Becoming a licensed school counselor in Ohio involves several steps and requirements. Whether you are an experienced teacher or new to the field, understanding these steps can help you navigate the process more efficiently. Here's a concise guide to help you understand what you need to do to become a licensed school counselor in Ohio.
For Applicants with a Current Ohio Teaching License and Teaching Experience
If you already hold a valid Ohio Teaching License and have at least two years of teaching experience, you need to:
- Complete a state-approved master's level school counselor preparation program, which includes a 600-hour internship in a school setting.
- Some programs may not require you to earn another master's degree if you already have one in education. However, you must complete any required coursework that was not part of your original degree.
- Upon completing the program and passing the Praxis II specialty area test for school counseling (0420), you can apply for the Professional Pupil Services License, valid for five years.
For Applicants without a Current Ohio Teaching License or Teaching Experience
If you do not have a valid teaching license or the required teaching experience, you must:
- Complete a state-approved master's degree program in School Counseling, including a 600-hour internship in a school setting.
- Pass the OAE 040 School Counselor exam.
- Apply for the Provisional School Counselor Pupil Services License, valid for two years, and complete a one-year induction under the supervision of a licensed school counselor.
For Applicants with a Master's Degree in Counseling (Not Specifically School Counseling)
If you hold a master's degree in counseling but not specifically in school counseling, you need to:
- Complete any required coursework in the current master's degree program in School Counseling that was not part of your original degree, including a 600-hour internship in a school setting.
- Pass the Praxis II specialty area test for school counseling (0420).
- Apply for the Provisional School Counselor Pupil Services License, valid for two years, and complete a one-year induction under the supervision of a licensed school counselor.
For Out-of-State Applicants
If you have completed a master's degree program in school counseling outside Ohio and have three years of experience as a licensed or certified school counselor in another state, you can:
- Apply directly to the Ohio Department of Education for professional licensure as a school counselor.
- If you lack the required teaching experience or have not worked as a licensed school counselor for at least three years, you can apply for provisional licensure and complete the induction year as described above.
Additional Requirements for All Applicants
- Pass a criminal background check through the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCII) and an FBI check if you have not lived continuously in Ohio for the past five years.
- Pass the Praxis II Examination 0420 School Guidance and Counseling. Out-of-state applicants need this test if the school counselor program was completed after July 1, 1991.
- Submit the appropriate licensure application and fee. Candidates who complete a program through an Ohio college or university apply through the institution where the program was completed. Out-of-state applicants may contact the Ohio Department of Education for application materials.
Temporary School Counselor License
A Temporary School Counselor License may be issued at the request of an employing superintendent to an individual who holds a valid standard Teaching Certificate or professional Teaching License and is enrolled in an approved school counselor preparation program. This license is valid for one year and may be renewed upon completion of additional coursework.
Renewal of School Counselor Licenses
- All School Counselor Licenses become valid on July 1st and expire on June 30th.
- The Provisional School Counselor Pupil Services License is valid for two years. Renewal requires completion of appropriate coursework if not employed as a school counselor.
- The Five-Year Professional License can be renewed by accumulating 18 Continuing Education Units (180 Clock Hours) or completing 6 semester hours of appropriate coursework within the five-year period.
- Renewal of an expired license requires completion of additional coursework, with the amount varying based on how long the license has been expired.
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