Colorado School Counselor Certification
Colorado licenses school counselors as Special Service Providers (SSP) through the Colorado Department of Education. Getting certified requires a master’s degree in school counseling, 100 hours of practicum, a 600-hour internship, a passing score on the Praxis School Counselor exam, and a background check. The initial license is valid for three years.
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Colorado licenses school counselors as Special Service Providers (SSP) — that’s the official credential name you’ll see on your license. Getting there requires a master’s degree in school counseling, supervised fieldwork, a passing score on the Praxis School Counselor exam, and a background check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. There are multiple pathways, including a traditional preparation program and options for licensed clinical professionals.
If you’re still working toward your degree, review the steps to becoming a Colorado school counselor first; this page picks up at the certification stage.
Skip to the section that’s most relevant to you:
Initial Colorado School Counselor Certification
Colorado offers multiple pathways to the initial Special Service Provider (SSP) license with a school counselor endorsement. Path 1 is for applicants who’ve completed a master’s degree in school counseling. Path 2 is designed for licensed clinical counselors who want to transition into school settings.
Both paths require the same Praxis exam and background check. The main difference is the education and experience requirements that get you to the application.
Path 1 — School Counseling Master’s Degree
Step 1: Education Requirements
Path 1 requires a master’s degree or higher in school counseling from a regionally accredited institution. The program must be approved by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), or you’ll need to demonstrate equivalent coursework and training.
Your degree program must also include:
- A minimum of 100 clock hours of practicum, scheduled throughout the program
- A 600 clock-hour internship, supervised by a licensed school counselor in a school setting that includes multiple grade levelsFeatured Programs:Sponsored School(s)
The internship needs to give you hands-on experience across the range of activities an effective school counselor would be expected to perform, as defined by the Colorado School Counseling Standards.
The Path 1 initial license is valid for three years from the date of issue.
Step 2: Background Check
All applicants must submit fingerprints to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Full instructions for the fingerprint submission process are available on the Colorado Department of Education website.
If you already hold a valid CDE-issued educational credential, like a teacher license, and have kept it active since your original fingerprint submission, you can skip this step. If your credentials have lapsed, you will need new fingerprints.
Step 3: Praxis Exam
You must pass the Praxis School Counselor exam. Colorado may accept prior versions of the exam during transition periods. Check the ETS website or the Colorado Department of Education for current accepted exams and score requirements before registering.
Step 4: Application Materials
Applications are submitted online and must include:
- Names and addresses of all colleges and universities you’ve attended
- Official transcripts from all institutions, including transfer credits. For more information about official transcript requirements, visit the CDE official transcripts information webpage.
- A completed Approved Program Verification Form confirming you’ve finished a state-approved SSP preparation program
- Proof of a passing Praxis exam score
- Employment history for at least five years prior to your application date, including employer names and addresses, supervisors’ names and contact information, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving
- All special service provider experience, even if it goes back more than five years, copies of active and expired SSP licenses must be included
- Self-disclosure documents related to criminal history, employment history, and licensure history. For detailed information, visit the CDE self-disclosure webpage.
Step 5: Application Fees
Application fees are typically around $90–$110, but confirm the current fee on the CDE website before applying.
For questions, contact the Educator Talent department at 303-866-6628 or [email protected].
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Your application must be submitted online. Learn more about accessing and using the eLicense system here.
For assistance, contact the Educator Talent Department at 720-739-3304, Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. You can also submit a Licensing Support Request through the CDE website.
Path 2 — Licensed Clinical Counselors
Path 2 is for applicants who hold a master’s degree in clinical counseling (including social work) from a regionally accredited institution and a Colorado Department of Regulatory Authorities counseling license (LPC or LCSW), plus at least three years of work experience as a licensed clinical counselor or social worker.
Qualifying applicants can apply for a one-year interim license while completing the additional requirements below:
- Pass the Praxis School Counselor exam
- Participate in an approved induction program covering school counselor competencies, including academic support and career counseling
- Engage in the range of activities an effective school counselor would perform, per the Colorado School Counseling Standards
Interim or authorization licenses are typically valid for one year. Renewal eligibility depends on the specific authorization type. If you complete all requirements within that period, you can apply for a professional SSP license with a school counselor endorsement, valid for three years.
