South Carolina School Counselor Certification Renewal

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: March 11th, 2025

South Carolina Licensing Body

School Counselor Certification Renewal and Advancement to Professional Certification

The Initial School Counselor credential is a nonrenewable certification valid for three (3) years. Advancement to the Professional Certificate will depend on your employment status and experience. Once obtained, the Professional Certificate remains valid for five (5) years, expiring on June 30^th of the final year of validity. To renew the Professional Certificate, you must accrue a minimum of 120 renewal credits within the five (5)-year validity period. For detailed information on renewal credits, please refer to the renewal credit matrix.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the specific requirements and processes for advancing and renewing a School Counselor Certification in South Carolina:

Advancing to Professional Certification

In late July, the state automatically evaluates educators whose Initial certificates expire in June for advancement to Professional certification. This process requires no application from the educator. Advancement is contingent upon the school district’s submission of a “met” result for the ADEPT summative evaluation through the state’s educator evaluation data system. This evaluation must have been completed within the validity period of the expiring Initial certificate.

Renewing the Professional Certificate

To renew a professional school counseling certificate, school counselors will need to complete a minimum of 120 renewal credits during the five (5)-year certificate validity period. Credits can be earned through various professional development activities listed in the State Board of Education (SBE) Renewal Credit Matrix.

Renewal Credit Matrix Options:

• Available to All Educators:
  • College Coursework
  • Certificate Renewal Courses approved by SCDE
  • Continuing Education Units (CEUs) approved by SCDE
• For Educators in Public Schools or Participating Entities:
  • Professional Publications
  • Instructional Activities (e.g., teaching a college course)
  • Professional Training
  • Serving as a Professional Assessor or Evaluator
  • Mentorship, Supervision, or Instructional Coaching
  • Educational Projects, Collaborations, Grants, or Research
  • Professional Development Activities (e.g., conferences, workshops, task forces)
  • Professional Development CEU Credits

Additional Requirements:

• Read to Succeed (R2S) Endorsement Requirements: These may be required as part of the renewal credits.
• Jason Flatt Act Suicide Awareness Training: This training is mandated by state statute.

Application Processes

For Employed Educators:

• Submit documentation of renewal credits to your employer.
• Request renewal through your employer.

For Unemployed Educators or Those Not in a Public School District:

• Request renewal through the My SC Educator Portal.
• Submit documentation to the SCDE Office of Educator Services.

Documentation

Proof of Renewal Credits:

• Keep records of all professional development activities.
• Ensure all documentation is submitted accurately and on time through the appropriate channels (employer or My SC Educator Portal).

Fees

• There are fees associated with the initial application ($105) and background check processes ($51.50).
• Renewal fees may apply, which can be paid through the My SC Educator Portal or via your employer if they handle the renewal process.

Expired Certificates

Renewal of Expired Certificates:

• Eligible to renew up to ten (10) school years past the expiration date.
• Renewal credits must be earned within five (5) years before the renewal request.

Certificates Expired Over Ten (10) Years:

• Must reapply for certification and meet all current requirements according to State Board of Education regulations.

You can seek assistance with your renewal and advancement applications via phone at (803)-896-0325 or by email at certification@ed.sc.gov.