West Virginia Links
West Virginia School Counselor Certification
Those seeking certification for school counseling in West Virginia need to meet both the educational and examination requirements of the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) and listed below.
Skip down to find information relevant to your situation:
- Top Picks
Featured Universities with School Counseling Programs
#1
Walden University
MS in School Counseling - General Program. Click here to contact Walden 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
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.
#4
University of Denver
Earn a Master's degree in School Counseling online from the University of Denver. Learn from doctoral-level faculty in live classes and gain experience through mock counseling and in-field training. No GRE required. Click here to contact University of Denver and request information about their programs.
Initial West Virginia School Counselor Certification
Step 1: Education Requirements
Earn your master’s degree in school counseling through a state-approved and accredited university such as the following:
- Top Picks
Featured Universities with School Counseling Programs
#1
Walden University
MS in School Counseling - General Program. Click here to contact Walden 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
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.
#4
University of Denver
Earn a Master's degree in School Counseling online from the University of Denver. Learn from doctoral-level faculty in live classes and gain experience through mock counseling and in-field training. No GRE required. Click here to contact University of Denver and request information about their programs.
Step 2: Examination Requirements
Complete the Praxis School Counselor examination (5422).
Learn more about the Praxis exam, including testing dates, fees, locations, and registration requirements here.
Step 3: Submit to West Virginia’s Background Check Process
You must complete a background check and fingerprinting process.
If you’ve never applied for a school counseling license in this state or have never been certified by the Virginia Department of Education, you must go through their specific process. (Unfortunately, any background checks acquired in other states, or by other agencies outside West Virginia are not accepted.)
After you apply for certification, you’ll check your email inbox for emails from the Office of Certification with instructions for having your fingerprints taken. Learn more about this process here.
Step 4: Organize and Submit Your Certification Application
- In order to submit an application for school counselor certification in West Virginia, you must first establish a profile through the West Virginia Department of Education Certification Portal.
- Once in the portal, click Begin Application and find the section to create a New Application. Carefully follow the steps as directed.
- At the end of your application process, carefully review your information. Make all necessary changes prior to submitting. This will prevent unnecessary and unfavorable delays in your school counseling application process.
- Once your completed application is received, you should be sent an email showing they’ve approved your application. You will then be prompted to return to the dashboard to pay all application fees.
Questions? Contact the West Virginia Department of Education number at (304)-558-7010.
West Virginia School Counselor Certification Renewal
Your initial certification as a school counselor in West Virginia is valid for three years. If you’ve shown proficiency in the field, with at least two years of experience (one being in a West Virginia school district), you can then apply for a professional certificate.
You must complete six credits of approved, accredited coursework during the renewal period. Learn more about the renewal process here.
West Virginia School Counselor Certification Through Reciprocity
West Virginia accepts out-of-state candidates through reciprocity agreements. Candidates who have completed an out-of-state licensure program may also qualify for certification in West Virginia.
Learn more about becoming a school counselor in West Virginia as an out-of-state candidate.