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Renewing and Upgrading North Dakota School Counseling Credentials
Renewing and upgrading Educator Licenses and School Counseling Credentials in North Dakota involves several pathways and specific renewal requirements (see ND Admin Code). It’s important to note that the school counselor credential must be renewed concurrently with the educator’s professional license. This ensures that both credentials remain current and aligned. Renewals can be synchronized with educator license renewal dates upon request, streamlining the process for educators.
Additionally, both credentials have expiration dates, necessitating timely renewal to maintain active status. Aligning the renewal dates offers convenience and efficiency, enabling educators to focus on their vital roles in the educational system. Let’s break down the renewal pathways and their respective requirements:
All renewal applications should be completed via ND Teach.
Five-Year Renewal License
- This renewal is issued to applicants who have completed eighteen (18) months of contracted service within the past five (5) years in North Dakota on a valid teaching license.
- Requirements include evidence of thirty (30) teaching days of contracted service and completion of a minimum of four (4) semester hours of re-education credit.
- After July 1, 2011, six (6) semester hours of re-education credit are required for each new five (5) years period.
- All re-education credits must be documented by college or state-approved alternative program transcripts.
- For renewal, an applicant must submit an application form along with a fee of $140 (see fee schedule).
- Renewal applications can be submitted six (6) months before the expiration of the current license.
Two-Year Renewal License
- This renewal is issued under various circumstances, such as less than eighteen (18) months of successful contracted teaching in North Dakota or re-entry into the profession after an absence of five (5) years.
- Requirements vary based on the specific situation:
- For applicants with less than eighteen (18) months of teaching experience, all requirements on the application form must be completed, along with a fee of $65.
- For applicants re-entering the profession after an absence of five (5) years, fingerprint screening for criminal records is required, along with completion of eight (8) semester hours of re-education credit within the first two (2) years of re-entry. The re-entry fee is $85.
- Renewal applications can be submitted six (6) months before the expiration of the current license.
Renewal of School Counselor Credentials from DPI
- School Counselor credentials are renewed along with the educator’s professional license. Renewal requirements include:
- Completion of six (6) semester hours of credit, with at least two (2) semester hours focused on topics related to School Counseling.
- Alternatively, two (2) semester hours of counseling coursework may be substituted with thirty (30) clock hours of continuing education units.
- Submission of unofficial or official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
- Pay the license renewal fee, which varies based on the type of credential held.
Background Checks
Depending on the specific circumstances (such as re-entering the profession after a long absence), applicants may need to undergo a fingerprint screening for criminal records per North Dakota Century Code Section 15.1-13-14.
Documentation and Fees:
- Applicants must provide documentation to support their renewal application, including:
- Unofficial or official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, including transfer credits leading to earned degrees.
- Verification of completion of required coursework or continuing education units.
- Any additional documentation required for specific renewal pathways.
- Renewal fees vary based on the type of credential held. Applicants should refer to the detailed list of licensing fees provided by the Education Standards and Practices Board here.
For all pathways, it’s essential to adhere to the specified timelines for application submission and renewal. Additionally, ensure that all documentation is accurate and complete to expedite the renewal process.
If you have specific questions or need further assistance, you can contact the Education Standards and Practices Board at (701)-328-9641 during their operating hours.