What's Here? - Table of Contents
South Dakota School Counselor Certification Renewal
The School Counselor credential must be renewed every five (5) years, and renewal can be initiated anytime after January 1st of the expiration year. To renew your School Counselor Certificate, complete the renewal application through the South Dakota certification portal (see Education Specialist Renewal Overview).
Requirements for Renewal
Proof of Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training:
- Complete an approved suicide awareness and prevention training program.
- For a list of approved trainings, visit the South Dakota Department of Education website.
Renewal Options for an Education Specialist Certificate:
Option 1:
- Complete either six (6) education-related transcripted credits, specialized learning experience hours, or continuing education contact hours.
Option 2:
- Complete national board certification or recertification as a School Counselor (NCSC certificate of completion required) within the past five (5) years.
Option 3:
- Complete national board certification or recertification as a School Psychologist (certificate of completion required) within the past five (5) years.
Renewal Application Fee:
- Pay a $60 renewal application fee.
Renewal Requirements for Invalid Certificates
Renewing an Invalid Certificate:
- If renewal requirements are not met by October 1st of the expiration year, the certificate becomes invalid.
- To renew an invalid certificate, you will need to pay an additional invalid fee of $100 along with the application fee.
- Renewal requirements remain the same.
Temporary Certificate:
- A one (1)-year temporary certificate is available for those with invalid certificates to complete renewal requirements.
- An invalid fee of $100 is required in addition to the application fee.
Special Considerations:
Active Military Duty:
- Educators called to active military duty can have their certificate re-issued with extended dates at no additional cost.
- A copy of military orders verifying the start and end dates of active duty is required.
Hardship Modification:
- For good cause, the certificate expiration date may be extended for one (1) year without penalty.
- Good cause includes serious illness, loss of income, or death/serious illness of a family member.
- Satisfactory evidence must be provided to demonstrate a good faith effort to meet renewal requirements.
Documentation Submission
Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training Proof:
- Upload the completion certificate to your application if saved as a PDF.
- Email to certification@state.sd.us or mail a copy of the certificate.
Contact Hours:
- Upload to your application if saved as a PDF.
- Email to certification@state.sd.us or mail a copy of the contact hour certificate.
Transcripted Credits:
- Submit official transcripts either by mail (printed by the university) or electronically directly from the university to the South Dakota Department of Education.
- Transcripts may NOT be submitted as a PDF or attached to an email.
Specialized Learning Experience:
- Provide evidence that the experience was educational and related to your occupational field.
- This can include activities such as formal programs in other countries, legislative experiences focused on education, or teaching in an accredited teacher preparation program.
Application Process
Complete the renewal application via the South Dakota Certification Portal.
Fees:
- Pay the $60 renewal application fee.
- If applicable, pay the $100 invalid fee for an invalid certificate.
For more detailed information or assistance, contact the certification office at (605)-773-3134, available Monday through Friday.