Vermont School Counselor Certification
Vermont issues school counselor credentials through its Agency of Education as an endorsement on an educator license. You’ll need a master’s degree in school counseling, supervised fieldwork at both the elementary and secondary levels, required Praxis exam scores, and a completed background check. Applications go through the state’s ALiS online portal.
Vermont Links
Getting certified to work as a school counselor in Vermont takes several steps — degree completion, fieldwork documentation, state exams, fingerprinting, and an application through Vermont’s ALiS portal. Here’s what each step involves.
Requirements can change. Confirm current requirements with the Vermont Agency of Education before starting your application.
Initial Vermont School Counselor Certification
Step 1: Educational Requirements
You’ll need a master’s degree in school counseling, or an equivalent degree, from a Vermont-approved program. Vermont-recognized programs include institutions such as Capella University (CACREP-accredited) and New York University. Your program needs to provide an official endorsement along with documentation of accreditation — both are required for application processing.
If you’re still evaluating programs, choose one approved in the state where you plan to practice. Vermont’s requirements are specific, and your program’s endorsement documentation is part of the application.
Step 2: Experience Requirements
Vermont requires supervised fieldwork hours completed at both the elementary and secondary levels as part of a formal internship under a licensed counselor. Minimum hour requirements vary by program and state approval — confirm the specific requirements with your program and the Vermont Agency of Education before you begin your internship.
The split between levels is intentional. A second grader navigating a family move and a junior mapping out college applications require entirely different approaches, and Vermont wants candidates who’ve worked with both populations.
Step 3: Examination Requirements
Vermont requires qualifying Praxis exam scores for initial educator licensure. Per the Vermont Agency of Education’s testing requirements, this typically includes the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam (reading, writing, and math), and may also include a content-specific exam for school counselors. Confirm which exams apply to your endorsement area directly with the Vermont Agency of Education or ETS before registering, as requirements can change.
The Praxis Core fee is approximately $150, plus an approximately $40 testing service fee (subject to change).
Note: The original Praxis I may be accepted in place of the Core exam, with minimum scores of 177 (reading), 174 (writing), and 175 (math) for a combined total of at least 526, per Vermont and ETS guidelines at the time of application. Verify current score requirements before registering.
Step 4: Fingerprinting and Background Check
Your fingerprint and background check is submitted after your initial certification application — not before. You’ll also complete the criminal record questionnaire included in the application. The fingerprinting fee is approximately $13.25 (subject to change), paid through the Public Safety Department at the time of submission.
Make an appointment at your local police station or an approved fingerprinting center. Once your application is submitted, you’ll typically have a set timeframe (approximately 15 days per Vermont AOE guidance) to send proof that your fingerprint card was received.
Out-of-state applicants need to provide fingerprint cards and include a large, postage-paid, pre-addressed envelope so the agency can mail the completed cards without folding them. Send completed materials to:
Department of Public Safety, VCIC45 State Dr.
Waterbury, Vermont 05671-1300
Step 5: Organizing Your Application Materials
Before you submit, gather everything in one place:
- Sign in to your ALiS portal. If you get an error saying your SSN is already in the system, proceed as an existing Vermont educator.
- Collect official transcripts from your degree-granting institution. Digital transcripts are accepted as long as they include the institution’s official seal, the degree date, program endorsement, and an approval signature.
- Include a copy of your out-of-state license if applicable.
- Upload your Praxis exam scores.
- Complete all required forms, including the Good Standing form and disclosure form.
- Print the authorized fingerprint certificate you’ll bring to your fingerprinting appointment.
If you completed an alternate route preparation program, scan all documentation and include it in your application.
Step 6: Submitting Your Application
Submit through the ALiS online licensing system. One heads-up: ALiS has historically reported compatibility issues with Mac systems — check current browser requirements on the Vermont AOE site before you start.
The initial certification fee for first-level licensure is approximately $200 (subject to change). Approximately $50 of that fee is non-refundable.
If you’re not submitting online, mail all documentation to:
Vermont Agency of Education Licensing219 N. Main St. STE 402
Barre, Vermont 05641
All application updates are sent by email. Check your spam and junk folders — it’s easy to miss a status update that’s been filtered.
