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School Counselor Certification Reciprocity in North Dakota
In North Dakota, reciprocity for school counselors is not extended, as individuals are required to fulfill the criteria set forth by the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (NDESPB). There are two (2) pathways available for licensure (see ND school counselor certification overview).
Route 1: Initial Out-of-State Reciprocal License
This option is tailored for individuals who have attained a master’s degree in school counseling outside of North Dakota and do not possess a School Counseling license from that particular state. Aligning with the process for in-state applicants, candidates are required to complete an online application and provide a background check packet, official transcripts, and any relevant Praxis test scores. Following this, the Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) conducts a thorough transcript evaluation to ascertain any additional prerequisites.
Requirements:
- Master’s Degree: Completed a master’s degree in counseling outside of North Dakota.
- No Prior School Counseling License: Does not hold a School Counseling license in the state where the master’s degree was completed.
Application Process:
- Complete the application online through the North Dakota Teach education portal.
- Submit a background check packet.
- Provide official transcripts and any Praxis test scores (if available) to complete the application.
- Pay a $30 initial application fee, plus a $5 maintenance charge.
Transcript Analysis:
The Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) will conduct a transcript analysis to determine if any additional education courses and/or tests are needed to fulfill licensure requirements.
Route 2: Initial Other State Educator License (OSEL)
This route is geared towards individuals who have obtained a master’s degree in school counseling outside of North Dakota and currently hold a valid school counseling license in another state. As part of the application process, applicants must complete an online submission and provide a background check packet, official transcripts, along with a copy of their active out-of-state School Counseling license, and standardized test scores or evidence of licensure acquired before 2002.
Requirements:
- Master’s Degree: Completed a master’s degree in school counseling outside of ND.
- Current Valid License: Holds a current, valid school counseling license in another state.
- Standardized Test Scores: Submit standardized test scores used by that state/college or evidence of licensure held before 2002. If test scores are not available, a testing plan will be provided, and the Praxis test must be completed within two (2) years.
Application Process:
- Complete your profile and the application online through the North Dakota Teach education portal.
- Submit a background check packet.
- Submission of Documents:
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, including transfer credits that led to the earned degree.
- Copy of the valid license for School Counseling in another state.
- Standardized test scores or evidence of licensure held before 2002. If not available, a testing plan will be provided.
- Provide proof of passing score for the Professional School Counselor Exam (ETS Test Code 5422).
- Pay a $30 initial application fee, plus a $5 maintenance charge.
Tips:
- Ensure all sections of the application are completed accurately and thoroughly.
- Gather all required documents, including transcripts, test scores, and background check packet, and submit them with the application.
- Keep track of deadlines, fees, and required documents to avoid any delays in the application process.
- To gain a deeper understanding of the licensure prerequisites, we encourage you to explore the details provided on this webpage.
For additional assistance, we encourage you to contact the Education Standards and Practices Board at (701)-328-9641. Alternatively, you can connect with a credentialing specialist by completing a contact form, conveniently located here.