What's Here? - Table of Contents
Ohio School Counselor Certification Reciprocity Process
In Ohio, individuals with out-of-state school counseling credentials are not granted reciprocity. Those seeking licensure must fulfill all criteria for obtaining an initial Professional Pupil Services certificate with a specialization in School Counseling.
To commence the out-of-state application process, candidates are required to submit an online application along with specific documentation. Below are the key documents necessary:
License or Letter of Eligibility:
Candidates holding an out-of-state license must provide a copy of their license corresponding to their pupil services roles. This license should align with the years of relevant work experience.
Alternatively, applicants without a school license from the state where they completed their licensure program must furnish a signed letter from the dean or head of teacher education, detailing the type of license they are eligible for, including subject areas and grade levels for teachers.
Exams:
Official score reports verifying the passing of licensure exams must be submitted. In cases where official reports are unavailable, a letter confirming exam passage from the relevant Department of Education or educational institution is acceptable. This letter should include exam titles, dates, and pass/fail status, and be signed by an authorized representative.
Work Experience:
Out-of-state applicants seeking an Ohio Initial Professional Pupil Services certificate must have their work experience verified. This verification should be completed by the human resources director or superintendent of the previous school or district. The completed Work Experience Verification form should be sent directly to the Office of Educator Licensure and Effectiveness.
Official Transcripts:
Candidates are required to submit official transcripts from accredited colleges or universities. Guidelines for transcript submission can be found in the Instructions for Submitting Transcripts. Alternatively, applicants can mail their original transcripts to the Office of Educator Licensure & Effectiveness at William Green Building, 30 W. Spring Street, 12th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215.
Coursework Completed Outside the United States:
Individuals who have completed coursework outside the United States must provide a comprehensive course-by-course analysis from an approved international credential evaluation service.
Background Checks:
Candidates must submit both BCI and FBI background checks for initial licensure. Further details regarding background checks can be found on the Background Check FAQs webpage. Those residing outside Ohio may request fingerprint cards by contacting the Office of Educator Licensure & Effectiveness via Educator.Licensure@SBOE.ohio.gov.
Fee: Please remit the application fee of $200 to facilitate the submission process. Timely payment will help prevent any delays in processing your application.
Additionally, applicants are advised to follow these steps for completing the application process:
- Access the OHID account.
- Navigate to Educator Licensure and Records (CORE).
- Complete the online application from the CORE Dashboard.
- Refer to the FAQs About the Online CORE License System for any additional guidance.
For further assistance regarding your out-of-state application, you can contact a specialist via email at educator.licensure@education.ohio.gov. Alternatively, feel free to reach the certification office toll-free at (877)-644-6338.