Delaware School Counselor Certification
Delaware requires candidates to earn both an educator license and a Standard Certificate to work as a school counselor in public or charter schools. You’ll need a master’s degree in school counseling, typically around 700 hours of supervised clinical experience, a passing score of 159 on the Praxis School Counselor exam (5422) per current Delaware requirements, and a fingerprint-based background check. The application fee is $100 (subject to change).
Delaware Links
Delaware is a small state with a distinctive certification structure. There are two separate credentials: an Elementary School Counselor certificate for grades K–5 (Regulation 1522) and a Secondary School Counselor certificate for grades 9–12 (Regulation 1545). Both are typically valid for middle-level grades (6–8). If you want to be certified across all grade levels, you’ll need to hold both certificates. That’s sometimes called dual certification, and it generally requires splitting your clinical hours between settings — for example, 350 hours in an elementary setting and 350 in a secondary setting.
The two-step process (license plus certificate) is worth understanding before you apply. The license authorizes you to work in Delaware public or charter schools. The certificate identifies your specific area of specialization — elementary counseling, secondary counseling, or both. Applications are typically submitted through the DEEDS online portal. Your master’s program should be aligned with Delaware’s requirements before you enroll.
Initial Delaware School Counselor Certification
Delaware requires applicants to choose between an elementary school counselor certificate, a secondary school counselor certificate, or both — which covers students from kindergarten through grade twelve.
Step 1: Education Requirements
Elementary School Counselor Certificate
- Earned Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of a Master’s degree. Request information from the following schools to learn more:Featured Programs:Sponsored School(s)
- Earned a Master’s degree in Elementary School Counseling from a regionally accredited college or university, or earned a Master’s degree in any content area from a regionally accredited college or university, which includes the following graduate coursework (requirements based on Delaware DOE regulations — confirm against current guidelines before applying):
- Introduction to School Counseling & Theories (3 credits)
- Human Behavior and Child Development (3 credits)
- Ethical Issues in School Counseling (3 credits)
- College & Career Readiness K–12 (3 credits)
- Testing, Measurements, and Research in School Counseling (3 credits)
- The Counselor as Consultant (3 credits)
- Special Education Law & the School Counselor’s Role (3 credits)
- Group Counseling (3 credits)
- Individual Counseling Skills & Strategies (6 credits)
- Family Counseling (3 credits)
- Principles and Practices of a School Counseling Program (6 credits)
- Completed supervised school counseling clinical experience of typically around 700 hours in an elementary school setting, under the direct supervision of a DDOE-certified Elementary School Counselor, as part of a graduate degree program
Secondary School Counselor Certificate
- Earned a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of a Master’s degree. Request information from the following schools to learn more:Featured Programs:Sponsored School(s)
- Earned a Master’s degree in Secondary School Counseling from a regionally accredited college or university, or earned a Master’s degree in any content area from a regionally accredited college or university with the same graduate coursework listed above (confirm current requirements with the Delaware DOE)
- Completed supervised school counseling clinical experience of typically around 700 hours in a secondary school setting, under the direct supervision of a DDOE-certified Secondary School Counselor, as part of a graduate degree program
*Applicants seeking dual certification (K–12) generally need to split clinical hours between settings — for example, 350 hours in a secondary school setting and 350 hours in an elementary school setting, each under the direct supervision of a counselor certified in that level. Confirm current hour requirements with the Delaware Department of Education before applying.
For more information about education requirements, visit the Delaware Department of Education website.
Step 2: Submit a Criminal Background Check
Applicants must complete a criminal background check through the Delaware State Police. This includes three components: a fingerprint-based state criminal check through the State Bureau of Identification (SBI), a fingerprint-based federal criminal check through the FBI, and a Child Protection Registry check through the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF). Fingerprinting is processed through IdentoGO at locations including the SBI Fingerprinting Facility in Dover, Troop 2 in Bear, and Troop 4 in Georgetown.
For questions about the background check process, contact the Licensure & Certification department Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM, at 302-857-3388, or email [email protected].
Step 3: Satisfy Examination Requirements
Delaware requires a passing score of 159 (per current Delaware requirements) on the Praxis School Counselor exam (test code 5422). The 5422 replaced the older Professional School Counselor exam (5421) in September 2023. If you took the 5421 before that date and scored 156 or higher, that score may still be accepted by Delaware. The 5422 exam consists of approximately 120 selected-response questions completed in about 120 minutes, with an exam fee of approximately $130 — all subject to change. Check ets.org/praxis/de/requirements for current details. The ETS reporting code for Delaware is R7065.
Step 4: Organize the Application Materials
Your complete application includes the following materials:
- Names and addresses of all colleges and universities you have attended
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended, including transfer credits that led to an earned degree.
- Official test scores for the Praxis School Counselor exam (5422). For score reporting information, visit ets.org/praxis/de/requirements.
- Employment experience forms, as applicable. The Teaching Experience Form (Form E) is located here. The Non-Teaching Experience Form (Form E/NT) is located here. For more information, visit this webpage.
- Verification of School Counseling Clinical Experience Form (Form C), located here
- Copies of active and expired licenses and certificates (teaching licenses, counseling certificates) must be included with your application
For detailed information about required certification-related documents, visit the DOE website.
Step 5: Know the Fees
Application Fee: $100 (subject to change)
This is a one-time application fee that covers both the license and the certificate. Upon employment in a Delaware public or charter school, you may be eligible for a fee reimbursement. Payment must be made by credit card (not debit card) through the DEEDS application portal.