Vermont School Counselor Certification Renewal
Vermont issues initial school counseling licensure at Level I, valid for three years. All renewals go through the ALiS portal.
Level I Renewal
For your first renewal, you’ll need a minimum of 45 professional learning hours in your endorsed field, plus 15 hours of specified credits, completed before your initial certification expires — per Vermont Agency of Education renewal guidelines. Your renewal application must be approved by a licensing professional.
Submit through ALiS and include your personal details, previous license information, documented professional learning hours, any required disclosures, and approximately $50 (non-refundable, subject to change). A confirmation email will follow, and you can track your application status through the portal.
If it’s determined that you need an updated fingerprint and background check, you’ll make that appointment after submitting your renewal application.
Level II Renewal
Once you progress to Level II licensure, renewal requirements increase. Level II renewal typically requires approximately 90 professional learning hours (approximately 6 credits) over a five-year cycle, distributed between your endorsement area and Core Teaching Standards requirements, per Vermont AOE renewal guidelines. Approval from a Local/Regional Standards Board (L/RSB) is part of the process.
Verify the specific credit distribution and current hour requirements with the Vermont Agency of Education before your renewal cycle begins.
Vermont School Counselor Certification Through Reciprocity
Vermont recognizes out-of-state credentials from most states through the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Some states may have additional requirements or may not be fully eligible — confirm current reciprocity status for your home state with the Vermont Agency of Education before applying.
To qualify, you’ll need a current license in school counseling, another educational field, or a school administrative field, along with at least three years of experience in a school setting within the past seven years.
Candidates who hold a state-signed NASDTEC agreement and a current professional educator license in their home state are typically exempt from Vermont’s testing requirements.
For international applicants who can’t obtain the interstate agreement, Vermont accepts a Peer Review as an alternative. The peer review costs approximately $1,250, plus the standard approximately $200 license fee (both subject to change).
If your out-of-state license has lapsed, renew it in your home state before applying for Vermont certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exam do I need to pass for Vermont school counselor certification?
Vermont requires qualifying Praxis exam scores for initial educator licensure. This typically includes the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam, and may also include a content-specific exam for school counselors. Confirm current exam requirements with the Vermont Agency of Education or ETS before registering, as requirements can change.
How long is the initial Vermont school counselor license valid?
The initial Level I license is valid for three years. Renewal requires documented professional learning hours, approval from a licensing professional, and approximately $50. All renewals are processed through the ALiS portal.
Does Vermont accept out-of-state school counselor credentials?
Vermont accepts credentials from most states through the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Some states may have additional requirements or may not be fully eligible — confirm your home state’s current status with the Vermont Agency of Education before applying. You’ll typically need a current license and at least three years of school-setting experience in the past seven years.
What’s the difference between Level I and Level II licensure in Vermont?
Level I is your initial license, valid for three years, and requires approximately 45 professional learning hours plus 15 specified credits for renewal. Level II is the subsequent tier, typically carrying a five-year renewal cycle and approximately 90 professional learning hours. Confirm current requirements with the Vermont Agency of Education.
What is the ALiS portal, and how do I access it?
ALiS is Vermont’s online educator licensing system, where you submit your initial application, track your status, and manage renewals. Access it at education.vermont.gov/login. If you see an error about your SSN already being in the system, proceed as an existing Vermont educator. The system has historically reported compatibility issues with Mac systems — check current browser requirements before starting.
- Master’s degree required — Your program must provide an official endorsement and accreditation documentation, both required for application processing.
- Fieldwork at both levels — Vermont requires supervised hours split between elementary and secondary settings. Minimum requirements vary by program and state approval.
- Praxis exams required — Vermont typically requires the Praxis Core and may require a content-specific exam. Confirm with the AOE or ETS before registering.
- Background check timing matters — Fingerprinting happens after you submit your application, typically within a set timeframe per Vermont AOE guidance.
- Two license levels — Level I is valid for three years. Level II carries longer cycles and higher professional learning requirements.
- Reciprocity available for most states — Vermont accepts credentials via NASDTEC. Confirm your home state’s eligibility before applying.
Your program choice affects how smoothly Vermont’s certification process goes. Make sure your master’s program provides the endorsement documentation Vermont requires before you enroll.
