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School Counselor Certification Renewal & Advancement to 5-Year Professional & 7-Year Advanced School Counselor Certification
The State of Rhode Island mandates specific requirements for School Counselors seeking to renew or advance their certification, ensuring they remain qualified and continue professional development.
The process includes distinct criteria for the Initial (3-Year), Professional (5-Year), and Advanced (7-Year) School Counselor Certificates. Each certificate type demands various Professional Learning Units (PLUs) annually, with additional aspirational benchmarks required for the advanced certificate.
Renewal applications can be submitted through the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) Portal via paper or online, accompanied by relevant documentation and a renewal fee. Staying updated with RIDE’s latest guidelines is essential for all applicants to ensure compliance with certification and renewal standards.
Validity, Requirements, & Application Process
Initial (3-Year) School Counselor Certificate:
- Validity: Three (3) years.
- Renewal Requirements: Complete the equivalent of 30 Professional Learning Units (PLUs) annually.
- For certificates expiring in 2024, a total of 75 PLUs (3 years x 25 PLUs/year) is required.
- For certificates expiring in 2025, a total of 90 PLUs (3 years x 30 PLUs/year) is required.
- Application Process:
- Renewal can be submitted any time after January 1st of the expiration year.
- Submit a paper application to the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE).
Professional (5-Year) School Counselor Certificate:
- Validity: Five (5) years.
- Renewal Requirements: Complete the equivalent of 20 PLUs annually.
Pro-rated PLUs required for renewal based on the year of expiration:
- 2024: 75 PLUs (5 years x 15 PLUs/year).
- 2025: 75 PLUs (5 years x 15 PLUs/year).
- 2026: 80 PLUs (4 years x 15 PLUs + 1 year x 20 PLUs).
- 2027: 85 PLUs (3 years x 15 PLUs + 2 years x 20 PLUs).
- 2028: 90 PLUs (2 years x 15 PLUs + 3 years x 20 PLUs).
- 2029: 95 PLUs (1 year x 15 PLUs + 4 years x 20 PLUs).
- 2030: 100 PLUs (5 years x 20 PLUs/year).
- Application Process:
- Renew through the online portal or submit a paper application to RIDE.
Advanced (7-Year) School Counselor Certificate:
- Validity: Seven (7) years.
- Advancement Requirements:
- Complete 100 PLUs.
- Achieve at least one aspirational benchmark, such as:
- National Board Certification (NBC).
- Conferral of an advanced degree.
- RIDE or national educator recognition (e.g., Milken Award, State Teacher of the Year, or Presidential Award for Math and Science).
- Completion of the NISL Executive Development Program or serving as a NISL facilitator.
- Certification in a shortage area identified by RIDE.
- Application Process:
- Submit evidence of aspirational benchmarks and the renewal application online via My eCert or mail.
Background Checks, Documentation, & Fee
It is standard practice for certification processes to include background checks. Educators should ensure their background checks are up-to-date per RIDE’s requirements and submit any necessary documentation along with their application. Always refer to the latest guidelines from RIDE for specific requirements regarding background checks.
Required Documents:
- Completed renewal application form downloadable from RIDE’s website (checklist and paper application) or completed online.
- Proof of completed PLUs.
- Evidence of aspirational benchmarks (for advanced certificates).
Renewal Fee:
- $200 application renewal fee.
All renewal applications should adhere to the guidelines and timelines provided by RIDE. Keep an eye on any updates or changes in the certification renewal/advancement process. For further details or assistance with the certification renewal process, contact the certification office at (401)-222-4600 during normal business hours or via mail at eqac@ride.ri.gov.