Are you passionate about helping students thrive and succeed in their academic and personal lives? Becoming a school counselor in Montana might be the perfect career path for you. At TinyEYE, we understand the importance of qualified school counselors, which is why we provide online therapy services to schools. Let's explore the requirements for obtaining a Class 6 School Counselor Specialist Licensure in Montana.
Pathways to Licensure
There are two main pathways to meet Montana’s requirements for Class 6 School Counselor licensure, as outlined in the Administrative Rules of Montana 10.57.435:
- Pathway 1: Completion of a master’s degree from an institutionally accredited college or university and completion of a Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) accredited school counselor program, which includes an internship in a school setting of 600 hours.
- Pathway 2: Completion of a master’s degree in school counseling from an institutionally accredited college or university, which includes an internship in a school setting of 600 hours.
Additional Requirements
Before obtaining licensure, you must also complete and verify the free, online course "An Introduction to Indian Education for All in Montana."
Provisional Licenses
If you meet all the requirements but hold an unrestricted, expired out-of-state school counselor license and have not earned 60 professional development (PD) units within the past 5 years, you can still apply for licensure through the licensing system. The system will guide you to the correct Class 5C provisional license application. This provisional license allows you to be employed in Montana as a school counselor while completing the 60 PD units. The license is valid for up to three years from the date of validation.
Additionally, if you have a bachelor’s degree and are currently enrolled in a school counselor program, you can apply for a Class 5B provisional license. This license allows you to be employed in Montana as a school counselor while you complete the specialist program. It is also valid for up to three years from the date of validation.
Application Process
To apply, submit your online application through the Teach Montana (TMT) licensing system. The TMT system has been updated with the ARM revisions and will guide you to the correct license application through a series of questions.
All application materials and required fees must be received before your application is evaluated. Applications left incomplete for 90 days will be purged.
For more information, please follow this link.
