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Certification Reciprocity Process for New York School Counselors
For School Counselors seeking certification in New York State through reciprocity from another U.S. state or territory, there are two (2) main pathways available:
Pathway 1: Endorsement of a Certificate
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) requires applicants to have a valid, comparable certificate in another U.S. state or territory as a School Counselor. A master’s degree or higher is required with a minimum 3.0 GPA, which must be from an accredited institution or an authorized institution. Applicants must have at least three (3) years of satisfactory School Counselor experience in another U.S. state or territory within five (5) years before the certificate application date. Employers must verify the experience using the appropriate Endorsement Pathway form.
Additionally, candidates will need to complete workshops on Child Abuse Identification, Dignity For All Students Act (DASA), and School Violence Intervention and Prevention. Candidates will also need complete a criminal background check. The Office of School Personnel Review and Accountability (OSPRA) website provides comprehensive details about the fingerprinting process.
Application Process and Documentation:
- Submit copies of your certificate(s) to tcert@nysed.gov for review.
- Employers must verify the experience by submitting the appropriate Endorsement Pathway form.
- Find workshops on Child Abuse Identification, Dignity For All Students Act, and School Violence Intervention and Prevention.
- Undergo fingerprint-supported criminal history background check through the New York State Education Department or New York City Board of Education if applicable.
Pathway 2: Completion of a Comparable Educator Program in Another U.S. State
Certification Requirements:
- Hold a valid, comparable certificate in another U.S. State or Territory.
- Completed a comparable approved teacher preparation program at a college in another U.S. State or Territory that would lead to an institutional recommendation for certification in the state where the college is located.
- Additional requirements include a master’s degree or higher with a minimum GPA of 3.0, passing the Content Specialty Test (CST) for School Counselors, completing workshops on Child Abuse Identification, Dignity For All Students Act, and School Violence Intervention and Prevention, and obtaining fingerprint clearance.
Application Process and Documentation:
- Submit copies of your certificate(s) and transcripts to tcert@nysed.gov for review.
- Complete a comparable approved teacher preparation program in another U.S. State or Territory.
- Take and pass the Content Specialty Test (CST) for School Counselors.
- Complete workshops on Child Abuse Identification, Dignity For All Students Act, and School Violence Intervention and Prevention.
- Undergo fingerprint-supported criminal history background check through the New York State Education Department or New York City Board of Education if applicable.
- Fees may vary for fingerprinting and application processing. Applicants should check current fee schedules with the New York State Education Department.
For inquiries regarding your out-of-state application, you can reach out to the certification office at (518)-474-3901.