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Certification Reciprocity Process for Utah School Counselors
If you are a School Counselor moving to Utah from another state, there are a few avenues to obtain certification through the License Equivalency Review (LER) process. Here are the detailed steps and requirements for each avenue:
1. License Equivalency Review (LER) Application
This pathway is for applicants who hold a standard renewable educator license from another state or country and seek to apply for a Utah Educator License.
Requirements:
- Standard Renewable Educator License: Possess a standard, renewable educator license from another state or country.
- Documentation: Submit all necessary documents as outlined in the LER Checklist.
Application Process:
- Prepare the Application:
- Use the License Equivalency Review Checklist to gather and organize required documents.
- Complete the Verification of Educator Experience form if applicable.
- Submit the Application:
- All applications must be submitted electronically through the SM Apply platform. Create an account on SM Apply to begin your application.
- Refer to the SM Apply Tutorials for help with the application process.
- Fees:
- There may be associated fees for application submission and processing. Check the specific fee structure on the SM Apply platform.
2. LER Upgrade to Professional Application
For applicants awarded an Associate Educator License (AEL) based on out-of-state, international, or occupational licenses who need to demonstrate completion of requirements to upgrade to the Professional Educator License (see Overview from Utah Dept. Ed).
Requirements:
- Associate Educator License (AEL): Must have been awarded an AEL based on your out-of-state, international, or occupational license.
- Additional Documentation: Provide documentation that demonstrates completion of the requirements to upgrade to a Professional Educator License.
Application Process:
- Prepare the Application:
- Gather additional documentation to prove the completion of requirements.
- Ensure all documents are aligned with the requirements outlined in the application pathway.
- Submit the Application:
- Complete the LER Upgrade to Professional Application via SM Apply.
- Use the SM Apply Tutorials if needed.
- Fees:
- Application fees may apply and are detailed within the SM Apply platform.
Common Requirements Across All Avenues:
- Fingerprinting/Background Check
- All applicants must complete a fingerprinting/background check through the Utah State Board of Education – most applicants for renewal have completed this step through initial Utah school counselor certification.
- Suicide Prevention Training
- Complete two (2) hours of suicide prevention training through a Local Education Agency (LEA) within the initial certification cycle.
- Ethics Review
- Fulfill an online USBE ethics review as part of the certification process.
- Professional Learning Plan
- Meet with a licensed administrator to approve your Professional Learning Plan and acquire their signature for your School Counseling Renewal Process.
Additional Information:
- CACTUS ID Number: Retrieve your CACTUS ID number by logging into the Utah Education Network.
- Professional Learning Points: For level one counselors, a minimum of 100 points are required for renewal.
For questions about LER, contact LER@schools.utah.gov or visit the Frequently Asked Questions. By following these pathways and meeting the specified requirements, you can achieve School Counselor certification in Utah, ensuring compliance with all state-specific standards and regulations.