Utah School Counselor Certification
Utah school counselors must earn the School Counselor (K–12) license from the Utah State Board of Education. Requirements include a master’s degree in school counseling, 600 hours of fieldwork, passing the Praxis 5422 exam with a score of 153, a background check, and completing Utah’s College and Career Readiness (CCR) Certificate.
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To practice as a school counselor in Utah, you need the School Counselor (K–12) license issued by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). The process involves a master’s degree, fieldwork, the Praxis exam, a background check, and completion of the College and Career Readiness (CCR) Certificate, a Utah-specific requirement. Here’s exactly what that looks like.
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Initial Utah School Counselor Certification
Utah issues two license levels for school counselors: an Associate Educator License (your starting point) and a Professional Educator License (the full credential). You receive the Associate License when you complete your degree, pass the Praxis, and meet the other initial requirements. You then have three years to complete the CCR Certificate and upgrade to the Professional License. Here’s what’s required to get started.
Step 1: Education Requirements
You need a master’s degree in school counseling. If you complete your degree in Utah, it must be from one of the state’s approved Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs): Utah State University, University of Utah, Utah Valley University, or Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.
If you complete your degree outside Utah, it must be CACREP-accredited or otherwise approved by the Utah State Board of Education. (CHEA recognizes accrediting bodies but does not accredit programs directly; confirm your program’s standing with USBE if you’re unsure.) Either way, the program must cover at least 60 semester hours in counselor education or counseling. Explore master’s programs in school counseling to compare options.
Step 2: Fieldwork Requirements
You need 600 hours of supervised field experience covering professional counseling orientation and ethics. Some candidates with prior Utah teaching experience may qualify for reduced internship hours. Confirm with USBE or your program for specifics.
Step 3: Praxis Examination
You must pass the Professional School Counselor Praxis exam (test code 5422). Utah requires a minimum score of 153. Register and find preparation materials at praxis.ets.org.
Step 4: CCR Certificate
All Utah school counselors, whether they trained in-state or out-of-state, must complete the College and Career Readiness (CCR) Certificate. This is required under Utah State Board of Education policy (confirm current rule version at the USBE School Counseling Licensing page for the most up-to-date details).
If you graduated from an in-state EPP, your program recommendation qualifies you for the CCR Certificate at licensure. If you graduated from an out-of-state program, you’ll complete Component Two of the CCR program (a Canvas-based course) and apply for the certificate separately.
You receive your Associate Educator License first. You then have three years to complete the full CCR Certificate and convert to a Professional Educator License.
Step 5: Background Check
Complete an FBI fingerprint background check and submit your prints to the USBE through LiveScan or fingerprint cards. You can find a list of authorized Utah Educator LiveScan Fingerprint Sites on the USBE website. Learn more about submitting your fingerprints here.
Step 6: Application
Submit your application through your Utah Schools Information Management System (USIMS) account. Before you apply, gather the following:
- Your USIMS account (create one at usims.schools.utah.gov)
- Appointment confirmation from a LiveScan fingerprint site
- Official transcripts submitted digitally or by mail
- Praxis 5422 score report
- Copies of any previous educator licenses
- Endorsement documentation, if applicable (secondary education, special needs, or career and technical education)
Direct questions to [email protected] or (801) 538-7740.
Utah School Counselor License Renewal
Utah school counselors holding a Professional Educator License who have worked in a Utah educational agency, school, school district, or charter school for the past five years may qualify for simplified renewal. Renewal requirements vary for actively employed educators, so verify current renewal criteria through your USIMS account.
If you haven’t practiced in a Utah educational setting recently, you’ll need to complete the full online renewal process through USIMS. Check the USBE’s Renew or Upgrade a Utah Educator License page for current renewal timelines and any continuing education requirements specific to your license level.
Utah School Counselor Certification Through Reciprocity
Utah recognizes out-of-state school counselor licenses. To qualify, you need to hold an active school counseling certificate from another state and a master’s degree or higher in school counseling from an approved, accredited institution.
Out-of-state applicants who aren’t already licensed in school counseling must also complete the USBE License Equivalency Review (LER) Application and complete the CCR Certificate Program. You’ll receive an Associate Educator License first and have three years to complete the full CCR requirements.
For detailed out-of-state requirements, see the USBE’s detailed information on out-of-state licensing for school counselors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What score do I need to pass the Praxis for Utah school counselor certification?
Utah requires a minimum score of 153 on the Professional School Counselor Praxis exam (test code 5422). If you took the retired Praxis 5421 before September 1, 2023, a score of 164 or higher was accepted. Check praxis.ets.org for current registration and study materials.
What is the CCR Certificate, and when do I need to complete it?
The College and Career Readiness (CCR) Certificate is a Utah-specific requirement for all school counselors, regardless of where they trained. Graduates of in-state programs typically satisfy the requirements through their program recommendation. Out-of-state graduates complete a Canvas-based course and apply separately. Either way, you have three years from the date of your Associate Educator License to complete it and upgrade to a Professional Educator License.
How long is a Utah school counselor license valid?
Renewal eligibility in Utah is tied to your employment history rather than a fixed expiration date. School counselors who have worked in a Utah educational agency may qualify for simplified renewal. Verify current criteria through your USIMS account or contact USBE Educator Licensing at (801) 538-7740. Those who haven’t practiced in Utah recently follow the full renewal process.
Can I transfer my out-of-state school counselor license to Utah?
Yes. Utah recognizes out-of-state school counselor credentials through reciprocity. If you hold an active certificate from another state and a qualifying master’s degree, you can apply for licensure. Out-of-state applicants who aren’t already licensed in school counseling must complete the License Equivalency Review (LER) Application and the CCR Certificate Program. Contact USBE at (801) 538-7740 for specifics on your situation.
What happens if my Utah school counselor license expires?
If your license has lapsed, you’ll need to follow the USBE’s renewal or reinstatement process through your USIMS account. The steps vary depending on how long the license has been inactive and whether you’ve maintained qualifying practice. Contact USBE Educator Licensing at [email protected] or (801) 538-7740 for guidance specific to your situation.
- Two-license progression — You start with an Associate Educator License, then upgrade to a Professional Educator License after completing the CCR Certificate within three years.
- Master’s degree required — no alternate pathway — Utah requires a master’s in school counseling from an approved or accredited program. No alternative route exists.
- Praxis 5422, minimum score of 153 — That’s the current exam code and passing threshold for Utah licensure.
- CCR Certificate is mandatory for everyone — In-state and out-of-state graduates alike must complete it. The pathway differs, but the requirement doesn’t.
- Reciprocity is available — Utah accepts out-of-state licenses, but applicants without an existing license must also complete the LER Application and CCR Certificate.
Ready to map out the full path to becoming a Utah school counselor?
