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North Carolina School Counselor Certification Reciprocity

How to Become a School Counselor in North Carolina - 2025 Guide
School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: February 10th, 2025

North Carolina Licensing Body

Certification Reciprocity Process for North Carolina School Counselors

For individuals seeking licensure as educators in North Carolina who did not complete an approved Educator Preparation Program within the state, there exists a pathway to licensure through out-of-state equivalency. This process enables candidates who have completed comparable programs outside of North Carolina to qualify for licensure, provided their education aligns with the standards set forth by the state and pertains to licensure-granting areas recognized by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI).

Below are the eligibility criteria and application process for licensure through equivalency in North Carolina:

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Completion of an Educator Preparation Program accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

OR

  • Completion of an education program meeting the standards developed by the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC).

OR

  • Completion of an education program in a state with which North Carolina has an interstate agreement.

OR

  • Completion of a regionally accredited Educator Preparation Program in another state.

Application Process:

  • Complete the profile and application via the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NDPI) Online Licensure System.
  • Provide official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, including transfer credits.
  • Submit proof of passing scores on the Professional School Counselor Exam (ETS Test Code 5422) or an equivalent exam approved by the applicant’s current licensing state.
  • Furnish a copy of the current, valid school counseling license.
  • If applicable, complete the Non-Teaching Experience Verification form(s).
  • Pay the $100 out-of-state application fee through the online licensure system.

It’s essential to note that reciprocity arrangements do not exempt applicants from fulfilling certain North Carolina-specific requirements, such as the Praxis Series testing mandate. These prerequisites must be met before a definitive North Carolina license can be granted.

For further inquiries or clarifications, applicants are encouraged to contact the North Carolina licensure office at (919)-716-1800 or via email at asklicensure@dpi.nc.gov.