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The state of Delaware prioritizes hiring competent and qualified professionals in the field of education. With the state’s diverse educational landscape, the role of school counselors is crucial in providing guidance and support to students. Delaware emphasizes the need for a comprehensive certification process that ensures school counselors are well-equipped to handle the challenges of contemporary education. Like many states, Delaware is dedicated to hiring qualified school counselors to support students in their academic and personal development.
The Delaware Department of Education (DOE), there is mandated licensure and certification to ensure individuals entering the field meet specific standards and possess necessary skills. This guide outlines and demystifies the school counselor certification process.
In particular, to practice as a professional school counselor in Delaware, individuals must obtain licensure and certification. The DOE offers various types of licenses, which match different career stages and specializations. More information on these licenses and certifications can be found on the DOE website.
Initial School Counselor Certification Requirements
To become a school counselor in Delaware, the first step is to acquire an initial license and standard certificate. Applicants pursue an Initial License and Standard Certificate simultaneously. The issuance of an Initial License is contingent upon meeting specific certification requirements. If applicants meet Delaware’s reciprocity provisions by holding a valid educator license in another jurisdiction with less than four years of teaching experience, they may be granted an Initial License (see Delaware Certification by Reciprocity).
Overview of Licensure Requirements
The Delaware DOE outlines the specific license requirements on their website. There are two specific options for applications: the Initial License and the Advanced License. If the applicant does not hold the National Board of Professional Standards (NBPTS) certificate, they will need to apply for an Initial License.
NBPTS Certification and Advanced Licensure
National Board Certification for school counselors, also known as National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) certification, is a significant step for those seeking an advanced license. Information on NBPTS certification and NCSC certification can be found on the Delaware DOE website and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) website respectively.
Elementary and Secondary School Counselor Certificates
Applicants will need to decide between elementary and secondary school counselor certificates. Each of these specializations have specific requirements, which are detailed on the DOE website.
Elementary or Secondary School Counselor Certificate Requirements
The following information details the requirements for an Elementary School Counselor Certificate. For more information, please visit the DOE website.
Education or Degree Requirements
To become a certified school counselor in Delaware, you must meet one of the following requirements:
- National Board Certification: Obtain a School Counseling certificate from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
- Master’s Degree: Earn a master’s degree in elementary or secondary school counseling from a regionally accredited college or university. This degree must include at least 30 semester hours of coursework approved by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or a state with appropriate standards.
- Department-Approved Program: Successfully complete a Department-approved educator preparation program in elementary school counseling.
- Master’s Degree with Counseling Courses: Earn a master’s degree in any content area and complete 39 credits of graduate-level coursework related to school counseling. These 39 credits must cover specific areas such as introduction to school counseling, human behavior, ethical issues, college and career readiness, testing, group counseling, individual counseling, family counseling, and school counseling program principles.
Testing Requirements
To become a certified school counselor in Delaware, you must demonstrate your knowledge and skills through standardized testing. The state requires one of the following:
- Praxis Subject Assessment – Professional School Counselor (ETS Test Code #5421): A minimum score of 156 is required on this exam (see Praxis Prep Materials).
- Praxis Subject Assessment – School Counselor (ETS Test Code #5422): A minimum score of 159 is required on this exam (see Praxis Prep Materials).
These exams assess your understanding of various school counseling topics, including student development, counseling theories, ethical considerations, and program management.
Background Checks
Candidates must undergo a thorough criminal background check to proceed to the final selection stage. Once completed, candidates will receive a Verification Form of Processing from the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) as proof of completion.
Application Process
The application process involves submitting various documents, transcripts, and fees and can be completed mostly online. Detailed instructions can be found on the DOE website, see application details here.