Maryland School Counselor Certification
Maryland doesn’t require a Praxis exam for school counselor certification. You’ll need a master’s degree from a CACREP or Maryland-approved program, three semester hours of special education coursework, and a criminal background check. Apply through the state’s TEACH portal and pay a $10 processing fee. No exam required.
Maryland Links
Maryland school counselors work with students across all grade levels in one of the most densely populated and educationally diverse states on the East Coast. Most elementary schools employ one counselor; secondary schools typically have two to five, depending on enrollment. If you’re still working through the education requirements, see our guide on how to become a Maryland school counselor.
- Top Picks
Featured Universities with School Counseling Programs
#1
Walden University
MS in School Counseling - General Program. Click here to contact Walden University and request information about their programs.
#2
University of Denver
Earn a Master's degree in School Counseling online from the University of Denver. Learn from doctoral-level faculty in live classes and gain experience through mock counseling and in-field training. No GRE required. Click here to contact University of Denver and request information about their programs.
#3
Campbellsville University
Online Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling Click here to contact Campbellsville University and request information about their programs.
#4
Sacred Heart University
Online Master of Arts in School Counseling Click here to contact Sacred Heart University and request information about their programs.
#5
Winthrop University
M.Ed. in Counseling Development - School Counseling Concentration Click here to contact Winthrop University and request information about their programs.
#6
Auburn University at Montgomery
Education Specialist in Counseling- School Counseling. Click here to contact Auburn University at Montgomery and request information about their programs.
#7
Butler University
Master of Science in School Counseling. Click here to contact Butler University and request information about their programs.
#8
University of West Alabama
Master of Education: School Counseling Click here to contact University of West Alabama and request information about their programs.
Initial Maryland School Counselor Certification
Maryland offers multiple certification pathways depending on your degree, experience, and credentials. All of them lead to the same place: a valid Maryland school counselor license. The state transitioned from “certificates” to “licenses” effective April 1, 2024 — more on what that means for renewal below.
Step 1: Choose Your Certification Pathway
There are three primary routes to initial certification as a Maryland school counselor.
Pathway 1: CACREP or Maryland-Approved Program (Most Common)
Earn a school counseling master’s program degree from a Maryland-approved program or a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), plus three semester hours of special education coursework.
This is the most straightforward path and the one most master’s programs are built around. If you’re currently in a program or choosing one, confirm it holds CACREP accreditation or appears on Maryland’s approved program list before you enroll.
Pathway 2: NBCC Certificate + Experience
Earn a master’s degree in school counseling or school guidance and counseling, plus three semester hours of special education coursework, a valid National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) certificate, and two years of satisfactory performance as a teacher or school counselor in a school setting.
This pathway is designed for experienced practitioners who hold NBCC certification but graduated from a program that isn’t Maryland-approved or CACREP-accredited.
Pathway 3: National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certificate
Earn a master’s degree in school counseling or school guidance and counseling, plus three semester hours of special education coursework and a valid National Board Certificate from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) in School Counseling.
The special education coursework requirement applies to all three pathways. Maryland added this requirement to ensure counselors are equipped to support students with disabilities across every setting. Check the MSDE’s approved special education course listing before enrolling in any coursework to satisfy this requirement.
Step 2: Submit to a Criminal Background Check
Once you apply and MSDE confirms your eligibility, you’ll be asked to submit materials for a background check. You’ll receive an email notification when your application has been reviewed. Direct questions to the Maryland Department of Education at 410-767-0390 or [email protected].
Step 3: No Examination Required
Maryland does not require a Praxis exam or any other standardized test for school counselor certification. This sets Maryland apart from the majority of states, where a Praxis School Counselor Assessment or similar exam is mandatory. Your master’s degree, special education coursework, and background check are the core requirements.
Step 4: Application Fee
The fee for initial certification is $10, plus a $1.50 online service charge when paying through the TEACH portal.
Step 5: Apply Through TEACH
All applications are submitted through Maryland’s Educator Application and Credentialing Hub, known as TEACH. If you’re applying for the first time, you’ll need to create an account. MSDE has a step-by-step TEACH applicant guide to walk you through the process.
