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Certification Reciprocity Process for School Counselors in Texas
Transitioning to a School Counseling position in Texas from another state involves a comprehensive certification process designed to ensure that all counselors meet the state’s high standards for educational professionals. While Texas does not offer automatic reciprocity for out-of-state certifications, qualified individuals can obtain certification through a detailed validation and approval procedure (see TEA Certification Overview for Out-of-State Applicants).
To obtain certification as a school counselor in Texas if you are certified in another state, begin by submitting your credentials for review, which includes your current out-of-state certification, college transcripts, educational preparation records, and proof of professional experience if you lack a classroom educator certificate. This process requires a non-refundable application fee. Additionally, you must complete a fingerprint-based national criminal background check and pay the associated fee.
Once your submission is reviewed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), you will be notified of any additional requirements or testing. If required, pass the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES). Following successful review and any necessary testing, you will be issued a one-year, non-renewable school counseling certificate. During this period, you must complete any Texas-specific educational or professional development requirements. Upon fulfilling these obligations and completing the one-year term, you can then apply for a standard school counselor certification in Texas.
Outlined below are the essential steps, from the initial credential review to the attainment of full certification, offering a clear pathway for School Counselors to navigate the requirements and embark on their careers in Texas successfully.
Review of Credentials
Requirements:
- Current Certification: Must hold a valid school counselor certification from another state.
- Educational Background: Submit college transcripts and records of any additional educational preparation programs.
- Professional Experience: If you do not hold a classroom educator certificate, you must provide proof of at least two full years of in-class experience that supports your current school counseling certification.
Application Process:
- Submit Application: Complete and submit the application for a review of your credentials through the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website.
- Documentation: Upload or mail copies of your certification, transcripts, and any additional documentation requested.
- Non-refundable Fee: Pay the applicable fee associated with the review process.
Background Checks:
- Fingerprinting: All applicants must undergo a fingerprint-based national criminal background check (fees apply).
Initial Review and Notification:
After submitting the required documentation and fees, your credentials will be reviewed by the Texas Education Agency. You will receive a notification via email regarding:
- Any additional documentation or clarification needed.
- Potential exemptions from required out-of-state testing (if applicable).
- Details on whether you need to complete additional requirements or testing.
Additional Requirements and Testing
If additional testing is required:
- Exams: You may need to pass the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) for school counselors.
- Preparation: Study and prepare for the exams using resources provided by the TEA or other educational preparation materials.
- Examination registration information and study materials for the TExES tests are available on the testing company’s website or by calling (800)-877-4599.
Issuance of One-Year School Counseling Certificate
Upon successful review of your credentials and completion of any required exams, you will be issued a one-year school counseling certificate.
- Non-renewable: This certificate is valid for one year and is non-renewable.
Completion of Texas-Specific Requirements:
During the one-year certification period, you must complete any Texas-specific educational or professional development requirements stipulated by the TEA.
Full Certification
After fulfilling all Texas-specific requirements and completing your one-year term, you will be eligible to apply for a standard school counselor certification in Texas.
Please review the Out-of-State Application Checklist for detailed information. For additional assistance, you can contact the Texas Education Agency through their online help desk or by calling (512) 936-8400.