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Oregon School Counselor Certification Renewal & Advancement to Professional School Counselor Certification
In Oregon, the School Counselor License is granted to educators who have completed a School Counselor Preparation Program and hold a master’s degree (see Oregon Administrative Code). With this credential, individuals can offer counseling support services in prekindergarten to grade 12 schools statewide.
School Counselor Certification Renewal
The School Counselor License in Oregon is subject to renewal every three (3) years and is renewable continuously (see Renewal Information and Instructions from TSPC). To ensure the renewal of your license, you are required to fulfill 75 continuing professional development units (PDUs) and complete a survey focusing on PDUs related to suicide prevention. Verification of your PDUs by your employing school district is essential for the renewal process.
Renewal Requirements:
- Completion of a professional development plan under OAR 584-255-0010.
- Reporting on completion of any continuing education regarding suicide risk assessment, treatment, and management.
- Submit a complete and correct renewal application in the required form and manner.
- Payment of all required fees (a renewal fee of $182, along with a $10 processing fee) as provided in OAR 584-200-0050.
Renewal Application Process:
- Access the eLicensing system through the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) website.
- Log in using your username.
- Navigate to the “Licenses” tab.
- Click on the “renew” button next to your current School Counselor License.
- Complete the renewal application as instructed.
- Apply along with the required documentation and fees.
Advancement to Professional School Counselor Certification
The Professional School Counselor Certification allows the holder to provide counseling support services in prekindergarten through grade 12 Oregon public school districts, education service districts, and charter schools (see Professional School Counselor License Admin Code). The Professional License is issued for five (5) years and is renewable repeatedly. (see Upgrading Overview on TSPC). The expiration date is five (5) years from the date of issue plus time until the applicant’s birthday. Professional Licenses signify advanced knowledge, skills, and experience. Eligibility requirements include completion of sufficient experience and an advanced program.
Advancement Requirements:
- Meet all requirements of the School Counselor license issued previously.
- Complete an advanced professional educational program or demonstrate advanced competencies:
- The advanced program must be completed after issuing the first non-provisional license in Oregon or another NASDTEC jurisdiction. Applicants need to provide documentation of completion of an advanced program.
- Approved programs include advanced degree programs, National Board Certification, and other advanced degrees, coursework, or assessments demonstrating competency in counseling skills.
- Complete the licensed experience requirements:
- All experience must be verified on a PEER form. Experience must be completed while holding a preliminary license from a NASDTEC jurisdiction.
- Applicants must have three (3) full years of qualifying licensed experience in a 1.0 FTE assignment or six (6) full years of qualifying licensed experience in a 0.50 FTE or more assignment.
- Qualifying experience includes working directly with preK-12 students in various educational settings.
- Undergo a background clearance including providing fingerprints and satisfactory responses to character questions.
Application Process for Advancement:
- Access the eLicensing system through the TSPC website.
- Log in using your username.
- Select “Submit New Application.”
- Choose the option for upgrading to a Professional School Counselor License.
- Complete the application form with accurate information.
- Apply along with supporting documentation and the fees totaling $192 inclusive of a $10 convenience fee.
All applications are processed by the date they are received. Processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications.
For further assistance or inquiries regarding the renewal of your Oregon school counselor license, you can contact the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission at (503)-378-3586.