Florida School Counselor Certification
To become a certified school counselor in Florida, you need a master’s degree in school counseling or a related field, 600 hours of supervised internship, passing scores on the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE), and a background check. The certificate is valid for five years and renewable. Florida offers reciprocity for out-of-state counselors with comparable credentials.
Florida Links
There’s a lot to keep track of, but the process is straightforward once you know which path applies to you. Florida uses two certification plans, depending on your graduate degree, and the one you follow shapes a few key requirements. Here’s everything you need to know.
Initial Florida School Counselor Certification
Florida certifies school counselors through the Bureau of Educator Certification at the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE). There are two certification plans depending on your master’s degree.
Plan One: School Counseling Degree
Plan One is the standard path. To qualify, you’ll need a master’s degree or higher with a graduate major in guidance and counseling or school counseling, plus a minimum of 600 clock hours of supervised internship providing direct services to school-aged students in a pre-K, elementary, or secondary school setting. If your program was specifically in school counseling or guidance and counseling, Plan One is your route.
Plan Two: Counseling Degree in a Related Field
Plan Two is designed for applicants who hold a master’s in counseling but not specifically in school counseling or guidance and counseling. To qualify under Plan Two, you’ll need:
- A master’s degree or higher in a counseling field other than guidance and counseling or school counseling
- At least nine semester hours of graduate credit covering: student appraisal and evaluation methods, college and career planning, and principles and administration of a comprehensive school counseling program
- A minimum of 600 clock hours of supervised internship with school-aged students and their families
- A mentor, typically assigned by the employing school district, who is a certified school counselor with a state-issued professional certificate — this mentorship runs through your first two years of employment
Plan Two adds some post-hire structure, but it’s a legitimate pathway for counselors coming from community or mental health counseling backgrounds. For more details on the education requirements for both plans, see the FLDOE administrative rule 6A-4.0181. If you’re still completing your degree and want to understand how the full path fits together, the guide to becoming a Florida school counselor walks through the education and internship requirements step by step.
No Prior Teaching Experience Required
As of April 2023, Florida no longer requires prior teaching experience to qualify for school counselor certification. If you have a qualifying degree and complete your internship hours, you’re eligible to apply.
Background Check
Background screening in Florida is initiated through the employing school district. Completing it independently may require you to repeat the process through your employer, and you may incur additional fees. Your district will coordinate the fingerprint-based screening once you’re hired.
Final issuance of the Professional Certificate occurs after all requirements are met, including employment, background screening, and any remaining exam or coursework requirements.
Examination Requirements
All applicants must pass the FTCE School Counseling PK–12 exam (test code 018). Additional exams, such as the Professional Education Test, are determined by the Bureau of Educator Certification after application review. For a full overview of Florida’s teacher certification exams, see the FLDOE FTCE page.
The Professional Education Test covers pedagogy and professional practices. It’s approximately 100 multiple-choice questions, takes about 2.5 hours, and costs $150. It can be taken at testing locations throughout Florida and across the U.S.
You may be eligible for an exemption from the Professional Education Test if you hold a valid teaching certificate from any U.S. state or territory, a National Board certification, or two years of full-time collegiate teaching experience, as determined by the Florida Department of Education based on your credentials.
For specific questions about which exams apply to your application, contact the FLDOE Bureau of Educator Certification main line: 800-445-6739.
Application Process
Your application for Florida school counselor certification is submitted online through the FLDOE certification system. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Completed application form (CG-10), submitted online at flcertify.fldoe.org
- Application fee of $75 (VISA or MasterCard only for online submissions; cashier’s check, personal check, or money order accepted by mail)
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities you’ve attended, including any transfer credits that contributed to your degree
- Copies of any active or expired certifications you hold from other states, if applicable
Once your materials are reviewed, the Bureau will issue an Official Statement of Eligibility (SOE) if you qualify. The SOE is valid for 3 years and lists any remaining requirements you must complete before your full Professional Certificate is issued.
If you’d rather submit a paper application, visit any Florida public school district office, request materials by mail, or check your application status online through the FLDOE.
