North Dakota School Counselor Certification
North Dakota requires school counselors to hold two separate credentials: an educator’s professional license from ESPB and an SC03 school counseling credential from DPI. You’ll need a master’s degree, a 450-hour supervised internship, and a passing score of 156 on the Praxis School Counselor Exam (Test Code 5422). Both credentials are required before you can practice.
North Dakota Links
Getting certified as a school counselor in North Dakota involves two separate agencies — and that’s the part most candidates don’t expect. ESPB issues the educator’s professional license. DPI issues the SC03 school counseling credential. Both are required, and each has its own application process. If you’re exploring school counseling in North Dakota more broadly, the overview page is a good place to start.
Initial North Dakota School Counselor Certification
The SC03 credential authorizes school counselors to work with students from prekindergarten through grade 12. It’s issued by DPI and is separate from — but required alongside — the ESPB educator’s professional license. You’ll need both active before you can practice in a North Dakota school.
Step 1: Education Requirements
You’ll need a master’s degree in counseling, education, or a related field from a state-approved school counseling program. If you’re still choosing a program, make sure it’s state-approved before you enroll — out-of-state programs can qualify, but you’ll want confirmation from DPI first. You can explore master’s in school counseling programs to compare options.
The program must include coursework covering all of the following:
- Elementary school counseling
- Secondary school counseling
- Counseling program management
- Counseling theories
- Assessment techniques
- Group counseling
- Career counseling and assessment
- Social and multicultural counseling
- Ethics and law
- Counseling techniques
You’ll also need to complete a supervised school counseling internship with a minimum of 450 contact hours. At least 150 of those hours must be completed at the elementary level, and at least 150 at the secondary level. North Dakota has a small number of state-approved programs, including NDSU, the University of Mary, and UND.
Step 2: Criminal Background Check
Your background check is handled through ESPB. You’ll need to complete the required form, pay the $44.50 processing fee, and submit two completed fingerprint cards in a sealed envelope signed by the fingerprint technician. Send everything to:
North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board
2718 Gateway Ave, Suite 204
Bismarck, ND 58503
For full instructions, visit the ESPB background check page.
Step 3: Praxis School Counselor Exam (Test Code 5422)
To earn the SC03 credential, you’ll need to pass the Praxis School Counselor Exam (ETS Test Code 5422). The qualifying score in North Dakota is 156 — verify this requirement directly with ETS or ESPB before registering, as passing scores are subject to change. The exam covers counseling theory and practice, consultation and coordination, individual and group counseling, and program development. Exam format, fees, and score requirements may change; always confirm current details with ETS before scheduling.
Step 4: Know the Fees
The initial CPL application fee is $30, plus a $5 maintenance charge, paid through the ND Teach portal. Fees are subject to change — verify current amounts with ESPB or DPI before submitting.
Step 5: Organize Your Application Materials
Your application package includes:
- Completed profile and application through the ND Teach portal
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, including any transfer credits that led to your earned degree. For detailed transcript submission guidance, see DPI’s transcript information page.
- Proof of a passing score on the Praxis School Counselor Exam (Test Code 5422)
- $30 initial application fee, plus $5 maintenance charge
Step 6: Submit Your Application
The application for the SC03 credential is submitted through the ND Teach portal. Your educator’s professional license through ESPB is a separate process — contact ESPB at 701-328-9641 or [email protected] if you have questions about that credential.
Questions about the SC03 credential can also be directed to the ESPB contact form or by phone: 701-328-9641, Monday through Thursday 8 AM–5 PM and Friday 8 AM–4 PM CST.
North Dakota School Counselor Certification Renewal
The SC03 credential is renewed on a five-year cycle and can be renewed up to six months before the expiration date. Renewal is completed through the ND Teach portal.
Renewal typically requires six semester hours of credit, at least two of which must focus on school counseling topics. Up to two of those semester hours can be substituted with 30 clock-hours of continuing education units. Verify current renewal requirements with ESPB or DPI before submitting, as requirements can change.
