Alaska School Counselor Certification

In the state of Alaska, school counselors are granted a Type C Special Services Certificate, which qualifies them to work with students in Kindergarten through Grade 12. School Counselors provide academic, social, and emotional guidance to children and adolescents, offering valuable supports to ensure each student’s optimum success. To become a school counselor in Alaska, applicants must earn at least a bachelor’s degree in school psychology, and advanced special services credentials.

If you live in Alaska, there are two pathways to school counselor certification:

Although the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development accepts school counseling degrees earned from universities in other states, and accepts employment experience from national and international locations, Alaska does not currently offer reciprocity agreements. Applicants for school counselor positions in Alaska must meet the minimum requirements for in-state applicants, and submit all necessary documentation to be considered for employment.

Initial Alaska School Counselor Certification

The initial school counseling certification in Alaska is valid for a five year period and we then need to be renewed.

Step 1: Education Requirements

Applicants for Alaska school counselor certification must meet the following minimum educational requirements:

  • Completion of a state-approved special services program in school counseling:
  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university
    • Applicants who have earned a bachelor’s degree must also complete a teaching certification program or alternative teaching certification program with endorsement in school counseling.
    • Applicants who have earned a master’s degree or higher must complete a program that includes either (1) a school psychology internship of 1200 hours with 600 hours in a school setting; or (2) hold a master’s degree and a national school psychologist certification
  • Completion of three (3) semester hours of approved Alaskan studies and three (3) semester hours of multicultural education/cross-cultural communication – completed within five (5) years prior to the date of application
    • For a listing of approved Alaska studies courses, visit this webpage
    • For a listing of approved multicultural education/cross-cultural communication courses, visit this webpage
    • Applicants who have not completed three (3) semester hours of approved Alaskan studies and three (3) semester hours of multicultural education/cross-cultural communication are eligible to apply for an initial certification that is valid for two (2) years. Applicants who earn the two-year initial certification must complete the required Alaskan studies and multicultural education/cross-cultural communication courses within these two years in order to apply for the five-year certificate.
  • Completion of mandatory training requirements – completed within five (5) years prior to the date of application
    • Sexual abuse and prevention
    • Alcohol and drug related disabilities
    • Dating violence awareness and prevention
    • Suicide awareness and prevention
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Step 2: Organize your Application Materials

Applicants who are new school counselors or who are new to Alaska will complete the Regular Special Services (Type-C) Application.

The following materials are required for application and must be notarized prior to submission:

  • Initial Special Services Certification Application, located here
  • Fingerprint Card; used to complete a criminal history report by the Alaska Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • Official transcripts from each college or university you attended to complete each degree and state-approved preparation program
  • Mandatory Training Form, located here

Step 3: Know the Fees

The following are the associated fees for processing your Alaska school counseling certification application and background check requirements.

  • Initial Certification Fee $200
  • Background Check Fee $60
  • Fingerprint Card Fee $260
  • *Credit card payments are accepted online via the DEED Online Payment Center. You may also include a cashier’s check or money order with your application materials, payable to DEED. Personal checks are not accepted. Fees are non-refundable.

Step 4: Submit your Application!

All required materials must be included in a single application packet and mailed to the Alaska Teacher Education & Certification office. Scanned, faxed, or emailed applications will not be accepted.

Department of Education & Early Development
Teacher Education & Certification
801 West 10th Street, STE 200
P.O. Box 110500 Juneau, AK 99811-0500

Additional Assistance

If you have questions about your application, contact the Teacher Education & Certification office via email [email protected] to consult a Certification Analyst.

Alaska School Counselor Certification Renewal

Initial school counselor certification is valid for five (5) years in Alaska. Professionals must earn six (6) continuing education credits that are directly related to school counseling prior to reapplication. At least three (3) credits must be earned from upper- or graduate-level coursework. Additionally, all mandatory training (i.e., Sexual abuse and prevention) must be completed within the previous five (5) years of the date of renewal.

Renewal certifications may be renewed up to one year prior to a certificate’s expiration date.

Alaska School Counselor Certification Renewal Materials & Fees

  • Renewal or Reinstatement Application; may be submitted online
  • Renewal Certification Fee $200
  • Continuing Education Fee $50 per credit

Additional Assistance

For more information about how to renew your Alaska School Counselor Certification, visit the Alaska Department of Education website

If you have questions about your reapplication, contact the Teacher Education & Certification office via email [email protected] to consult a Certification Analyst.

Alaska School Counseling Certification Resources

For resources to assist you with continuing education and other career development opportunities, see the following websites:

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