For additional information about the application fee, visit the DOE website.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Your application is typically submitted online through the Delaware Educator Data System (DEEDS). To create an account and apply, visit the DOE website.
Supporting documentation, including official transcripts, must be mailed to:
Delaware Department of EducationLicensure & Certification
Collette Education Resource Center
35 Commerce Way, Suite 1
Dover, DE 19904
Additional Information
If you need assistance with your Delaware School Counselor application, contact the Department of Education Licensure and Certification office Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM, at 302-857-3388. You can also email a department specialist at [email protected].
Delaware School Counselor Certification Renewal
License and certificate renewals are managed through your employing school district or charter school.
Certifications renew on a five-year cycle. To renew, you must complete 90 clock hours of professional development. At least 45 of those hours must relate directly to your work with students — activities like supportive guidance and career or college preparation qualify. Hours must have been completed during the current five-year term. There is typically no separate renewal fee — confirm current requirements with the Delaware DOE before submitting.
Additional Assistance
For more information about renewing your Delaware School Counselor certificate, visit the DOE website.
If you have questions about your renewal application, contact the Licensure and Certification department by email at [email protected] or call 302-857-3388.
Delaware School Counselor Certification Through Reciprocity
The Delaware Department of Education evaluates licensure and certification by reciprocity on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who hold a full, current license or certificate from any U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico may apply.
Praxis test scores may be waived for reciprocity applicants. You’ll still need to complete the DEEDS online application, submit official transcripts, provide copies of your current out-of-state license, complete the three-part background check, and pay the $100 application fee. Applicants with four or more years of verified out-of-state experience may be eligible for a Continuing License directly using Form E/NT — confirm eligibility with the Delaware DOE before applying.
For more information about applying as an out-of-state applicant, including a detailed checklist and steps to apply online, visit the DOE website.
Additional Assistance
If you have questions about your reciprocity application, contact the Licensure and Certification department by email at [email protected] or call 302-857-3388.
Delaware School Counseling Certification Resources
For continuing education and professional development resources, see the following:
- Delaware School Counselor Association
- American School Counselor Association
- National Board of Certified Counselors
Frequently Asked Questions
What Praxis exam does Delaware require for school counselor certification?
Delaware currently requires the Praxis School Counselor exam, test code 5422, with a passing score of 159 per current Delaware requirements. The older Professional School Counselor exam (5421) was retired in September 2023. If you took the 5421 and scored 156 or higher before that date, that score may still be accepted. The 5422 consists of approximately 120 questions completed in about 120 minutes and costs approximately $130 — confirm current details at ets.org/praxis/de/requirements. Use ETS reporting code R7065 when sending scores to Delaware.
What does the Delaware background check involve?
The background check has three parts: a state fingerprint check through the State Bureau of Identification (SBI), a federal fingerprint check through the FBI, and a Child Protection Registry check through the DSCYF. All three must be completed before your certification is issued. Fingerprinting is processed through IdentoGO at locations in Dover, Bear, and Georgetown. Fingerprinting costs typically run around $75 to $85, though fees vary by provider — confirm current costs when scheduling.
How much does Delaware school counselor certification cost?
Expect to budget roughly $305 to $320 in mandatory fees before transcript costs, though individual fees are subject to change. The one-time DEEDS application fee is $100 (subject to change) and covers both your license and certificate. The Praxis 5422 exam fee is approximately $130. Fingerprinting and background check processing typically run $75 to $85, varying by provider. The $100 application fee may be reimbursable if you’re hired by a Delaware public or charter school.
How do I renew my Delaware school counselor certification?
Delaware licenses renew on a five-year cycle. You must complete 90 clock hours of professional development before your renewal date, and at least 45 of those hours must relate directly to your work with students. Renewal is typically submitted through the DEEDS portal approximately six months before your license expires. There is typically no separate renewal fee — confirm current requirements with the Delaware DOE.
Can I transfer my school counselor license to Delaware from another state?
Delaware doesn’t have automatic reciprocity, but it evaluates out-of-state applicants individually. If you hold a full, current license from another state, Praxis test scores may be waived. You’ll still need to complete the DEEDS application, submit transcripts, pass the three-part background check, and pay the $100 fee. Applicants with four or more years of verified out-of-state experience may be eligible for a Continuing License directly — confirm eligibility requirements with the Delaware DOE before applying.
- Two credentials required — Delaware issues an educator License and a Standard Certificate separately. Applications are typically submitted through DEEDS simultaneously, but it’s worth understanding the distinction before you start.
- Praxis 5422, not 5421 — The old exam was retired in September 2023. Delaware currently requires test code 5422 with a passing score of 159. Historical scores of 156+ on the 5421 may still be accepted — confirm with the Delaware DOE.
- Grade-level split matters — Elementary (K–5) and Secondary (9–12) are separate certificates, both typically valid for middle-level grades (6–8). Full K–12 coverage generally requires dual certification with split clinical hours at each level.
- Budget around $305–$320 — The $100 DEEDS application fee (subject to change) plus approximately $130 for the Praxis exam plus roughly $75–$85 for fingerprinting. The $100 fee may be reimbursable upon public school employment.
- Reciprocity is case-by-case — Delaware evaluates out-of-state applicants individually. Praxis scores may be waived if you hold a full, current license from another state.
If you’re still working toward the qualifications for Delaware certification, your master’s program is the place to start. Make sure it’s aligned with Delaware’s requirements — the right program will cover the required graduate coursework and help you complete your clinical hours.
