Nevada School Counselor Certification Reciprocity

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: January 30th, 2025

Certification Reciprocity Process for School Counselors in Nevada

The Office of Educator Licensure encourages educators from other states or U.S. territories to apply for reciprocal licensure in Nevada. Assembly Bill 77 allows most valid and unexpired licenses to reciprocate without verification of passing licensure examinations. However, some license types require additional documentation. Educators in Nevada cannot be employed without a valid Nevada educator license, as per NRS 391.230 and NRS 391.302.

Out-of-state applicants must submit all necessary materials through the Online Portal for Applications and Licensure (OPAL), including the $180 application fee and supporting documentation. Official transcripts, test scores, a valid out-of-state license, and a Verification of Experience form are required.

Reciprocity of Licensure from Other States

Nevada may grant reciprocal licensure to applicants with valid, non-conditional, non-provisional licenses from other states. This allows NDE staff to evaluate licenses and endorsements based on a license-for-license basis. Original transcripts and valid copies of licenses held in other states are required during application, and uploaded into the OPAL system.

  • Specific Requirements for Certification:
    • Applicants must hold a valid, non-conditional, non-provisional license from another state.
    • The license held must be directly reciprocated without verification of passing licensure examinations in most cases. However, some conditional, provisional, residency, temporary, or other license types may require additional documentation to determine eligibility.
  • Application Process:
    • Submit all materials through the Online Portal for Applications and Licensure (OPAL).
    • Upload a legible PDF copy of your current, valid out-of-state license during the application process.
  • Background Checks:
    • A criminal background check is required for all applicants for Nevada Department of Education licensure under NRS 391.033. Applicants must complete a background check for both their employer and the NDE. Applicants residing out of state must submit a fingerprint card for processing.
  • Documentation:
    • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
    • Test scores of all testing completed within five (5) previous years of the application.
    • Completed Verification of Experience form.

Should you require clarification or assistance regarding your out-of-state application, we encourage you to reach out to the Nevada Department of Education. You can connect with them directly at (702)-486-6458 and can email one of their knowledgeable specialists at license@doe.nv.gov.