Vermont School Counselor Certification

Step 1: Educational Requirements

Earn a master’s degree in school counseling, or equivalent degree. Vermont approved programs include colleges and universities such as Capella University (CACREP) and New York University (NYU). All applicants must acquire an endorsement from said program and have official documentation of accreditation.

Contact schools with accredited programs, such as those listed here:

Step 2: Experience Requirements

All applicants must show at least 60 hours of experience in elementary school counseling, and 60 hours in secondary school counseling. These hours must be completed as part of an internship program under the supervision of a licensed counselor.

Step 3: Examination Requirements

Successful completion of the Praxis Core exams are required for all Vermont applicants. This examination series includes reading, writing, and math in a combined test. The fee for this test is $150, plus an additional $40 for the testing service.

* Please note: The Praxis I test may be taken in place of the core Praxis exams with minimum scores of 177 for the reading portion, 174 for the writing portion, and 175 for the math portion (a combined total of at least 526).

Step 4: Fingerprinting and Background Checks

A completed fingerprint and background check is required AFTER you’ve submitted your initial certification application. You are also required to fill out the criminal record questionnaire included in the certification application. A fee of $13.25 will be charged through the Public Safety Department at the time your background check is submitted.

Make an appointment for fingerprinting at your local police station or approved fingerprinting center. You will have 15 days to send proof of receipt for your fingerprint and background check once your application is submitted.

All out-of-state applicants are required to submit fingerprint cards. You will also need to provide a large, postage paid addressed envelope (see address below). This will allow the agency to directly mail your completed fingerprint cards without having to fold them. Completed forms and fingerprint cards should be mailed to the following address:

Step 5: Organizing Your Materials for Application

• Sign in to your ALiS portal. If you receive an error message saying your social security number is already in the system, proceed as an existing Vermont educator, even if this doesn’t accurately describe your title.
• Gather all transcripts from the college/university where your degree was obtained. These may be sent digitally so long as they include the official seal of the institution, a visible date of degree acquisition, recommendation from the institution where program was successfully completed, and signature of approval.
• Include a copy of your out-of-state license (if applicable).
• Upload your examination reports and scores.
• Fill out all forms required for application including the Good Standing form and disclosure form.
• Print the authorized fingerprint certificate you will need to take with you to the fingerprinting facility.
• Please note: If you have opted for an alternate route preparation program, all documentation should be scanned and included in your application for certification.

Step 6: Submitting Your Application:

Initiate the Online Licensing System, or ALiS. *Please note: Only certain browsers are compatible with the AliS system. Mac systems are not compatible.

Include the initial certification fee for first level licensure, which is $200. Keep in mind that $50 of your fee is non-refundable.

If not submitting online, proceed with mailing all required documentation to:

* Please Note: All communication about your application will be sent through email. Be sure to check your spam/junk folders to ensure you are receiving all updates to your application process.

The initial school counseling licensure in Vermont is good for 3 years before renewal is required. Every applicant must renew through the ALiS.

Submission of Professional Learning hours, along with your renewal application must be approved by a licensing professional. For level one renewal, a minimum of 45 hours in your endorsed field, plus 15 hours of specified credits must be completed prior to the expiration of your initial certification.

Once your renewal application has been submitted, you will then need to make an appointment for a fingerprint and background check-if it is determined you need an updated check.

With your renewal application, include your personal details, previous license information, acquired learning hours, any pertinent disclosures, and your $50 fee (non-refundable).

Submit all information through your online portal. A confirmation email will be sent to you, and you will be able to track your application process through the online system.

In Vermont, almost all states are eligible for reciprocity. The exclusions are New York, New Mexico, South Dakota and Wisconsin. All applicants who have a current license, either in school counseling or another educational or school administrative field can apply. All applicants must have at least 3 years of experience within a school setting over the past 7 years within their licensed field.

An agreement, called the NASDTEC must be accepted and signed in order to proceed. All candidates who have a state-signed NASDTEC and who currently hold a professional educator license in their state are exempt from the testing requirements.

For applicants outside the U.S., who aren’t able to have the interstate agreement signed, a Peer Review is accepted and can be implemented in the reciprocity certification application. However, the fee for this peer review process is $1250.00, plus the license fee of $200.

* Please note: Applicants with expired licenses should renew their licenses in their own state before applying for certification in Vermont.