria and experience thresholds. The application process is facilitated through the Online Portal for Applications and Licensure (OPAL), with associated fees applicable (see Alternative School Counselor Certification).

Education or Degree Requirements

To qualify for endorsement as an Initial School Counselor in Nevada, applicants must meet one of the following education pathways:

  1. Option 1: Masters Degree in School Counseling:
    • Complete three (3) semester credits in a course of study regarding parental involvement and family engagement.
    • Hold a masters or more advanced degree in School Counseling.
  2. Option 2: National Certified School Counselor:
    • Complete three (3) semester credits in a course of study regarding parental involvement and family engagement.
    • Hold a specialty credential as a National Certified School Counselor issued by the National Board for Certified Counselors.
  3. Option 3: Masters Degree in Counseling with Specialty:
    • Complete three (3) semester credits in a course of study regarding parental involvement and family engagement.
    • Hold a masters or more advanced degree with a major in counseling conferred by a regionally accredited college or university.
    • Meet additional requirements A, B, and C (see below).
  4. Option 4: Masters Degree with Teaching or School Counseling Experience:
    • Complete three (3) semester credits in a course of study regarding parental involvement and family engagement.
    • Hold a masters or more advanced degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university.
    • Have at least two (2) years of teaching experience or at least two (2) years of school Counseling experience.
    • Meet additional requirements A, B, and C (see below).

Experience Requirements

Experience requirements are different based on the certification option pathway you choose:

Options 1 and 2: None.

Options 3 and 4:

  • Experience Requirements:Must have at least two (2) years of teaching experience or at least two (2) years of School Counseling experience.
  • Practicum/Internship/Field Experience:Complete 600 hours of a School Counseling practicum, internship, or field experience in grades K-12.
  • Graduate Coursework:Complete 36-semester graduate credits in school guidance and counseling, including coursework in each of the following areas of study:
    1. Process of individual counseling
    2. Process of group counseling
    3. Testing and educational assessments
    4. Legal and ethical issues in counseling
    5. Career counseling
    6. Organization and administration of school counseling programs
    7. Multicultural counseling
    8. Child and family counseling
    9. Two (2) of the following areas:
      • Use of technology in education
      • Exceptional Children
      • Human growth and development
      • Substance abuse and counseling

Testing Requirements

The School Counselor licensing requirement in Nevada mandates obtaining a score of 159 or higher on the Professional School Counselor Exam, which corresponds to ETS Test Code 5422. This exam (fee $130) assesses whether aspiring School counselors possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities aligned with the ASCA School Counselor Professional Standards & Competencies.

To register for the exam or acquire more information, you can visit the Praxis website. For detailed information on the test format, sample questions, and study tips, you can access free resources by downloading them from this link.

Background Checks

A background check is required for certification to ensure the safety and integrity of educational environments (see background process overview). It helps identify any criminal history, particularly felonies or offenses involving moral turpitude, which could impact an educator’s ability to fulfill their duties responsibly.

To meet the requirements of the background check for certification in Nevada (see NV Administrative Code), applicants must submit fingerprints and written permission authorizing the Superintendent to forward them to the Central Repository for Nevada Records of Criminal History and the FBI (see fingerprinting process overview). This can be done either electronically via Livescan (see Livescan Vendors) or by submitting a fingerprint card (FBI form FD-258 or equivalent).

The processing fee for the background check is $30 which may vary depending on the method chosen for fingerprint submission and any associated agency fees. Applicants may need to pay licensing fees as part of the overall certification process.

The background processing typically takes four to eight (4 to 8) weeks and rejected fingerprints may necessitate resubmission. If criminal history appears, further documentation such as court records may be required for evaluation.

Application Process

The application process for a Nevada School Counselor license involves several steps:

  1. Complete the Online Profile and Application: This is done through the Online Portal for Applications and Licensure (OPAL). You’ll need to create an account and fill out all required information accurately.
  2. Submit Official Transcripts: Obtain official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, including transfer credits leading to your earned degree. These transcripts must be sent either electronically from the institution(s) or through a clearinghouse such as e-Script to transcripts@doe.nv.gov. Alternatively, you can hand-deliver them to the Department of Education licensure office(s).
  3. Provide Proof of Passing Score (ETS Test Code 5422): You must provide proof of passing the Professional School Counselor Exam (ETS Test Code 5422).
  4. Pay the Application Fee: There is a $180 application fee ($130 with military discount) associated with the submission. This fee is required to process your application.
  5. Submit Your Application Online: Nevada School Counselor license applications are only submitted online through the OPAL system. You’ll need to upload all required documents and pay the application fee through this portal.

For assistance with OPAL or any inquiries regarding the application process, you can contact the educator licensure office at (702)-486-6458 during normal business hours. If you’d like to speak with a licensure specialist, you can reach out via email at license@doe.nv.gov or by calling the same phone number.

Alternative School Counselor Certification

Alternative Pathway:

This pathway, albeit temporary and subject to stringent criteria, allows for the employment of qualified individuals with relevant academic backgrounds and enrollment in a graduate-level program in school counseling (see NV Administrative Code).

  • Authority:
    • They are granted by the Superintendent of Public Instruction in cases where a person with an endorsement is not available for employment.
  • Requirements:
    • A current license issued by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
    • A masters degree in a field related to school counseling or an advanced degree in a related field.
    • Two (2) years of teaching and school counseling experience at any grade level K-12.
    • OR, a practicum, internship, or field experience in school counseling in addition to other requirements.
  • Additional Requirements:
    • Admission into a regionally accredited graduate-level program in school counseling.
    • Completion of at least 24 graduate credits in specific areas related to school counseling.
    • Completion of at least 600 hours of initial practicum, internship, or field experience in school counseling at any grade level K-12.
  • Validity:
    • The authorization is valid for up to three (3) years and may only be issued once per person.