If you need help with your application, contact the Certification Assistance Line at 1-866-772-8922.
Maryland School Counselor Certification Renewal
To renew your Maryland school counselor certificate under the current framework, you need six acceptable continuing education credits. Acceptable formats include:
- One (1) semester hour of college coursework; or
- One (1) Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course; or
- An equivalent amount of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) based on one of these topics:
- Intervention and/or referral services for mental illness and behavioral distress
- Resources and best practice models for assisting students and families in crisis
As Maryland completes its transition from certificates to licenses, the renewal framework is also changing. Under the new license structure, renewal will shift from 6 credits to 90 Professional Development Points, organized across structured categories. If you’re currently holding a certificate, your renewal requirements stay the same until expiration. If you receive a new license under the updated system, the 90-point framework applies.
More information on renewal requirements can be found here. For assistance, contact the Certification Assistance Line at 1-866-772-8922.
Maryland School Counselor Certification Through Reciprocity
If you’re already certified as a school counselor in another state, you may qualify for Maryland certification through reciprocity. You’re eligible if you currently hold a valid school counselor certification or license in another state, have at least 27 months of satisfactory performance as a school counselor within the past seven years, have completed three semester hours of special education coursework, and hold a master’s degree in school counseling.
Maryland participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which covers reciprocity arrangements with more than 45 states. That doesn’t mean automatic certification — Maryland still reviews applications individually — but it does mean the process is well-established. Apply through the TEACH portal and direct questions to the Maryland Department of Education at 410-767-0390 or [email protected].
Maryland School Counseling Certification Resources
- Maryland School Counselor Association
- Maryland State Department of Education Guidelines for the Role of School Counselor
- American School Counselor Association
- National Board of Certified Counselors
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Maryland require a Praxis exam for school counselor certification?
No. Maryland does not require a Praxis or any other standardized exam for school counselor certification. Your master’s degree, three semester hours of special education coursework, and a criminal background check are the core requirements. This makes Maryland’s process simpler than most states, where a Praxis School Counselor Assessment is mandatory.
How long does it take to become a certified school counselor in Maryland?
Plan on roughly six years from the start of your bachelor’s degree. That includes four years of undergraduate study and approximately two years for a full-time master’s degree in school counseling (or three years part-time). The TEACH application and background check process typically adds a few months once you’ve finished your degree.
How do I renew my Maryland school counselor certification?
Under the current certificate framework, renewal requires six continuing education credits covering crisis intervention or mental health referral services. Maryland is transitioning to a license-based system where renewal will shift to 90 Professional Development Points. Your specific renewal requirements depend on whether you hold a certificate or a license — check MSDE’s renewal page for your situation.
Can I transfer my out-of-state school counselor certification to Maryland?
Yes, through reciprocity. You’ll need a valid out-of-state school counselor certificate or license, at least 27 months of satisfactory experience within the past seven years, a master’s degree, and three semester hours of special education coursework. Apply through the TEACH portal. Maryland participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which facilitates reciprocity with more than 45 states.
What changed with Maryland’s April 2024 educator licensure update?
Maryland replaced educator “certificates” with “licenses” effective April 1, 2024. Existing certificate holders keep their certificates until expiration, then transition to the license structure. The most significant practical change is in renewal: the new license framework moves from 6 renewal credits to 90 Professional Development Points. MSDE is reviewing requirements for each specialty area, including school counseling, so it’s worth checking their site for updates as they roll out.
- No exam required — Maryland is one of a small number of states that doesn’t require a Praxis or other standardized test for school counselor certification.
- Three pathways to initial certification — the CACREP/approved-program route, the NBCC certificate + experience route, and the NBPTS certificate route. All require three semester hours of special education coursework.
- Apply through TEACH — Maryland’s online credentialing hub handles all applications. The fee is $10 plus a $1.50 service charge.
- Renewal is in transition — existing certificate holders renew with 6 credits. New license holders will use a 90 Professional Development Point framework.
- Reciprocity requires 27 months of recent experience — your experience must fall within the past seven years to qualify for out-of-state certification transfer.
Ready to find a Maryland-approved school counseling program?
