New Hampshire Initial School Counselor Certification

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: February 5th, 2025

Initial New Hampshire School Counselor Certification Requirements

Candidates for Initial School Counselor Certification (0040) in New Hampshire can pursue either a traditional education route or an alternative certification pathway. Both options [Ed 508.01 (a)(1) and Ed 508.01 (a)(2)] require a master’s degree or higher, along with relevant coursework and practical experience in School Counseling settings.

New Hampshire School Counselor certification requires a thorough understanding of counseling foundations, management, program delivery, and accountability. Experience requirements vary, with internships or relevant work experience options. No testing component is required, but applicants must undergo a criminal background check. The application process involves submitting documents and a $120 fee (see fee schedules), with assistance from the educator license department.

Education or Degree Requirements

Option 1: Completion of Approved School Counseling Program

  • Candidates must have completed a state board of education-approved School Counseling Collegiate Program at the masters degree level or higher.

Tips: Ensure to research and select a program approved by the State Board of Education. Focus on coursework that aligns with state and national standards for school counseling. Engage actively in internships and practical experiences within public school settings to gain hands-on skills.

Option 2: Alternative Certification

  • Candidates must hold at least a master’s degree in a closely related counseling field.
  • They need to demonstrate the acquisition of competencies, skills, and knowledge equivalent to those gained in an approved graduate program in School Counseling. This is usually done through a written thesis and oral board review.
  • Additionally, candidates must have worked for three (3) months as a guidance counselor.

Tips: Pursue additional coursework specifically in school counseling to bridge any gaps in knowledge. Prepare a thorough thesis and oral presentation to showcase an understanding of School Counseling principles. Gain practical experience as a guidance counselor before applying for alternative certification.

Experience Requirements

Option 1: Internship

  • Candidates must complete a 600-hour internship in a general school setting under the direct supervision of a state-certified School Counselor.
  • The supervisor must have at least two (2) years of experience as a certified School Counselor in NH public schools.

Tips: Seek internship opportunities in diverse school settings to gain a broad understanding of the role. Build strong relationships with supervisors to maximize learning opportunities.

Option 2: Alternative Certification

  • Candidates must have worked for three (3) months, full-time, as a school counselor before beginning the alternative certification process.
  • This experience can be gained either from being a certified school counselor in another state or by taking classes, including internship classes, through a NH approved program.

Testing Requirements

The attainment of New Hampshire School Counselor certification does not entail the need for an examination or test.

Background Checks

A background check is required for certification to ensure the safety and suitability of individuals working in educational settings, especially those involving direct contact with students. This process helps identify any criminal history that may raise concerns regarding an individual’s fitness to work in such a position.

Applicants can choose between different fingerprinting options, including AFIS/LiveScan Direct to Portal (the fastest processing method), AFIS/LiveScan, or Non-AFIS/LiveScan. They must follow specific instructions for each method, which may involve scheduling appointments, submitting applications online or by mail, and ensuring they have proper identification.

To meet the background check requirements for certification in New Hampshire, applicants must (criminal history background check overview):

  1. Submit an application and a $100 fee to the New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of State Police, Central Repository for Criminal Records (NHDOS).
  2. Undergo fingerprinting, preferably through LiveScan for the most accurate results (see fingerprinting options and instructions).
  3. Follow the instructions provided by NHDOS regarding the submission of fingerprints, either directly to the portal or by mailing the tracking number.

Application Process

To apply for a New Hampshire School Counselor certificate, you have both paper and online application options. Here’s a breakdown of the application process and associated fees:

Paper Application:

You can download the application form from the New Hampshire Department of Education Confluence repository website or obtain it by contacting the Department directly. Along with the completed application form, you’ll need to include:

A $120 check or money order is payable to the State of New Hampshire Treasury (see fee schedule).

Once you have all the required materials, mail them to the State of New Hampshire, Department of Education, Bureau of Credentialing, 101 Pleasant Street, Concord, N.H. 03301.

Online Application:

Applications are submitted through the myNHDOE portal. You’ll need to create a profile and complete the application process online. Required materials for the online application include:

  • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, including transfer credits leading to earned degrees.
  • Submission of the criminal history record check.
  • A $120 application fee, payable online using Visa or MasterCard (see fee schedule).

To begin the online application process, visit the myNHDOE portal. All supporting documentation and the application fee are submitted online through the portal.

If you need assistance/guidance about the Initial School Counselor certification with your myNHDOE portal account or have any questions about the application process, you can contact the help desk at EIS.Help@doe.nh.gov. Additionally, if you require guidance from a certification specialist, you can reach out to the educator license department via email at cert.info@doe.nh.gov or by calling 603-271-2409 during regular business hours.