Oregon Initial School Counselor Certification

Initial Oregon School Counselor Certification (School Counselor License)

The School Counselor License (Chapter 584-245-0110) in Oregon serves as an essential gateway for individuals seeking to provide counseling support within the state’s educational institutions (if coming from out-of-state, see Out-of-State Oregon School Counselor Certification). Tailored to new school counselors, this licensure pathway requires candidates to meet specific criteria, including personal qualifications, completion of a master’s program, and enrollment in a qualifying School Counselor Program (Master’s programs in School Counseling satisfy both requirements) or possessing licensure from another state. This license signifies a foundational stage in the professional journey, indicating that the holder has not yet attained the advanced competencies and experience requisite for a Professional School Counselor License.

Education or Degree Requirements

Master’s Degree: You will need to earn a master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution in counseling, education, or a related behavioral science field.

Completion of an Initial Graduate Program in School Counseling: This requirement can be met either as part of your master’s degree program or separately (see Master’s programs in School Counseling). The program must be completed in Oregon or another U.S. jurisdiction and should focus on school counseling. Find and filter school counseling programs in Oregon.

Regarding the required coursework:

• Knowledge of Laws Prohibiting Discrimination in Oregon: You can fulfill this requirement by attending a workshop or completing a correspondence course through Oregon State University. Ensure that the course you choose covers the relevant laws and regulations about discrimination in Oregon.

For submitting evidence of meeting the education requirements:

• Form C-2: If you completed a counselor education program within the last three (3) years, you can submit Form C-2 to demonstrate your eligibility. Ensure that the program you completed aligns with the state’s requirements.
• Transcripts: If you haven’t completed a counselor education program within the last three (3) years, you can submit transcripts showing that you have completed nine (9) quarter hours of approved academic credit relevant to counseling within the same timeframe. Make sure that the coursework you completed is pertinent to the field of counseling.
• Verification of Licensed Educator Experience: Alternatively, if you have one (1) year of full-time licensed educator experience in public schools or regionally accredited U.S. private schools within the last three (3) years, you can submit verification of this experience.

Tips:

• Ensure that your degree program meets accreditation standards and includes practical experience components relevant to School Counseling.
• Choose a reputable, regionally accredited institution for your master’s degree.
• Look for programs that offer comprehensive coursework in counseling theories, techniques, and ethics, along with practical experience opportunities such as internships or practicums.
• Network with professionals in the field to gather insights on recommended programs or valuable experiences.

Experience Requirements

Candidates are required to complete a practicum approved by the Commission in early childhood and elementary counseling or in middle-level and high school counseling as part of your Initial Graduate Program or separately.

Testing Requirements

The School Counselor test is a National Evaluation Series™ educator licensure exam in Oregon, offering comprehensive exams aligned with nationally accepted learning standards.

• The test is a computer-based test (CBT) and online-proctored test with 150 multiple-choice questions.
• The test is available by appointment year-round, with testing dates available year-round. The test sites are located in Oregon and nationwide.
• Candidates taking an online proctored test will not receive preliminary test results.
• The test fee is $119 and candidates must agree to abide by all testing rules and policies. Preparation materials and tutorials are available for the test.

The professional knowledge test in School Counseling may be waived if you verify five (5) years of full-time counseling in a public school or regionally accredited private school in the U.S. on a license valid for the assignment before obtaining any Oregon license.

Background Checks

A background check for certification is required to ensure the safety and well-being of students. This process verifies the criminal history and moral character standards for working in schools.

To meet the background check requirements:

1. Complete the eLicensing application under the “Clinical Practices” category.
2. Await an email from TSPC containing codes and instructions for fingerprinting.
3. Schedule an appointment at the nearest Fieldprint office.

The processing fee for fingerprinting is $61.

To obtain detailed guidance on fingerprinting and FAQs, refer to the provided webpage or email finger.printing@tspc.oregon.gov.

Application Process

To initiate the process of obtaining an Oregon School Counseling License, prospective applicants are required to utilize the user-friendly eLicensing portal for online submission. To complete the application, adherence to the following outlined steps is essential:

1. Complete your profile and application through the Oregon eLicensing portal.
2. Obtain official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, including transfer credits leading to your degree.
3. Provide evidence of successful completion of the National Evaluation Series™ educator licensure exam for School Counselors in Oregon.
4. Make a payment of $192 ($182 plus $10 processing fee) for application and processing fees.
5. Submit your application online via the eLicensing link.

If you have any questions about your application, you can reach out to a specialist via email at contact.tspc@oregon.gov or call the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission at (503)-378-3586.

Restricted School Counselor License

The Restricted School Counselor License allows educators to serve as school counselors while completing licensure requirements. It requires district sponsorship and can be reissued up to four (4) times. Each term varies in length, with the final term ending upon qualification for the School Counselor License. Applicants must meet age, character, education, and background clearance criteria. The license is non-transferable and requires evidence of progress toward full licensure for reissue. Districts must justify the need for the license and provide mentoring. Renewal depends on continued need and progress.

Meet Requirements for Certification

Personal Qualifications:

• Be at least eighteen (18) years old.
• Possess good moral character.
• Maintain mental and physical health necessary for employment as an educator.

Educational Qualifications:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an Approved Institution in the United States or its foreign equivalent.
• Meet one of the following educational qualifications:
  • Be enrolled in a School Counselor Degree Program approved for School Counseling licensure by any state.
  • Have been a full-time certified Child Development Specialist (CDS) for at least three (3) academic years.
  • Hold a master’s or higher degree in a counseling-related field.

Knowledge Requirements:

• Demonstrate knowledge of U.S. and Oregon civil rights laws and professional ethics.

Background Clearance:

• Provide fingerprints as required.
• Submit satisfactory responses to character questions.

District Sponsorship:

• Obtain sponsorship from a school district.
• The district must justify the need for the restricted license and provide a mentor for the applicant.
• Districts must submit a statement describing extenuating circumstances, the applicant’s qualifications, mentoring plan, and progress toward non-provisional licensure.

Application Process

1. Submit a complete and correct application as required by the Commission through the Oregon eLicensing portal.
2. Submit a statement from the sponsoring district describing the need for the license, the applicant’s qualifications, details on the mentor assigned to the applicant, and the plan for progress toward non-provisional licensure.
3. Provide fingerprints and respond to character questions for a background clearance.
4. Submit official transcripts from an Approved Institution including evidence of progress toward completion of the School Counselor License program.
5. Please remit a payment of $192 application fee (inclusive of a $10 processing fee).

Reissuance, Transferability, and Renewal

Reissue Conditions:

• Reissues of the Restricted School Counselor License are subject to specific conditions, including evidence of progress toward completion of the School Counselor License program.

Non-transferability:

• The Restricted School Counselor License is not transferable to another district.

Renewal of District Sponsorship:

• Upon reissue application, the sponsoring district must confirm the ongoing need for the license, the applicant’s qualifications, the mentoring plan, and progress toward non-provisional licensure.