Utah Initial School Counselor Certification

Initial Utah School Counselor Certification Requirements

Utah’s initial school counselor certification is a comprehensive process designed to ensure aspiring school counselors meet the necessary educational, experiential, and ethical standards to effectively support students’ academic, social, and emotional development (see Utah Ed Dept. Licensing Overview). This certification requires obtaining an advanced degree in school counseling from an accredited institution, completing extensive field experience, passing a standardized exam, and undergoing a background check. Each step is structured to align with professional standards and legal requirements, ensuring candidates are well-prepared to foster a supportive and safe learning environment for all students.

In Utah, two levels of certification are available for School Counselors: the Associate Educator License and the Professional Educator License. Here is a brief explanation of the differences between them:

Associate Educator License (for School Counselors)

The Associate Educator License for School Counselors is valid for three (3) years. It requires the completion of a criminal background check and an ethics review. Additionally, candidates must be enrolled in a university-approved program and complete professional learning modules covering content knowledge, classroom management, special education law, and the Utah Effective Teaching Standards. This certification route is considered an “alternative pathway” towards certification due to the candidates education being incomplete.

Professional Educator License (for School Counselors)

The Professional Educator License for School Counselors is valid for five (5) years. Obtaining this license necessitates a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree in School Counseling, a recommendation from an educator preparation program approved by the Board, fulfillment of content knowledge and competency requirements, and successful completion of a pedagogical performance assessment.

The following are steps candidates should take in order to satisfy requirements toward initial certification.

Education or Degree Requirements

Obtain a master’s degree in School Counseling or an equivalent degree. Find all local Utah master’s programs in school counseling.

• Accreditation: The degree must be from a Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Program (CACREP) accredited institution, or accepted by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• Credit Hours: Complete at least sixty (60) semester hours within the program.
• Transcripts: Secure certified transcripts as evidence of the completed semester hours.

Tips:

• Advisors: Regularly consult with academic advisors to ensure you meet all the specific course and credit requirements.
• Networking: Engage with alumni or current students of the programs to get insights on the coursework and practicum experiences.
• Documentation: Keep detailed records of all courses and credits earned to streamline the transcript acquisition process.

Experience Requirements

Complete 600 hours of field experience in professional counseling orientation and ethics.

• Alternative: Only 400 hours are required if you have two (2) full years or more of in-class teaching experience accepted by the Utah State Board of Education.
• Field Supervision: Ensure field experience is supervised by a qualified professional as per the standards set by relevant counseling associations.

Tips:

• Placement: Start seeking field experience placements early, ideally during your coursework, to secure a spot in a reputable institution.
• Supervisor: Choose a field supervisor who is well-regarded in the industry and can provide comprehensive guidance.
• Documentation: Keep a detailed log of your field experience hours and the tasks performed, including supervisor evaluations and feedback.

Testing Requirements

The Praxis® School Counselor (5422) test is a standardized exam designed to evaluate the professional knowledge and competencies of entry-level School Counselors. The exam ensures that candidates have the necessary skills and knowledge to practice effectively in the field of School Counseling, adhering to the ASCA (American School Counselor Association) School Counselor Professional Standards & Competencies. Here are the key details and requirements:

Test Overview:

• Test Name: Praxis® School Counselor (5422)
• Fee: $130.00
• Qualifying Score: 153

Purpose:

The test assesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are essential for competent professional practice as a School Counselor. It aligns with the ASCA Professional Standards & Competencies, covering mindsets and behaviors needed to support students from pre-K through grade 12.

Test Content:

The test includes various types of questions that measure your understanding and application of the following areas:

1. Foundations of School Counseling
2. Delivery of Services
3. Management
4. Accountability
5. Ethics and Legal Considerations

Preparation Resources:

To help you prepare for the Praxis® School Counselor test, ETS (Educational Testing Service) offers free resources, including detailed test overview, sample questions, and study tips. You can download these resources directly from the ETS website.

Background Checks

Background checks are required for certification to ensure the safety and well-being of students. The Utah State Board of Education mandates that all educators undergo an FBI background fingerprint check to confirm they meet the necessary ethical and legal standards to work with children (see Utah Dept of Education background process overview).

1. Initial Registration:
   1. Create an account in the Utah Schools Information Management System (USIMS).
   2. Acknowledge the Criminal Background Review Fingerprint task.
   3. Schedule an appointment for fingerprinting.
   4. Complete LiveScan fingerprinting in Utah using the code “NCPA/VCA” for the Utah State Board of Education, code “B1017.”
2. Fingerprint Submission:
   1. LiveScan: Completed at designated Utah sites.
   2. Fingerprint Card Submission: Mail to Utah State Board of Education, Fingerprints, 250 E. 500 S., P.O. Box 144200, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4200.
3. Processing Time:
   1. In-state: 20-25 business days.
   2. Out-of-state: Up to 15 weeks.
4. Re-activation or WIN Fingerprints:
   1. Update fingerprint tracking if completed before July 1, 2015, or if discontinued in BCI Rapback.
   2. Follow similar steps as initial registration for re-activation.
   3. In cases of low fingerprint quality, results are valid for two (2) years through the Western Identification Network (WIN).

Fees for fingerprinting and background checks may apply. Contact Educator Licensing at (801) 538-7740 for specific fee information.

Application Process

Before submitting a licensing application, complete the following steps:

1. Set up a Utah Schools Information Management System (USIMS) account.
2. Complete a criminal background check, including fingerprinting, through USIMS. The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) must clear the background check.
3. Complete the online review of Ethical Standards and Rules for Educators through USIMS. This review takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
4. Submit all college/university transcripts to Educator Licensing. Transcripts should be sent electronically to transcripts@schools.utah.gov through the university’s clearinghouse.

For additional information or assistance, you can contact shawnda.moss@schools.utah.gov.