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New York School Counselor Certification Renewal

How to Become a School Counselor in New York - 2025 Guide
School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: February 8th, 2025

New York Licensing Body

Renewing and Upgrading New York School Counselor Certification

Before embarking on the upgrading or renewal process for transitioning from an Initial to a Professional Certification in School Counseling in New York, it is important to ensure you comply with all eligibility criteria. This entails fulfilling specific requirements, which may involve the completion of mandatory continuing education credits or professional development hours. Below is a comprehensive outline of the steps involved in this process:

  1. Hold/Held an Initial Certificate – School Counselor: This means you already possess an Initial Certificate in School Counseling.
  2. Additional Education – Masters Degree or Higher: You must have completed a master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution. This degree should include at least a one-year graduate-level curriculum related to School Counseling.
  3. Graduate Coursework – School Counselor – 12 S.H.: Complete at least 12 semester hours of graduate coursework in specific core content areas related to School Counseling. These areas include foundations in Professional School Counseling, career development, college readiness, supportive school climate, equity, advocacy, diversity, child growth and development, counseling theories and techniques, best practices for the profession, and research and program development.
  4. Paid, Full-Time Pupil Personnel Experience – School Counselor – 3 Yrs: Accumulate three (3) years of full-time paid experience as a School Counselor. This experience must be verified by your employer using the appropriate form (What is considered experience? Download experience verification form here).
  5. Mentored Experience: Obtain mentored experience, which involves receiving guidance and professional support from experienced, certified School Counselors during your first year of employment. This experience must be verified by the superintendent of your employing school district through TEACH.
  6. Workshops: Complete workshops on Child Abuse Identification, Dignity For All Students Act, and School Violence Intervention and Prevention.
  7. Background Check: Obtain fingerprint clearance through the New York State Education Department. This process involves a fingerprint-supported criminal history background check. Detailed information regarding the fingerprinting process can be found on the Office of School Personnel Review and Accountability (OSPRA) Website. If your previous background check is expired or if a new one is required, you will need to undergo a fingerprint-supported criminal history background check.
  8. Citizenship Status: Verify your citizenship status by providing appropriate documentation such as a photocopy of your Permanent Resident Card, United States Passport, or other relevant documents.
  9. Renewal Period: Be aware of the renewal period for your certificate, as renewals must typically be completed before the expiration date to avoid lapses in certification status.

Application Process:

Once you have met all these requirements, you can proceed with the application process for upgrading or renewing your certification. This typically involves submitting documentation of your completed coursework, verification of your work experience, proof of workshop completion, fingerprint clearance, and citizenship status verification. Additionally, there may be application fees associated with the certification upgrade process.

  • Visit the New York State Education Department (NYSED) website or the TEACH Online Services portal to access the online application for certificate renewal.
  • Create an account or log in to your existing TEACH account.
  • Follow the instructions to complete the renewal application, providing accurate information and any required documentation.

Documentation:

Gather all required documentation, which may include:

  • Proof of completion of required professional development hours or continuing education credits.
  • Any additional coursework or training certificates completed since your last renewal.
  • Verification of employment or experience, such as letters from employers or supervisors.
  • Proof of citizenship or permanent residency status, if applicable.

Ensure that all documents are properly formatted and meet NYSED‘s requirements for submission.

Submission and Review:

  • Submit your renewal application and all required documentation through the TEACH Online Services portal.
  • Pay the applicable $100 renewal fee online as part of the application process.
  • Allow sufficient time for NYSED to review your application and supporting documents.

Approval and Issuance:

  • Once your application has been reviewed and approved, you will receive a notification from NYSED.
  • If approved, your renewed certificate will be issued electronically, and you may be able to download a copy from the TEACH Online Services portal.

It’s essential to review the specific requirements outlined by the New York State Education Department and follow the application instructions provided to ensure a smooth certification upgrade process. If you need additional information or assistance regarding the renewal/upgrade process for your New York School Counseling Certificate, you can contact the Education Department during normal business hours at (518)-474-3901.