The Colorado Department of Education also recognizes a certificate pathway for licensed clinical counselors who hold a CACREP-accredited master’s degree in counseling (other than school counseling). Certificate programs are available through Adams State University, Denver Seminary, and University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Contact those institutions directly for admission requirements and timelines.
Colorado School Counselor Certification Renewal
The initial SSP license is valid for three years and can be renewed up to six months before it expires. After that first renewal cycle, the professional license is valid for seven years.
To renew, you’ll need to complete six semester hours or 90 clock hours of professional development activities earned during the validity period of your license. The renewal application fee is around $90 — confirm the current amount on the CDE website before applying.
Colorado has introduced new professional development requirements for educating students with disabilities. Check current CDE guidance for effective dates and hour requirements.
Renewal applications are submitted online. Find the checklist and step-by-step instructions on the CDE website.
For renewal questions, contact the Educator Talent department at [email protected] or 303-866-6628.
Colorado School Counselor Certification Through Reciprocity
Colorado doesn’t have a direct license transfer system for out-of-state counselors, but the state does offer flexibility for applicants who are currently licensed elsewhere.
If you currently hold a school counselor license in another state or are eligible to hold one, you may qualify for an interim authorization. Interim or authorization licenses are typically valid for one year. Renewal eligibility depends on the specific authorization type.
The fee for an out-of-state application is typically around $90–$110 — confirm the current amount on the CDE website before applying.
Learn more about how to apply for a Colorado School Counselor license as an out-of-state applicant here.
For questions, contact the Educator Talent department at [email protected] or 303-866-6628.
Colorado School Counseling Certification Resources
For continuing education and professional development opportunities, see the following websites:
- Colorado School Counselor Association
- American School Counselor Association
- National Board for Certified Counselors
Frequently Asked Questions
What exam do I need to pass for Colorado school counselor certification?
Colorado requires the Praxis School Counselor exam. Colorado may accept prior versions of the exam during transition periods. Check the CDE or ETS website for current accepted exams and score requirements before registering.
How long is the initial Colorado school counselor license valid?
The initial Special Service Provider license is valid for three years from the date of issue. After your first renewal, the professional license is valid for seven years. Renewal requires 90 clock hours (or six semester credit hours) of professional development and a fee — confirm the current amount on the CDE website.
Does Colorado have reciprocity for school counselors from other states?
Colorado doesn’t have a direct license transfer program, but it does offer flexibility for out-of-state applicants. If you’re currently licensed in another state, you may qualify for a one-year interim authorization. The CDE reviews out-of-state applications individually. Visit the CDE out-of-state applicant page for details.
What is the Special Service Provider (SSP) license?
The SSP license is Colorado’s official credential for school counselors working in K–12 public schools. When you earn your initial certification, you’ll receive a Special Service Provider license with a school counselor endorsement. It’s issued by the Colorado Department of Education — not a separate counseling board.
Do I need a background check to become a school counselor in Colorado?
Yes. All applicants must submit fingerprints to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation as part of the licensing process. If you already hold an active CDE-issued credential and have maintained it continuously, you can skip this step. If your credential has lapsed at any point, new fingerprints are required.
- SSP license is the credential — Colorado licenses school counselors as Special Service Providers through the CDE, not a separate counseling board.
- Multiple pathways to initial certification — Path 1 requires a school counseling master’s degree; Path 2 is for licensed clinical counselors with three years of experience.
- Praxis exam required for both paths — Check the CDE or ETS website for the current accepted exam version and passing score before registering.
- Three years, then seven — The initial license is valid for three years. After your first renewal, it’s a seven-year cycle with 90 hours of professional development required.
- No direct reciprocity — Colorado evaluates out-of-state applicants individually. If you’re currently licensed elsewhere, you may qualify for an interim authorization.
Ready to start working toward your Colorado school counselor certification? If you’re still building your degree, the first step is finding a CACREP-accredited master’s program aligned with Colorado’s licensing requirements.
