Transferring from Another State

In California, a Pupil Personnel Services Credential, School Counseling Specialization authorizes the holder to perform the following duties:

  • Develop, plan, implement, and evaluate a school counseling and guidance program that includes academic, career, personal, and social development.
  • Advocate for the high academic achievement and social development of all students.
  • Provide schoolwide prevention and intervention strategies and counseling services.
  • Provide consultation, training, and staff development to teachers and parents regarding students’ needs.
  • Supervise a district-approved advisory program as described in California Education Code, Section 49600.
The Pupil Personnel Services Credential authorizes any of the following four specializations: school counseling, school social work, school psychology, and school child welfare and attendance services. 

The following information outlines the requirements for individuals who have completed their professional preparation program outside of California. Individuals prepared in California should refer to Commission leaflet CL-606C, entitled Pupil Personnel Services Credential for Individuals Prepared in California. Individuals prepared outside of the United States or U.S. Territories must obtain the formal recommendation of a California college or university with a Commission-approved Pupil Personnel Services Program in the area of specialization they are seeking.
 

Requirements for the Clear Credential – Specialization in School Counseling

Individuals must satisfy all of the following:
  1. A baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally-accredited college or university.
     
  2. Complete a professional preparation program of post baccalaureate degree study consisting of a minimum of 30 semester units specializing in school counseling, including a supervised field experience with school-age children. Programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) meet this requirement.
     
    1. A letter verifying field experience must be on original, official letterhead from the college or university's education department and must accompany the application packet.
       
    2. Applicants must verify eligibility for the equivalent credential authorization. A photocopy of the out-of-state credential is acceptable verification of this requirement, as is an eligibility letter from the institution where the program was completed or the state agency responsible for issuing the certificate.
       
    3. If the out-of-state preparation program does not fit this pattern, the applicant must contact a California college or university with a Commission-approved school counseling program for an evaluation and formal recommendation.
       
  3. Satisfy the Basic Skills Requirement. See Commission leaflet CL-667, entitled Basic Skills Requirement for additional information. Out-of-state prepared applicants who have not satisfied the basic skills requirement may contact their California employer about the possibility of obtaining a One-Year Nonrenewable (OYNR) Credential pending the completion of the basic skills requirement.
     
  4. Completed application (form 41-4), and, if not previously submitted to the Commission, a completed Live Scan receipt (form 41-LSOpen PDF in current window.). Out-of-state residents must submit two fingerprint cards (FD-258) in lieu of a Live Scan receipt. If submitting fingerprint cards, current fingerprint processing fees must accompany the application packet.
     
  5. Application processing fee (see Fee Information leaflet CL-659).
 

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification

Individuals holding certification issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in the area of Early Childhood to Young Adulthood – School Counseling may apply directly to the Commission for the clear credential. Those applying under this route are exempt from the basic skills requirement and all other credential requirements. Individuals may apply by submitting the following items by mail:
  1. Photocopy of National Board Certification.
     
  2. Completed application (form 41-4), and, if not previously submitted to the Commission, a completed Live Scan receipt (form 41-LSOpen PDF in current window.). Out-of-State residents must submit two fingerprint cards (FD-258) in lieu of a Live Scan receipt. If submitting fingerprint cards, current fingerprint processing fees must accompany the application packet.
     
  3. Appropriate application processing fee.