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Certification Reciprocity Process for Oregon School Counselors
To pursue School Counselor Certification in Oregon through Reciprocity, applicants can follow specific avenues outlined by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC). The primary pathway involves obtaining a transitional School Counselor license, a three (3)-year nonrenewable credential tailored for individuals with out-of-state School Counselor licenses or those who completed equivalent programs in School Counseling (see TSPC Out-of-State Overview). Below are the steps and requirements for this process:
Eligibility Criteria
- Hold a master’s degree or higher in counseling, education, or related behavioral sciences.
- Possess a current, valid School Counselor credential from another state or NASDTEC jurisdiction.
Background Clearance
- Upon submission of the application and fee, instructions for fingerprinting/background clearance will be emailed to the applicant.
Documentation Submission
- Official transcripts should be sent either electronically to tspc.transcripts@tspc.oregon.gov or via mail to TSPC at 250 Division St NE, Salem, OR 97301. Transcripts must be received in sealed university envelopes to be considered official.
- Copies of out-of-state licenses can be uploaded to the eLicensing account, emailed to contact.tspc@tspc.oregon.gov, or mailed to the TSPC address mentioned above.
Exam Requirement
- The School Counselor test, part of the National Evaluation Series™ educator licensure exam in Oregon, is designed to assess candidates’ knowledge aligned with nationally accepted learning standards. The test fee is $119.
- Notably, candidates with five (5) years of full-time counseling experience in a public or regionally accredited private school in the U.S., under a valid license for the assignment, may be exempt from taking the professional knowledge test in School Counseling before obtaining an Oregon license.
Application Process
- Complete the profile and application through the Oregon eLicensing portal.
- Submit required documents, including official transcripts from all attended colleges/universities, verification of completion of a School Counselor Program, and proof of out-of-state license.
- Demonstrate your competency by successfully passing the National Evaluation Series™ educator licensure exam for School Counselors in Oregon.
- Pay the application fee of $247 plus a $10 processing fee.
By following these outlined steps and meeting the specified requirements, individuals seeking School Counselor certification in Oregon through reciprocity can navigate the process efficiently and effectively.
Upon submission of all required materials and completion of background clearance, the TSPC will review the application for certification. For further guidance or inquiries about the out-of-state application process, applicants can contact the TSPC at (503)-378-3586 during their available hours.