Hawaii School Counselor Certification
To earn Hawaii school counselor certification, you’ll need a master’s degree in school counseling, supervised fieldwork including a 600-hour internship, and a passing score on the Praxis School Counselor exam (ETS 5422). The Hawaii Teacher Standards Board issues the license, which is valid for five years and renewable.
Hawaii Links
Hawaii school counselors are licensed by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB), not the Department of Education, though you’ll apply through the DOE’s online portal. Before you start, it helps to know that Hawaii’s licensure process runs through two stages: a provisional license first, then a standard license once you’ve built experience. Here’s how each step works.
Performance standards for Hawaii school counselors are informed by national frameworks such as ASCA, but are defined and administered by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board.
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Initial Hawaii School Counselor Certification
Hawaii issues two types of initial certification: Provisional and Standard. Most applicants start with the Provisional license, a three-year, non-renewable credential that gives you time to complete the experience requirements before moving to the Standard license. The Standard license is valid for five years and is renewable.
There are four grade-level options for which you can apply:
- Kindergarten – Grade 6
- Grades 6–8
- Grades 6–12
- Kindergarten – Grade 12
Step 1: Education Requirements
You’ll need a master’s degree in school counseling from a regionally accredited college or university. A school counseling master’s program should include supervised fieldwork as part of the degree, along with a supervised internship typically totaling at least 600 hours, consistent with standard counselor preparation requirements, completed in a PreK–12 school setting.
To verify your preparation program meets Hawaii’s minimum standards, visit HTSB’s program verification page.
Step 2: Submit to a Criminal Background Check
Background check requirements are typically completed during the hiring process, though timing may vary by employer. There is no pre-application background check process, so you don’t need to complete this step before applying.
Step 3: Examination Requirements
You’ll need to pass the Praxis Professional School Counselor Exam (ETS test code 5422). Check current score requirements with HTSB or ETS before registering. For registration and prep materials, visit the Praxis website.
Step 4: Organize Your Application Materials
Submit your application online through the Hawaii Department of Education’s online portal. You’ll also need to provide:
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, including transfer credits that led to your earned degree
- Proof of passing score on the Praxis Professional School Counseling exam (ETS 5422)
Verify current identification and documentation requirements directly with HTSB, as policies may change.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
You may also request a paper application by sending a 9″ x 12″ self-addressed stamped envelope to:
State of HawaiiDepartment of Education
Office of Human Resources
Teacher Recruitment Unit
P.O. Box 2360
Honolulu, HI 96804
For additional help with your standard school counselor license, contact the Hawaii Department of Education Office of Talent Management’s Teacher Recruitment at (808) 441-8444.
Hawaii School Counselor Certification Renewal
The standard license renews every five years. Your renewal window runs from January through June of the renewal year. HTSB will email renewal instructions in January to the address on file in your account.
Renewal requires ongoing professional development. Check with HTSB for current continuing education requirements and confirm your hours meet the approved categories before submitting.
Renewal materials include:
- Renewal application submitted online at the Department of Education website
- Verification of Experience for Renewal form
- Verification of Satisfying the Hawaii School Counselor Performance Standards form
If you have questions about your renewal application, log in to your HTSB account and use the Contact HTSB tab to message the licensure department directly.
Hawaii School Counselor Certification Through Reciprocity
Hawaii will review out-of-state applicants who hold a current, valid license. Your application for reciprocity consideration will include:
- A completed profile and application through the Department of Education website
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, including transfer credits that led to your earned degree. Your preparation program should include a supervised internship or practicum and be verifiable as an HTSB-approved program.
- Proof of passing score on the Praxis Professional School Counseling exam (ETS 5422), or passing scores from an equivalent exam approved by your licensing state
- A copy of your current, valid out-of-state license
For additional help with your reciprocity application, contact the Hawaii Department of Education Office of Talent Management’s Teacher Recruitment at (808) 441-8444.
Hawaii School Counseling Certification Resources
For continuing education and professional development opportunities:
- Hawaii School Counselor Association
- American School Counselor Association
- National Board of Certified Counselors
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a Provisional and a Standard Hawaii school counselor license?
The Provisional license is a non-renewable three-year credential for new counselors who have met the education and exam requirements but are still building experience. The Standard license is the full renewable credential, valid for five years. Most applicants receive the Provisional license first, then transition to the Standard license after meeting the experience requirements.
How many hours of fieldwork does Hawaii require for school counselor certification?
Hawaii requires a supervised internship typically totaling at least 600 hours, consistent with standard counselor preparation requirements, completed in a PreK–12 school setting. This internship is typically completed as part of your master’s program, in addition to any practicum hours your program requires. Confirm current requirements with your program and HTSB.
What exam do I need to pass for the Hawaii school counselor certification?
Hawaii requires a passing score on the Praxis Professional School Counselor Exam (ETS test code 5422). Check current score requirements directly with HTSB or ETS before registering, as thresholds are subject to change. You can register and access prep materials through the Praxis website.
How does the Hawaii school counselor license renewal work?
The standard license renews every five years. HTSB sends renewal instructions via email in January of your renewal year, and the renewal window runs through June. You’ll submit a renewal application, a verification of experience form, and a performance standards verification form through the HTSB online portal.
Can I transfer my out-of-state school counselor certification to Hawaii?
Hawaii reviews out-of-state applicants who hold a current, valid license from another state. If your qualifications meet or exceed Hawaii’s requirements, you may be granted reciprocity. You’ll need to provide transcripts, proof of your Praxis score (or an equivalent exam approved by your licensing state), and a copy of your current license.
- Master’s degree required — You’ll need a master’s in school counseling from a regionally accredited program, including supervised fieldwork and a 600-hour internship.
- Praxis exam required — Pass the Praxis Professional School Counselor Exam (ETS 5422) and confirm the current passing score with HTSB or ETS before registering.
- Two-stage licensing — Most applicants start with a Provisional license (3 years), then move to a Standard license (5 years, renewable).
- Renewal every five years — Renew between January and June of your renewal year through the HTSB portal.
- Reciprocity available — Hawaii reviews out-of-state applicants with a current, valid license from another state.
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