Wisconsin School Counselor Certification Reciprocity

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: April 4th, 2025

Wisconsin Licensing Body

Certification Reciprocity Process for School Counselors in Wisconsin

To become a certified School Counselor in Wisconsin through the Certification Reciprocity Process, individuals who completed an out-of-state preparation program have several pathways. Although Wisconsin does not offer direct reciprocity, it provides specific avenues for out-of-state applicants to achieve certification. Here’s a breakdown of the requirements and options available.

Out-of-State Pathway for First-Ever Pupil Services License

• Who Should Apply (see Out-of-State Pathways Overview):
  • Individuals who completed an out-of-state pupil services preparation program.
  • Those applying for their first-ever pupil services license.

• Specific Requirements:
  • Educational Requirements:
    • Completion of a state-approved pupil services program from an accredited four-year college or university (see Master’s degree programs in School Counseling).
    • The program should be offered at the master’s, education specialist, or doctorate level.
    • The program must be comparable to Wisconsin’s requirements and approved by the state education department where it is headquartered.
  • Testing Requirements (see Out-of-State Testing Guidance):
    • Any test scores required for licensure in the state where the educator preparation program was completed.
    • All tests required for Wisconsin licensure.

• Application Process (see Application Overview for Out-of-State Applicants):
  • Determine the Appropriate Pathway:
    • Review the Pupil Services License Flowchart for Out-of-State Applicants to identify the correct application pathway.

• Complete the Online Application:
  • Use the Educator Licensing Online (ELO) system to submit your application.
  • Ensure you upload all required documents to avoid delays.

• Background Checks:
  • A background check is required as part of the application process. This will include submitting fingerprints if you have not previously done so for Wisconsin DPI.

• Documentation:
  • Official transcripts showing completion of the required education.
  • Proof of any required test scores.
  • Verification of program approval by the state education department where the program is headquartered.

• Fees:
  • The application fee is $175.

• Resulting License Type:
  • Tier II Provisional License, which is valid for up to three years and can be renewed or upgraded to a Tier III License after meeting additional requirements.

Out-of-State Pathway for Adding a New Position to an Existing Pupil Services License

• Who Should Apply:
  • Individuals who already hold a pupil services license and want to add a new position (e.g., moving from school social worker to school counselor).

• Specific Requirements:
  • The same educational and testing requirements as those for the first-ever license, specific to the new position being added.

• Application Process:
  • Similar steps as for the first-ever license, but you will need to indicate that you are adding a new position to an existing license.

Out-of-State Pathway for Pupil Services Professionals Without Meeting Wisconsin Testing Requirements

• Who Should Apply:
  • Pupil services professionals from another state who have not yet met Wisconsin’s specific testing requirements.

• Specific Requirements:
  • Educational Requirements:
    • Same as above.

• Testing Requirements:
  • You may apply without having met Wisconsin’s testing requirements initially but will need to complete these within a specified timeframe after receiving the provisional license.

• Application Process:
  • Follow the same steps as the first-ever license pathway, noting that you will need to complete Wisconsin’s required tests within the provisional license period.