South Dakota Links
South Dakota School Counselor Certification
In 2019, there were nearly 140,000 students in South Dakota. School counselors in the state serve children in prekindergarten through grade 12, by nurturing career, academic, and social/emotional development through comprehensive programming.
If you would like more information about the role of school counselors in South Dakota, including the professional evaluation process, visit the School Counseling section of the South Dakota Department of Education website.
- Top Picks
Featured Universities with School Counseling Programs
#1
Capella University
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision Click here to contact Capella University and request information about their programs.
#2
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.
#3
University of West Alabama
M.Ed School Counseling, E.dS School Counseling, E.dD Rural Ed - Counseling programs Click here to contact University of West Alabama and request information about their programs.
#4
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.
#5
Campbellsville University
M.A. in Education in School Guidance Counseling (P-12) and a Certificate in Guidance Counseling Click here to contact Campbellsville University and request information about their programs.
#6
Our Lady of the Lake University
Offers a Master of Arts - School Counseling Click here to contact Our Lady of the Lake University 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.
Skip down the page to the certification pathway you’re interested in:
Initial South Dakota School Counselor Certification
The initial Education Specialist Certificate with school counseling endorsement is valid for five (5) years. South Dakota offers two options for applicants, depending on education and experience.
Step 1: Education Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements to receive a school counselor endorsement.
- Complete a master’s degree or higher school counseling preparation program for preschool through grade 12, such as the following programs:Sponsored School(s)Featured Programs:
- Top Picks
Featured Universities with School Counseling Programs
#1
Capella University
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision Click here to contact Capella University and request information about their programs.
#2
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.
#3
University of West Alabama
M.Ed School Counseling, E.dS School Counseling, E.dD Rural Ed - Counseling programs Click here to contact University of West Alabama and request information about their programs.
#4
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.
#5
Campbellsville University
M.A. in Education in School Guidance Counseling (P-12) and a Certificate in Guidance Counseling Click here to contact Campbellsville University and request information about their programs.
#6
Our Lady of the Lake University
Offers a Master of Arts - School Counseling Click here to contact Our Lady of the Lake University 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.
OR,
- Complete a master’s degree or higher in counseling, and
- Pass the Professional School Counselor (ETS Code 5421) with a score of 164 or higher, and
- Complete one year of supervision by a certified mentor school counselor
Step 2: Criminal Background Check
South Dakota laws stipulate that school districts will complete a criminal background investigation on all prospective employees by submitting fingerprint cards to the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. There is not a pre-application requirement for background checking.
Step 3: Examination Requirements
The examination requirement is only for applicants who have not earned a master’s degree or higher from an approved school counseling preparation program. To obtain a School Counselor certificate in South Dakota with a master’s degree or higher in counseling, you must earn a minimum score of 164 on the Professional School Counselor Exam (ETS Test Code 5421). For more information about this exam, or to register for a test date, visit the Praxis website.
Know the Fees
The application fee for an initial educator certificate is $60, payable online through the application portal.
You can also mail a check or money order payable to the Department of Education to:
South Dakota Department of EducationCertification Office
800 Governors Drive
Pierre SD 57501
Step 4: Application Materials Checklist
Your application materials include the following:
- Completed profile and application through the South Dakota application portal
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities you have attended, including transfer credits that led to earned degree
- Proof of qualifying score for the Professional School Counselor Exam (ETS Test Code 5421), if applicable
- Proof of completion of Suicide Awareness and Prevention training. For a list of approved training programs, visit this webpage
- $60 initial application fee
Step 5: Submit Your Application
The South Dakota application for school counseling certification is submitted online via the SD Department of Education portal.
Official transcripts must be sent by the university to certification@state.sd.us or mailed to:
South Dakota Department of EducationCertification Office
800 Governors Drive
Pierre SD 57501
Additional Information
If you need assistance with your initial application, contact the Department of Education at 605-773-3134. The Certification Office Call Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 – 10 AM and 3 – 5 PM CST. You can also email a specialist at certification@state.sd.us.
South Dakota School Counselor Certification Renewal
The school counselor credential is renewed every five (5) years, and may be renewed any time after January 1 of the expiration year. To renew your school counselor certificate, you will complete the renewal application via the South Dakota certification portal.
Required materials for your renewal application include:
- Proof of completion of Suicide Awareness and Prevention training. For a list of approved trainings, visit SD Department of Education website.
- Completion of six (6) education-related transcripted credits, specialized learning experience hours, or continuing education contact hours. For detailed information about each of these criterion, download this PDF
- $60 renewal application fee
Additional Assistance
For more information, you can call the certification office at 605-773-3134, each Monday through Friday from 8 – 10 AM and 3 – 5 PM CST.
South Dakota School Counselor Certification Through Reciprocity
South Dakota offers certification through reciprocity for applicants whose school counseling credential is from another state. In order to be considered for South Dakota initial certification via reciprocity, you must meet the following requirements:
- Completed profile and application through the South Dakota application portal
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities you have attended, including transfer credits that led to earned degree
- Proof of qualifying score for the Professional School Counselor Exam (ETS Test Code 5421), if applicable
- Proof of completion of Suicide Awareness and Prevention training. For a list of approved trainings, visit this webpage
- Proof of completion of an approved 3-credit South Dakota Indian studies course. For a list of approved courses, view this webpage
- $60 initial application fee
For more information about the reciprocity requirements, view this PDF.
Additional Assistance
If you have questions about your reciprocity application, you can call the Department of Education.
Monday through Friday
You can also email your inquiries to certification@state.sd.us.
South Dakota School Counseling Certification Resources
For resources to assist you with continuing education and other career development opportunities, see the following websites: