South Dakota Initial School Counselor Certification

Initial School Counselor Certification Requirements in South Dakota

Obtaining Initial School Counselor Certification in South Dakota involves meeting specific educational, experiential, and testing requirements to ensure counselors are well-prepared to support students in a Pre-K through Grade 12 setting.  Additionally, applicants must pass a criminal background check, complete suicide awareness and prevention training, and submit a comprehensive application to the South Dakota Department of Education. This process ensures that certified School Counselors possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and ethical standards to guide and support students effectively (see SD Codified Law for School Counselor Certification).

Education or Degree Requirements

To qualify for the Initial School Counselor Certification in South Dakota, you need to meet one of the following educational requirements:

1. Complete a Master’s Degree in School Counseling or Guidance: Enroll in and complete a Master’s degree program in School Counseling, which prepares you for a Pre-K through Grade 12 setting. These programs typically include coursework in child development, counseling theories, and practices tailored to school environments. Find and filter local school counseling degree programs in South Dakota.

Tips:

• • Research Programs Early: Research accredited programs well in advance to ensure they meet South Dakota’s certification requirements.
  • Maintain Strong Academic Performance: Ensure you meet all academic requirements and maintain good grades, as this can be crucial for program completion and future employment.

2. Complete a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Additional Requirements: If you have a master’s degree or higher in a counseling-related field, you must also complete the following:
   2. Achieve a score of 164 or higher on the 5421 Professional School Counselor test (taken by August 31, 2023) or a score of 159 or higher on the 5422 School Counselor test; AND
   3. Complete one year of supervised experience under a mentor school counselor who meets the requirements of 24:28:27:07.

Experience Requirements

For those pursuing the certification via a master’s degree in counseling (not school counseling):

• One Year of Supervision by a Mentor School Counselor:
  • This involves being supervised for one (1) academic year by a mentor who has the Mentor School Counselor Endorsement.
  • The mentor must have three (3) or more years of experience as a School Counselor and have completed the necessary endorsement requirements.

Tips:

• Seek out a mentor early in your certification process. Networking with local schools and professional organizations can help you find a qualified mentor.
• Keep a log of your supervision activities and meetings to provide detailed documentation when applying for certification.
• Review the Mentor School Counselor Education Specialist Endorsement fact sheet to understand the qualifications of a suitable mentor.

Testing Requirements

The Praxis® School Counselor Exam is designed to assess the knowledge and competencies of entry-level School Counselors based on the ASCA School Counselor Professional Standards & Competencies. The test measures whether candidates possess the necessary skills and knowledge to perform effectively in the role of a School Counselor.

• Key Information:
  • Test Code: 5422
  • Qualifying Score: 159
  • Fee: $130
  • Purpose: To measure professional knowledge and competencies relevant to school counseling
  • Standards: Aligns with ASCA School Counselor Professional Standards & Competencies
  • Target Audience: Entry-level school counselors for grades pre-K through 12

• Study Resources:
  • To prepare for the exam, candidates should utilize official study guides and practice exams available on the Praxis website. These resources will help familiarize candidates with the test format and content.

• Exam Details:
  • Content Areas: The exam covers multiple content areas relevant to School Counseling, including counseling and guidance, consulting, and professional development.
  • Format: The exam format includes multiple-choice questions that test various competencies and skills required for the profession.

• Registration and Detailed Information:
  • Candidates must register for the exam through the Praxis website. It is advisable to plan the test date well in advance to ensure sufficient preparation time and to meet any relevant application deadlines.

• Free Resources:
  • Praxis offers free downloadable resources that include sample questions and study tips. These resources provide a detailed overview of what to expect on the test and how to prepare effectively.

• Tips for Preparation:
  • Utilize Official Study Guides: Access the Praxis website to find official study materials and practice tests.
  • Plan Your Schedule: Ensure you schedule your test date with enough lead time for thorough preparation.
  • Familiarize Yourself with the Test Format: Use practice exams to get comfortable with the types of questions that will be asked.

By following these tips and utilizing the provided resources, you can better prepare for the Praxis® School Counselor Exam and aim to achieve a qualifying score of 159 or higher.

Background Checks

To guarantee the safety and well-being of students, all prospective School Counselors must undergo a thorough criminal background check. In compliance with South Dakota laws, every school district is required to conduct a criminal background investigation for all potential employees. This process involves submitting fingerprint cards to the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.

It is important to note that there is no prerequisite for background checks before the application process. By implementing these measures, school districts can ensure a secure and supportive educational environment for their students.

Application Process

To streamline the process for obtaining School Counseling Certification in South Dakota, applicants are required to submit their applications online through the SD Department of Education portal. This efficient system ensures a smooth and accessible experience for all prospective School Counselors.

Application Checklist:

• Completed online profile and application.
• Official transcripts sent directly from your university to certification@state.sd.us  or mailed to the address above.
• Proof of passing the Praxis School Counselor Exam.
• Proof of completion of Suicide Awareness and Prevention training.
• The $60 application fee.

Tips:

• Document Organization: Keep a checklist of all required documents and deadlines to ensure a smooth application process.
• Follow-Up: After submitting your application, regularly check the status and follow up with the Certification Office if necessary.

For any further assistance, you can contact the Department of Education at (605)-773-3134 or email certification@state.sd.us.