Oklahoma Initial School Counselor Certification

Initial Oklahoma School Counselor Certification Requirements

Navigating the initial certification process to become a school counselor demands a nuanced understanding of educational requirements, experiential prerequisites, and procedural intricacies. Whether pursuing the conventional trajectory or considering alternative pathways, aspiring educators must meticulously adhere to state standards and accreditation criteria.

Various initial certification options are available based on your previous professional experience or if specific school districts have immediate staffing needs. The following are the different types of initial school counselor certifications in Oklahoma:

Traditional School Counselor Certification

This route involves completing a structured program specifically designed for school counselors (see Master’s degree programs for school counselors). The steps listed below are for this avenue (also the most common).

Alternative School Counselor Certification

This option allows individuals with a background in counseling-related fields other than school counseling to become certified. It recognizes relevant education and experience, providing an alternative pathway to certification.

Requirements:

• Possess a Master’s degree in a counseling-related field OR a Master’s degree along with two (2) years of counseling-related work experience.
• Fulfill additional criteria related to counseling education and experience, such as having completed thirty (30) or more counseling-related graduate credit hours, or having a combination of counseling education and work experience.
• Pass the required examination – the Oklahoma Subject Area Test (OSAT) in School Counseling (139).
• Complete two (2) college credit courses addressing components of a comprehensive School Counseling Program within three (3) years of certification.
• Undergo a background check for certification purposes.

Emergency School Counselor Certification

Emergency certification is a temporary measure intended to address immediate staffing needs when certified school counselors are not available. It is typically granted when traditional and alternative avenues for certification have been exhausted (see Emergency Certification Overview).

Traditional and alternative certification pathways require a Master’s degree, coursework, and internship hours. Follow the steps below to learn how to qualify for traditional and alternative school counselor certification:

Education or Degree Requirements

Whether you opt for the conventional educational journey or pursue an alternative certification, ensuring compliance with state standards and accreditation is paramount. The educational prerequisites for both pathways are delineated below:

Traditional Certification Pathway:

• Attainment of a Master’s degree in School Counseling Program from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting body.
• Completion of coursework tailored to counseling theories, methodologies, ethics, and practices tailored specifically for school environments.
• Accumulation of a minimum of 200 direct hours through participation in an internship program, with 100 hours under supervision at an accredited school site.

Tips:

• Start early: Begin researching programs and preparing application materials well in advance of deadlines. Find school counselor degree programs in Oklahoma.
• Network: Connect with current students, alumni, and faculty members to gain insights into the program and profession.
• Gain relevant experience: Seek volunteer or work opportunities in educational settings to demonstrate your commitment to the field.

Alternative Certification Pathway:

• Possession of a Master’s Degree in a field related to School Counseling or a Master’s Degree coupled with two (2) years of relevant counseling experience.
• Fulfillment of one of the following criteria:
  • Completion of thirty (30) or more graduate credit hours in counseling-related subjects.
  • Completion of fifteen (15) or more graduate credit hours in counseling-related subjects along with one (1) year of counseling-related work experience.
  • Accumulation of three (3) or more years of counseling-related work experience.

Tips:

• Customize your education: Select courses that align with the skills and knowledge required for School Counseling.
• Demonstrate competency: Whether through coursework or work experience, highlight your ability to apply counseling principles in educational settings.
• Seek mentorship: Connect with professionals in the field who can provide guidance and support as you navigate the alternative certification pathway.

Experience Requirements

In the traditional certification pathway, no explicit experience prerequisites are mandated beyond the internship hours stipulated. Here’s a breakdown:

• For traditional certification, experience requirements are solely contingent upon the internship hours specified.
• Unlike the alternative certification pathway, there’s no demand for counseling-related work experience in addition to fulfilling educational requisites.

Conversely, the alternative certification route entails:

• The necessity of counseling-related work experience, aligned with the aforementioned criteria.

This requirement supplements the educational benchmarks set forth for alternative certification candidacy.

Testing Requirements

As of August 2022, the sole mandatory assessment for aspiring school counselors is the Oklahoma Subject Area Test (OSAT) in School Counseling (code 139) for both traditional and alternative certification. This test evaluates candidates’ knowledge and skills in various areas related to school counseling.

Format:

• The test is computer-based and consists of eighty (80) selected-response questions and one (1) constructed-response assignment.
• For computer-based testing, the total appointment time is four (4) hours and fifteen (15) minutes, with fifteen (15) minutes allotted for a tutorial and nondisclosure agreement, and four (4) hours for testing.
• For online proctoring, the total appointment time is three (3) hours and fifteen (15) minutes, with the same fifteen (15)-minute tutorial and nondisclosure agreement period, and three (3) hours for testing.
• Restroom breaks are allowed during computer-based testing but not during online proctoring.

Test Dates and Sites:

• Computer-based testing is available year-round by appointment, Monday through Saturday, at test centers located in Oklahoma and nationwide.
• Online proctoring appointments are available during one-week testing windows each month, and candidates can test remotely, including from home.

Passing Score and Test Fee:

• The passing score for the OSAT in School Counseling is 240.
• The test fee is $118.

Score Reporting:

• Score reporting varies depending on whether the test is taken via computer-based testing or online proctoring. Candidates will receive a receipt of completion after their test center appointment for computer-based testing, but not for online proctoring.

For more information, including registration details, study materials, testing policies, and preparation resources, candidates can visit the CEOE website. Additionally, specific information about the OSAT in school counseling can be found here.

Background Checks

A background check is required for certification to ensure the safety and well-being of students. It involves fingerprinting and is conducted through IndentoGO.

• Beginning September 1, 2022, a live-scan fingerprint certification and employment background check fee is $58.25, payable at the IndentoGO enrollment center where fingerprints are submitted.
• The process involves pre-registering on the IndentoGO website and obtaining a registration ID number. Depending on the purpose, specific service codes must be entered during registration.
• The background check is based on fingerprint checks processed through the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Background checks are valid for one (1) year and must be completed within a specified timeframe per legislation, with options available for different circumstances, such as renewal or initial application. Individuals can contact the fingerprinting office at (405)-521-3337 for specific inquiries.

Application Process

The application process for Initial School Counselor certification involves several steps including the following:

1. Complete the application on the Oklahoma Department of Education Single Sign-On portal.
2. Submit official transcripts from all institutions attended.
3. Obtain an institution recommendation from your awarding graduate university or college.
4. Provide proof of passing score for the OSAT in School Counseling.
5. Pay the $50 initial application fee.

Once you have gathered all necessary documents and information, submit your complete application online through the Oklahoma Department of Education Single Sign-On portal.

For further support in finalizing your application for a standard certificate in School Counseling, please feel free to reach out to the certification office at the Oklahoma Department of Education during regular business hours. You can contact them at (405)-521-3337.