Idaho School Counselor Certification

The Idaho School Counselor Certificate is a five (5) year renewable Pupil Service Staff certificate with an endorsement in school counseling.

Step 1: Educational Requirements

• Earn a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. To being now, contact our featured schools listing here:

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  • Featured Universities with School Counseling Programs

  • #1

    Grand Canyon University

    M. Ed in School Counseling (leads to initial Licensure) Click here to contact Grand Canyon University and request information about their programs.

  • #2

    New York University (NYU)

    NYU Steinhardt's accredited master of arts program in Counseling and Guidance: School and Bilingual School Counseling. Through this online program, you will gain the skills you need to become a professional Pre-K-12 school counselor, working with children and families in your community to foster academic achievement and success. Click here to contact New York University and request information about their programs.

  • #3

    Liberty University

    Master's in School Counseling Online (M.Ed.) Click here to contact Liberty University and request information about their programs.

  • #4

    University of Denver

    Master of Arts in School Counseling. Click here to contact University of Denver and request information about their programs.

  • #5

    Peabody College at Vanderbilt University

    Master in School Counseling. Click here to contact Peabody College at Vanderbilt University and request information about their programs.

• In addition, you must have completed a 700 hour practicum, with 75% of the hours (525 clock hours) completed in a kindergarten through grade 12 setting
• Verification of completion of a State Board of Education approved educator program, including an official seal from the college/university granting your degree. The form, along with detailed instructions for completing the Institutional Recommendation requirement, is located here.

Step 2: Submit a Criminal Background Check

Applicants must submit fingerprints for a background investigation check, which is completed through the Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Statewide Sex Offender Registry.

You must request a fingerprint card and have your fingerprints rolled on an Idaho SDE fingerprint card by personnel at a local police department or sheriff’s office. To request an Idaho SDE fingerprint card, send an email to fingerprintrequest@sde.idaho.gov along with your mailing address.

For detailed information about Idaho Department of Education’s background checking requirements, including necessary documents and fees, visit the Idaho State Department of Education website.

Step 3: Organize Your Application Materials

Your complete application should include the following materials:

• Idaho Educator Certification Application, located here
• $75 Pupil Service Staff Certificate application fee
• Names and addresses of all colleges/universities you have attended
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities you have attended, including transfer credits that led to earned degree. You may also request each college/university that you attended to email official transcripts to certification@sde.idaho.gov
• Background Investigation Check packet, including completed fingerprint card and $28.25 processing fee
• Completed Institutional Recommendation form documenting that you have successfully completed an approved educator preparation program, located here

Step 4: Know the Fees

Application Fee: $75
Background Check: $28.25

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:

Additional Information

If you need to speak with someone about your Idaho Pupil Service Staff certificate with school counseling endorsement, please call the State Department of Education during normal business hours. You can dial 208-332-6882 to speak with a specialist, or call toll free 800-432-4601.

The initial license for Idaho School Counselor is valid for five (5) years from September 1 to August 31 and must be renewed before expiration to avoid application for reinstatement.

The renewal license is also valid for five (5) years. The renewal application fee is $75. A completed renewal application, application fee, and proof of professional development credit is required for a renewal certificate.

You can submit your renewal materials through the mail or through the online renewal webpage, located here.

For detailed information about the Idaho renewal certificate, necessary forms, and professional development requirements, visit this webpage.

Additional Assistance

For more information about how to renew your Idaho School Counselor certificate, contact the Certification office at the Department of Education by calling 208-332-6882 or via email certification@sde.idaho.gov.

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 materials:

• Idaho Educator Certification Application, located here
• $75 application fee
• Completed Background Investigation Packet and $28.25 processing fee
• A copy of your current, valid out-of-state school counseling license/certificate
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended

Mail your complete application packet, including fees, to:

For more information about how to submit an out-of-state application, visit this webpage.

Additional Assistance

If you have questions about your out-of-state application, contact a specialist via email certification@sde.idaho.gov.

If you prefer to speak with a specialist, call the Certification hotline at 208-332-6882.