For questions, the Bureau’s automated inquiry line is available around the clock, except between 1 and 4 AM. FLDOE Bureau of Educator Certification main line: 800-445-6739. You can also email through the contact form on the FLDOE website, or schedule an in-person appointment at:
Bureau of Educator CertificationRoom 201, Turlington Building
325 West Gaines Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400
For in-person appointments, call 850-245-9796 during normal business hours.
Florida School Counselor Certification Renewal
Florida school counselor certificates are valid for five years. To renew, you’ll need to complete 6 semester hours of college credit during the renewal period, including at least 1 hour specifically focused on teaching students with disabilities.
- All credits must be from an accredited institution or the American Council on Education
- Pass/fail courses don’t count — you’ll need a grade of C or higher
- Credits awarded by an accredited institution (including CLEP or similar exams) are acceptable if they appear on an official college transcript
- You can also earn renewal credit through in-service points, subject area exams, or collegiate teaching
- Your renewal application and fee are submitted during the final year of your current certificate, but before it expires
The renewal fee is $75, submitted online through flcertify.fldoe.org. For detailed renewal instructions, see the FLDOE renewal requirements page. For renewal questions, contact the Bureau at 850-245-9796 during normal business hours.
National Board Certification
If you hold a valid certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), that certification may satisfy certain Florida certification requirements. Applicants must still meet state-specific criteria as determined by the FLDOE — contact the Bureau to confirm how your credentials apply.
Certification Through Reciprocity
Florida offers reciprocity for school counselors certified in other states or U.S. territories. To qualify, your out-of-state certificate must be a valid, standard educator’s certificate (not a temporary or provisional credential), comparable in subject to a Florida certification subject, and issued at a training level equal to or higher than what Florida requires.
To apply, include copies of the front and back of your valid out-of-state certificate along with your application. Provide your full counseling experience history as well. The application fee is $75, submitted online through the FLDOE portal.
If you have questions about whether your out-of-state credentials qualify, contact the Bureau at 850-245-9796.
Florida School Counseling Certification Resources
- Florida School Counselor Association
- FSCA Facebook Page
- American School Counselor Association
- National Board of Certified Counselors
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a master’s degree to become a school counselor in Florida?
Yes. Florida requires a master’s degree or higher for school counselor certification. You can’t sit for the certification exams or apply without one. Most applicants complete a master’s in school counseling or guidance and counseling, though Plan Two allows applicants with a counseling degree in a related field to qualify with additional coursework. See our guide to school counseling master’s programs if you’re still exploring your options.
What exams do I need to pass for the Florida school counselor certification?
All applicants must pass the FTCE School Counseling PK–12 (test code 018). Additional exams, such as the Professional Education Test — a computer-based exam covering pedagogy that takes about 2.5 hours and costs $150 — are determined by the Bureau of Educator Certification after application review.
How long does a Florida school counselor certification last?
The Florida Professional Certificate is valid for five years and is renewable. To renew, you’ll need six semester hours of college credit during the renewal period, including at least one hour in teaching students with disabilities.
Can I transfer my school counselor certification from another state to Florida?
Yes, Florida offers reciprocity for out-of-state school counselors. Your certificate needs to be a valid standard credential, comparable in subject to a Florida certification, and issued at an equivalent or higher training level. The application fee is $75. Temporary or provisional out-of-state credentials don’t qualify.
What happens after I submit my application for certification?
The Bureau of Educator Certification reviews your materials and, if you’re eligible, issues an Official Statement of Eligibility (SOE) valid for three years. The SOE outlines any remaining steps to your full Professional Certificate, including background screening coordinated through your employer.
- Two paths to certification — Plan One is for school counseling or guidance and counseling graduates. Plan Two is for counselors with a related master’s who complete additional coursework and receive district mentorship for two years.
- No teaching experience required — as of April 2023, Florida has removed any prior teaching experience requirement for school counselor certification.
- One exam is always required — all applicants must pass the FTCE School Counseling PK–12 (018); whether the Professional Education Test applies is determined after application review.
- Certificates are valid for five years — renewal requires six semester hours of college credit, including at least one hour in teaching students with disabilities.
- Florida has reciprocity — out-of-state counselors with a valid, comparable standard certificate can apply for certification without having to start from scratch.
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