Mississippi School Counselor Certification
Mississippi school counselors earn a state educator license valid for five years. To qualify, you’ll need a master’s degree in school counseling, a supervised internship, and a passing score of 156 on the Praxis Professional School Counselor Exam (Test Code 5421). There’s no state application fee for licensure and no background check required by MDE — though school districts conduct their own at the point of hire.
Mississippi Links
You’ve got a master’s degree in school counseling — or you’re close to finishing one. Now you’re trying to figure out exactly what Mississippi needs from you before you can work in a school. This page walks through every step: the initial certification, how to renew it, and how to transfer a license you already hold from another state.
Mississippi issues a Five-Year Educator License for school counselors through the Mississippi Department of Education. Here’s what that process looks like.
Initial Mississippi School Counselor Certification
Your first credential is an Initial Five-Year License, valid for five years from the date of issue. For full requirements, you can download the Guidelines for Mississippi Educator Licensure K-12 from the MDE website.
Step 1: Complete Your Master’s Degree
Mississippi requires a master’s degree before you can sit for the certification exam or apply for licensure. A few degree pathways qualify:
- A Master of School Counseling degree
- A Master of Counseling Psychology with a school counseling specialization
- A Master of Educational Psychology with a school counseling specialization
Whatever program you choose, it needs to include a supervised school counseling internship. Mississippi requires a full school year of field experience — roughly 600 hours — completed through your preparation program. In limited cases, currently licensed Mississippi teachers may qualify for modified or reduced internship requirements, depending on program approval and MDE review.
When selecting a program, verify that it’s designed to prepare you for the Mississippi certification exam and MDE licensure. CACREP-accredited programs generally align with Mississippi’s educational standards, though final approval depends on MDE review. You can find more guidance on selecting a Mississippi school counseling program on our become a school counselor page.
Step 2: Pass the Praxis Exam
Once you’ve earned your degree, you’ll need to pass one exam: the Professional School Counselor Exam (ETS Test Code 5421), with a minimum passing score of 156.
You can register and find preparation materials on the Praxis website. In most cases, a separate Praxis CORE exam is not required for candidates who already hold a qualifying master’s degree.
Step 3: Gather Your Application Materials
Mississippi does not typically charge a separate application review fee for school counselor licensure, though minor processing or transaction fees may apply depending on how you submit. Mississippi does not require a criminal background check for licensure itself; however, school districts typically require fingerprinting and background checks as a condition of employment.
Your application packet includes:
- Completed profile and application through the Mississippi Educator Licensure System (ELMS) — or a paper application submitted by mail (download at the MDE Office of Educator Licensure forms page)
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities you’ve attended, including transfer credits that led to your earned degree
- Proof of passing score on the Professional School Counselor Exam (Test Code 5421)
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Mississippi encourages applicants to submit through the Educator Licensure Management System (ELMS). If you’re mailing supporting documents, send them as a single, complete packet to:
MS Department of EducationOffice of Educator Licensure
PO BOX 771
Jackson, MS 39205-0771
Need help? Call the MDE licensure division at 601-359-3483, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM CST. You can also reach a specialist by email at [email protected].
Mississippi School Counselor Certification Renewal
Your initial license and each subsequent renewal last five years. Renewal applications are completed online through ELMS.
To renew, you’ll need to show proof of professional development completed during the license period. Mississippi accepts any one of the following:
- Three (3) semester hours of coursework in a content or job/skill-related area from a regionally accredited college or university
- Five (5) continuing education units (CEUs) in a content or job/skill-related area
- Completion of a recognized national certification through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), such as the National Certified School Counselor (NCSC), if accepted by MDE
The renewal application form (Renewal of Five-Year License option, page 5) is available at the MDE Office of Educator Licensure forms page. For full renewal details, visit the MDE Renew or Reinstate My License page.
Questions about renewal? Call 601-359-3483, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM CST.
Mississippi School Counselor Certification Through Reciprocity
If you’re already certified as a school counselor in another state and you’re relocating to Mississippi, you can typically transfer your credential without starting from scratch. Mississippi accepts reciprocity applications with the following materials:
- Completed profile and application through ELMS or submitted by mail (form available at the MDE Office of Educator Licensure forms page)
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, including transfer credits that led to your earned degree
- A copy or official verification of your current, valid out-of-state license
- Documentation of passing scores on any tests required by the issuing state, OR documentation that your out-of-state license was obtained under requirements equivalent to current Mississippi licensure guidelines
Questions about your out-of-state application? Contact the MDE licensure division at 601-359-3483, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM CST.
Mississippi School Counseling Certification Resources
For continuing education and professional development opportunities, see the following:
- Mississippi School Counselor Association (Magnolia State School Counselor Association) — Facebook Page
- Mississippi Counseling Association
- American School Counselor Association
- National Board for Certified Counselors
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do I need to become a school counselor in Mississippi?
Mississippi requires a master’s degree. A few pathways qualify: a Master of School Counseling, a Master of Counseling Psychology with a school counseling specialization, or a Master of Educational Psychology with a school counseling specialization. Whatever program you choose needs to include a supervised internship and be designed to prepare you for the Mississippi certification. CACREP-accredited programs generally align with Mississippi’s educational standards, though final program approval depends on MDE review.
How long does it take to get certified as a school counselor in Mississippi?
That depends on where you’re starting. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree and enroll in a full-time master’s program, the degree typically takes two to three years, including your supervised internship hours. After graduation, you’ll need time to sit for the Praxis exam and for MDE to process your application. Most candidates should expect the full path — from starting a master’s program to holding a Mississippi license — to take roughly three to four years, though part-time enrollment can extend that timeline.
What is the passing score for the Mississippi school counselor certification exam?
You need a score of 156 or higher on the Professional School Counselor Exam (ETS Test Code 5421). This is the only required exam for most applicants who hold a qualifying master’s degree. Register and find preparation materials through the Praxis website.
How do I renew my Mississippi school counselor license?
Licenses renew every five years. You’ll complete your renewal application online through ELMS and submit proof of professional development — either three semester hours of relevant coursework from an accredited institution, five continuing education units, or completion of a recognized NBCC national certification, such as the NCSC, if accepted by MDE. There’s no exam required for renewal.
Can I transfer my school counselor certification from another state to Mississippi?
Yes, Mississippi offers a reciprocity pathway for counselors who hold a current, valid out-of-state license. You’ll need to submit a copy or official verification of your license, official transcripts, and documentation showing you met the certification requirements of the issuing state, or that those requirements are equivalent to Mississippi’s current standards. Contact the MDE licensure division at 601-359-3483 with specific questions about your situation.
- Five-year license — Mississippi school counselor certification is valid for five years initially and renews in five-year cycles.
- Master’s degree required — You’ll need a completed graduate program that includes a supervised school counseling internship before you can apply.
- One exam — Pass the Professional School Counselor Exam (Test Code 5421) with a score of 156 or higher.
- No state application fee or MDE background check — Mississippi doesn’t require either as part of the certification process itself, though districts conduct their own background checks at the point of hire.
- Reciprocity available — Certified counselors relocating from another state can typically transfer their credentials rather than starting the process over.
Ready to explore master’s programs that meet Mississippi’s certification requirements?
