Idaho School Counselor Certification
Idaho issues school counselors a Pupil Service Staff Certificate with a school counselor endorsement. You’ll need a master’s degree from a regionally accredited program, at least 700 hours of supervised fieldwork (practicum and internship), a background investigation check, and an institutional recommendation from your preparation program. Idaho does not require a standardized exam for certification.
Idaho Links
Getting certified in Idaho is a two-part process: your preparation program confirms you’ve met the state’s education and fieldwork standards, and the Idaho State Department of Education (SDE) reviews your application and issues the credential. Once you have it, the certificate is valid for five years (September 1–August 31 cycle) and renewable. If you’re still working toward your degree, explore school counseling master’s programs to find a regionally accredited program aligned with Idaho’s requirements.
Initial Idaho School Counselor Certification
The Pupil Service Staff Certificate with a school counselor endorsement is a five-year renewable credential.
Step 1: Educational Requirements
- Earn a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. To get started, contact our featured schools listed here:
- Complete at least 700 hours of supervised fieldwork (practicum and internship), with most hours completed in a K-12 setting.
- Obtain verification of completion of a State Board of Education-approved educator preparation program, including an official seal from the college or university granting your degree. Learn more about satisfying the Institutional Recommendation requirement here.
Step 2: Submit a Criminal Background Check
Applicants must submit fingerprints for a background investigation check, processed through state and federal background checks.
To get started, email [email protected] with your mailing address to request an Idaho SDE fingerprint card. You can also pick one up in person at 650 W. State Street, 2nd Floor, Boise, ID. Once you have the card, take it to a local police department, sheriff’s office, or any facility with trained fingerprinting personnel to have your prints rolled.
Your completed fingerprint card, required forms, and the $32.00 fee must be submitted together with your application packet — not separately. Learn more about the Idaho Department of Education’s background check requirement here.
Step 3: Organize Your Application Materials
Your completed application should include the following:
- Idaho Educator Certification Application
- $75 Pupil Service Staff Certificate application fee
- Names and addresses of all colleges and universities you have attended
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended, including transfer credits that led to your earned degree. You may also request each institution to email official transcripts directly to [email protected]
- Background Investigation Check packet, including your completed fingerprint card and $32.00 processing fee
- Completed the Institutional Recommendation form documenting that you have successfully completed an approved educator preparation program
Step 4: Know the Fees
Application Fee: $75
Background Check: $32.00
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Your complete application packet — including the Idaho Certification Application, Institutional Recommendation form, official transcripts, background check packet, and fees — should be sent to:
State Department of EducationTeacher Certification
PO Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0027
Idaho School Counselor Certification Renewal
Your initial Pupil Service Staff Certificate is valid for five years (September 1–August 31 cycle). You’ll need to renew before the expiration date — if you miss the window, you’ll have to apply for reinstatement rather than a standard renewal. No renewal notices are sent, so tracking your expiration date is on you.
To renew, you’ll need to complete six semester credits of professional development during your certificate’s validity period. At least three of those credits must be transcripted through an accredited college or university. The remaining three can come from documented in-service hours or CEUs at a rate of 15 contact hours per semester credit, using the official Idaho Approved In-Service Form. All professional development must be educationally related to your content area or professional practice and tied to your individualized professional learning plan (IPLP).
One alternative: if you hold a current occupational license issued by an Idaho state licensing board (such as an LPC, LCPC, or Social Work license from the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses), you can submit that in lieu of the six-credit requirement.
The renewal application fee is $75. You can submit renewal materials through the online renewal portal or by mail.
For detailed information about the renewal process, forms, and professional development requirements, visit this webpage.
Idaho School Counselor Certification Through Reciprocity
If you hold a current, valid school counseling certificate in another state, you may apply as an out-of-state applicant. You must include the following:
- Idaho Educator Certification Application
- $75 application fee
- Completed Background Investigation Packet and $32.00 processing fee
- A copy of your current, valid out-of-state school counseling license or certificate
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
Out-of-state applicants typically receive a three-year Idaho credential. To qualify for a full five-year certificate, you’ll need to verify that your practicum and internship hours meet Idaho’s 700-hour requirement, with most hours completed in a K-12 setting. If your program came up short, relevant school counseling experience during your three-year credential period can substitute. An expired out-of-state certificate is not accepted.
Mail your complete application packet, including fees, to:
State Department of EducationTeacher Certification
PO Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0027
Learn more about applying as an out-of-state applicant here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Idaho require the Praxis exam for school counselor certification?
No. Idaho does not require the Praxis School Counselor exam or any other standardized assessment for the Pupil Service Staff Certificate with school counselor endorsement. Some preparation programs may require Praxis as a program completion requirement, but the state itself has no exam requirement for certification.
How many credits do I need to renew my Idaho school counselor certificate?
Six semester credits, completed during your five-year certificate period. At least three must be transcripted through an accredited college or university. The remaining three can come from documented in-service hours or CEUs (15 contact hours = 1 semester credit). If you hold a current Idaho occupational license, such as an LPC or LCPC, you can submit that in lieu of the credit requirement.
Can I transfer my school counseling license from another state to Idaho?
Yes, if your certificate is current and valid. Idaho reviews out-of-state applications and typically issues a three-year credential to start. To move to a full five-year certificate, you’ll need to document that your fieldwork hours met Idaho’s 700-hour requirement. An expired out-of-state certificate cannot be used to apply.
How long does the Idaho certification application process take?
Processing times vary. The SDE reviews applications in the order received, and processing can take several weeks during peak periods. Submitting your complete packet — transcripts, background check, Institutional Recommendation form, and fees — all at once is the best way to avoid delays. Missing documents are the most common reason applications stall.
What happens if I let my Idaho school counselor certificate expire?
You’ll need to apply for reinstatement rather than a standard renewal. The reinstatement process has different requirements than renewal, and no extensions are granted. The SDE does not send renewal reminders, so mark your expiration date (August 31 of your fifth year) well in advance.
- No exam required — Idaho does not require the Praxis or any standardized test for the Pupil Service Staff Certificate, which sets it apart from many other states.
- Five-year renewable credential — The certificate runs on a September 1–August 31 cycle and must be renewed before expiration or reinstatement is required.
- Renewal takes six semester credits — At least three must be transcripted, and up to three can come from documented in-service hours. A current LPC or LCPC license can substitute.
- Out-of-state applicants start on a three-year credential — You can move to a full five-year certificate by documenting your fieldwork hours meet Idaho’s requirements.
- Background check fee is $32.00 — Confirm current amounts on the SDE website before submitting your packet.
Ready to map out the full path to becoming an Idaho school counselor?
