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Initial Washington School Counselor Certification Requirements
Obtaining the Initial School Counselor Certification in Washington requires adherence to specific educational, experiential, and procedural criteria to ensure candidates are well-prepared to support the academic and emotional needs of students (see OSPI First Time School Counselor Certification Overview).
The state of Washington offers three primary types of licensure for School Counselors, each designed to accommodate educators at different stages of their careers (see ESA First Time Applicants Overview).
Residency ESA Certificate
The Residency ESA Certificate is the initial certification level for School Counselors. To qualify, applicants must possess a master’s degree in school counseling, or an equivalent degree with sufficient coursework verified by their institution.
Professional ESA Certificate
The Professional ESA Certificate represents the second tier of certification. To be eligible, candidates must first hold a Residency ESA Certificate. They must also obtain a School Counselor certificate from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Moreover, they are required to complete coursework addressing issues of abuse and emotional or behavioral distress in students, with this coursework entered into the ‘PD Hours’ section of their E-Certification account before applying. Additionally, candidates must complete an approved suicide prevention training within the five years preceding the application and submit the relevant documentation.
Conditional ESA Certificate
For individuals who do not meet the full certification requirements but are sought after by Washington employers for an ESA role, the Conditional ESA Certificate is available. This limited certificate is intended for candidates who hold at least a bachelor’s degree and can provide official transcripts verifying their degree. The candidate must be enrolled in a state-approved School Counselor preparation program but not yet qualify for the Residency ESA Certificate.
Initial Residency ESA Certificate Process
Follow the steps below to qualify for the most common initial school counselor certification in Washington.
Education or Degree Requirements
To earn the Residency Educational Staff Associate (ESA) Certificate for School Counselors in Washington, the candidate must have completed a master’s degree in school counseling from a regionally accredited institution. Find all local Washington school counseling degree programs.
Candidates must provide evidence of their level of education through a couple specific forms depending on whether you completed in-state or out-of-state programs:
- Completion of an Approved In-State Program: If you completed an approved School Counselor Preparation Program, submit Form 4098E.
- Out-of-State Experience: If you did not complete an approved program, you must have three years of certified out-of-state experience in the PK-12 School Counselor role. Submit Form 4020F-1 as proof.
If your master’s degree is not specifically in counseling, you may still be eligible. You must provide evidence that you completed coursework requirements relevant to a master’s degree in counseling. This evidence can be in the form of a program completion verification (Form 4098E) or a letter on institution letterhead signed by the registrar or head of the counseling department stating that all coursework relevant to a master’s degree in counseling has been completed.
Tips:
- Collect any necessary letters or verification documents early to avoid delays.
- Verify that your degree and coursework meet state requirements by consulting with your institution’s counseling department.
Testing Requirements
Applicants seeking certification as a school counselor must demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to the School Counseling profession. This is typically done by completing a comprehensive examination. If this exam was not completed during your program, the Praxis II Specialty Area Test (Code 5422) is one of the approved alternatives.
Praxis II School Counselor Test (5422):
- Test Name: Praxis II Specialty Area Test – School Counselor
- Test Code: 5422
- Minimum Passing Score: 156
- Administration Period: October 1, 2022 – Present
- Cost: $130.00
This test measures whether entry-level school counselors have the necessary standards-relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities for competent professional practice. It follows the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) School Counselor Professional Standards & Competencies, which outline the mindsets and behaviors required to meet the rigorous demands of the profession and the needs of students in grades pre-K through 12.
Requirements:
- Completion of Comprehensive Exam During Program: If you completed a comprehensive exam during your program, submit Form 4098E for review.
- Alternative Testing Requirement: If you still need to complete a comprehensive exam, you must take and pass the Praxis II Specialty Area Test (Code 5422) with a minimum score of 156.
For detailed information, sample questions, and study tips, download the free resources provided by ETS.
Tips:
- Schedule your exam well in advance to ensure you have ample preparation time.
- Utilize study guides and practice tests available on the ETS website.
