License Finder

School Counselors administer school guidance and counseling programs, which must be developmentally appropriate and designed to address the educational and career needs of all students. Guidance and counseling programs must deliver career, occupational, and educational information; student appraisal activities; placement services; and identification and referral of students in need of special services, including suicide prevention and psychiatric referrals. High school guidance programs must also provide for the delivery of career and college counseling.

Legislation: NH RSA 186; Administrative Rules Chapter Ed 507.06 - 507.07

Certification Requirements:

• Submit application for certification and non-refundable application fee
• Alternative methods of qualification for certification:
• Alternative 1: Completion of an approved program of professional preparation in school guidance counseling
• Alternative 2: Completion of a comparable program outside of New Hampshire
• Alternative 3: Qualification based on Demonstrated Competencies and Equivalent Experiences, requiring both written examination and oral review
• Specific educational requirements by position as follows:
School Counselor
• Have completed a State Board of Education approved school counseling collegiate program at the Master's degree level or higher; or
• Have acquired the competencies, skills, and knowledge of a school counselor through:
• Completion of courses related to school counseling at the Master's degree level or higher and completion of a counseling internship in a school setting; or
• Experience in comparable positions in school counseling or other professions closely related to school counseling
School Counseling Director
• Currently possess New Hampshire certification as a school counselor
• At least three years of successful paid and progressively responsible experience in the field of school, with recent leadership experience

Examination: Not required

Continuing Education: Staff development activities totaling 75 clock hours (or alternative to clock hours) in the school district and/or school administrative unit staff development plan during the three-year certification period

Fees:

• Three-year certificate: $130
• Three-year renewal: $130
• Competency review, Alternative 3: $300
• Late filing fee: $50

Reciprocity: Permitted in accordance with the NASDTEC Interstate Contract

revised Jan 2018