North Dakota has multiple license types, and renewal credit requirements can vary depending on which credential tier you hold. If you hold a 2-year or lifetime license, confirm your specific requirements with ESPB before beginning the renewal process.
To renew, you’ll need:
- Copies of unofficial transcripts (or official, depending on your license type) from all colleges and universities attended
- Completed renewal application through the ND Teach portal
- License renewal fee (varies by credential type — see the ESPB licensing fee schedule for current amounts)
For renewal questions, call ESPB at 701-328-9641.
North Dakota School Counselor Certification Through Reciprocity
North Dakota evaluates out-of-state credentials individually rather than offering automatic reciprocity. If you’re licensed as a school counselor in another state, you’ll need to apply through the standard process and meet all of North Dakota’s requirements.
That includes a master’s degree from a state-approved program, the 450-hour internship (with the elementary and secondary hour splits), a passing score on the Praxis 5422, a background check through ESPB, and a valid North Dakota educator’s professional license.
For questions about how your out-of-state experience or coursework will be evaluated, contact ESPB directly at 701-328-9641 or through the ESPB contact form. Specialists can often walk you through what, if anything, may apply toward North Dakota’s requirements. Specialists are available Monday through Thursday, 8 AM–5 PM, and Friday, 8 AM–4 PM CST.
North Dakota School Counseling Certification Resources
For resources to assist you with continuing education and other career development opportunities, see the following:
- North Dakota School Counselor Association
- North Dakota Department of Public Instruction Resources Page
- American School Counselor Association
- National Board of Certified Counselors
Frequently Asked Questions
Does North Dakota require a teaching license to be a school counselor?
Yes. North Dakota is one of a smaller number of states that requires school counselors to hold both an educator’s professional license (issued by ESPB) and the SC03 school counseling credential (issued by DPI). The two are processed through separate agencies, and you’ll need to satisfy both sets of requirements before you can practice.
What is the passing score for the Praxis School Counselor Exam in North Dakota?
The qualifying score is 156 on the Praxis School Counselor Exam (ETS Test Code 5422). Passing scores can be updated, so confirm the current requirement with ETS or ESPB before you register. The exam covers counseling theory, consultation and coordination, individual and group counseling, and program development.
How long does it take to renew a North Dakota school counselor credential?
The SC03 is on a five-year renewal cycle. Renewal typically requires six semester hours of credit — at least two focused on school counseling topics — though you can substitute up to two semester hours with 30 clock-hours of CEUs. Requirements can vary by license type, so verify your specific renewal requirements with ESPB or DPI before submitting.
Can I transfer my out-of-state school counselor license to North Dakota?
North Dakota doesn’t offer automatic reciprocity. Out-of-state credentials are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and most applicants will need to meet the full North Dakota requirements, including the master’s degree, 450-hour internship, Praxis 5422, and background check. Contact ESPB to discuss how your existing credentials may apply before starting the process.
What happens if I don’t pass the Praxis on the first attempt?
ETS allows candidates to retake the Praxis School Counselor Exam. There’s a waiting period between attempts — check ETS’s current retake policy at ets.org before scheduling a second sitting. Reviewing the exam’s content specifications and using official study materials before retesting is a practical first step.
- Two agencies, two credentials — North Dakota requires both an ESPB educator’s license and a DPI SC03 credential. They’re separate applications through separate agencies.
- Praxis 5422, qualifying score of 156 — Confirm current requirements with ETS or ESPB before registering, as passing scores are subject to change.
- 450-hour internship with level splits — At least 150 hours must be at the elementary level and 150 at the secondary level.
- Five-year renewal cycle — Typically six semester hours every five years, with options to substitute CEUs for part of that requirement.
- No automatic reciprocity — Out-of-state credentials are evaluated individually; plan to meet North Dakota’s full requirements.
Ready to map out the full path to becoming a North Dakota school counselor?