Background Checks
A background check is required to ensure the safety and security of students and the school environment. It involves a review of the applicant’s criminal history to verify that they are suitable to work with children (see OSPI’s Fingerprint Background Check Overview).
Background Check Process:
- Submit fingerprints for a thorough background check. If you do not already have a valid Washington educator certificate on record, this step is mandatory.
- The process involves scanning fingerprints through Live Scan technology and submitting them to the Washington State Patrol (WSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
- Once the fingerprints are scanned and cleared, results are entered into an online database maintained by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
- The fee for fingerprinting is generally $39 per certificate.
If you are unable to access a LiveScan machine at one of Washington’s educational facilities or require an alternative method for completing your fingerprint check, please explore the available options HERE.
Application Process
To complete the application process for Washington State Educators, please follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare Your Application Materials
Certification Application Form:
- Ensure you download and fill out the required form.
- Supporting Documents:
- Residency verification form
- Program completion form
- Comprehensive exam results
- Official academic transcripts
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Access the E-Certification System:
For Returning Users:
- Visit the Education Data System (EDS) Sign In.
- Enter your username and password, then click “Login.”
- From the EDS homepage, navigate to “View my applications” > “E-Certification.”
For First-time Users:
- Go to the Education Data System (EDS) Sign In.
- Select the “Create an Account” tab and provide the required information.
- Click “Register.”
- Wait up to 30 minutes for the “Request Application Roles” option to appear; select “Not Now” if you are not participating in eVAL.
- After 24 hours, return to the EDS homepage and select “View my applications” > “E-Certification.”
- From the E-Certification homepage, you can apply for a certificate, update your role, or use the dropdown menu for additional actions.
Paper Application Submission:
- Download the Application: Access the form on the OSPI website.
- Submit by Mail: Send the completed application and fee(s) to Old Capitol Building, P.O. Box 47200, Olympia, WA 98504-7200.
Application Fees:
- Fee: A $81 fee is required per certificate, payable to OSPI (see OSPI fee schedule).
- Important Note: Make sure to submit the correct application as fees are non-refundable.
Should you have any questions or need help with your application, please reach out to the OSPI Certification Office for guidance.
Alternative School Counselor Certification: Conditional ESA Certificate Requirements
The Conditional Educational Staff Associate (ESA) Certificate is an alternative pathway toward certification for individuals seeking to work as School Counselors in Washington. This certificate is intended for applicants who have experience and expertise in their field but do not yet qualify for a full certificate. It is valid for up to two years and can be reissued under certain conditions.
Requirements for Certification
Educational Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree: The candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree.
- Enrollment in a State-Approved Program: The candidate must be enrolled in a state-approved School Counselor preparation program. This is verified using Form 4026E-1.
Background Check:
The candidate must submit fingerprints for a background check if a valid certificate is not already on record.
Reissue Requirements:
To reissue the Conditional ESA Certificate, the candidate must verify continued enrollment in a state-approved School Counselor preparation program using Form 4026E-1.
Course Work Completion:
The candidate must complete 50 clock hours or equivalent coursework since the issuance of the most recent Conditional ESA Certificate. This coursework should support the individual’s knowledge or skills to better assist students in meeting state learning goals. The employer must verify the coursework completion.
Application Process
Initiation by Employer:
The employing school district in Washington must initiate the application. The employer submits a district request to begin the process.
E-Certification Account:
Once the district request has been submitted, the candidate must log into their E-Certification account to apply.
Submission of Documentation:
The candidate must submit official transcripts verifying their bachelor’s degree. Form 4026E-1 must also be submitted to verify enrollment in a state-approved School Counselor Preparation Program.
Fingerprint Submission:
If a valid certificate is not already on record, the candidate must submit fingerprints for a background check.
Application Fees:
Application fees ($81) are non-refundable, so it is crucial to select and submit the correct application (see fee schedule). It should be verified through the E-Certification portal or by contacting the certification office.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, it is recommended to contact the certification office directly to ensure all requirements and processes are fully understood and correctly followed.