Maine School Counselor Certification
To earn your Maine school counselor certification, you’ll need a master’s degree in school counseling, a criminal background check through the state’s CHRC system, any required testing documentation listed by Maine DOE at the time you apply, and an application submitted through MEIS. Maine also offers a conditional certificate for candidates still completing their graduate program. The Professional Certificate is valid for five years.
Maine Links
Maine issues Certificate 075, School Counselor (PreK-12), which authorizes you to work as a school counselor. If you haven’t completed your master’s degree yet, there’s a conditional certificate pathway that lets you start working while you finish — more on that below.
Initial Maine School Counselor Certification
If you’re still working through your graduate program, Maine offers a Conditional Certificate once you’ve completed 24 graduate semester hours in school counselor education and cleared a criminal background check. This certificate is valid for three years, giving you time to finish your degree and meet the remaining requirements for the Professional Certificate.
To apply for the five-year Professional Certificate in School Counseling, here’s what you’ll need to complete:
Step 1: Education Requirements
- Earn a master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited college or university.y
- Submit a formal recommendation for a school counselor certificate from a college or university approved to prepare school counselors. For information about approved programs, visit the CACREP website.
- Complete an in-service program or coursework in inclusion teaching
Step 2: Submit to a Criminal Background Check
All applicants must undergo a criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting. You’ll need to create an account with the Maine Educator Information System (MEIS) and then register with IdentoGo to make an appointment to have your fingerprints taken.
Learn more about the Maine Department of Education’s background check and fingerprinting requirements here.
Step 3: Testing Requirements
Maine’s certification requirements are governed by Chapter 115 of the Maine DOE rules. Before you apply, confirm any current testing requirements — including which assessments are required and minimum scores — directly with Maine DOE or on the certification requirements page. Requirements can change, so you’ll want to verify what’s in effect when you submit your application.
Step 4: Know the Fees
Application Fee: $100
Step 5: Apply for Certification
Apply online for the School Counselor Certification through the Maine Educator Information System (MEIS). Instructions for creating an account and applying for your certificate can be found here.
Most applications are processed within several weeks to a few months of submission. For certification questions, use the current contact information on Maine DOE’s certification page, which currently lists [email protected] and 207-624-6603.
Maine School Counselor Certification Renewal
The Maine school counselor certificate is valid for five years from the date of issue. Renewal applications are completed online through the MEIS.
To qualify for renewal, you’ll need to complete at least 6 semester hours or 90 contact hours of CEUs. All courses and continuing education must be related to the education industry.
Learn more about renewal requirements here.
For technical assistance with your online renewal, contact the Department of Education helpline at 207-624-6896. For questions about renewal certification requirements, use the current contact information on Maine DOE’s certification page, which currently lists 207-624-6603.
Maine School Counselor Certification Through Reciprocity
Maine has an out-of-state pathway under which applicants may receive a reciprocal professional certificate if they complete the background check and hold a comparable certificate in another jurisdiction for an identified shortage area. You’ll still need to submit a full application through MEIS and have your credentials reviewed to confirm you’ve met Maine’s requirements.
You’ll need to provide the Department with the following:
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities you’ve attended, including transfer credits that led to your earned degree
- Copies of your current, valid out-of-state certifications or licenses
- Any test scores you hold. Confirm current testing requirements with Maine DOE before applying.
Apply online through the Maine Educator Information System (MEIS).
If you have questions about your out-of-state application, contact the Department of Education using their contact form or 207-624-6603.
Maine School Counseling Certification Resources
The following organizations are useful for career development and continuing education:
- Maine School Counselor Association
- American School Counselor Association
- National Board of Certified Counselors
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Certificate 075 in Maine, and what does it allow you to do?
Certificate 075 is Maine’s School Counselor certification. It authorizes you to work as a school counselor in public schools, PreK-12. To earn it, you’ll need a master’s degree from an accredited program, a criminal background check, any required testing documentation under Maine’s Chapter 115 rules, and an approved application through MEIS.
Can I work as a school counselor in Maine while I’m still finishing my degree?
Yes — Maine offers a Conditional Certificate for candidates who have completed at least 24 graduate semester hours in school counselor education and passed a criminal background check. The conditional certificate is valid for 3 years, giving you time to complete your master’s degree and meet the remaining requirements for the full Professional Certificate.
How long is the Maine school counselor certificate valid?
The Professional Certificate in School Counseling is valid for five years. You’ll renew through the MEIS system before it expires. Renewal requires at least 6 semester hours or 90 contact hours of continuing education in education-related coursework.
Does Maine accept out-of-state school counselor certification?
Maine has an out-of-state pathway for applicants who hold a comparable certificate in another jurisdiction and are applying in an identified shortage area. You’ll still need to complete Maine’s background check, apply through MEIS, and submit transcripts and any required documentation. Contact Maine DOE 207-624-6603 to confirm the current requirements for your specific situation.
How do I renew my Maine school counselor certification?
Renewal applications are completed online through the MEIS before your five-year certificate expires. You’ll need to complete at least 6 semester hours or 90 contact hours of continuing education coursework, all in education-related subjects. For help with your renewal, contact the DOE helpline at 207-624-6896.
- Maine issues Certificate 075 (PreK-12) — the Professional Certificate in School Counseling authorizes PreK-12 practice and is valid for five years.
- There’s a conditional pathway — if you’re mid-program with 24 graduate hours completed, you can get a three-year conditional certificate while you finish your degree.
- Testing requirements are set under Chapter 115 — confirm current exam requirements directly with Maine DOE before you apply, as these can change.
- Renewal requires continuing education — 6 semester hours or 90 C