Counselor Professional Certification Program 

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) will serve as your first contact for updates regarding certification maintenance.

OSPI’s Professional Certification Office:
PO Box 47200
Olympia, WA 98504-7200

Phone: 360-725-6400
Fax: 360-586-0145
Website: http://www.k12.wa.us/certification
 

Based on a May 2017 action by the Professional Educator Standards Board, all Counselor Professional Certification programs will conclude in June 2017.

School Counselors with Residency Certificates expiring before July 1, 2019 may pursue a 3-year renewal through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). This is a paper-application process and must be submitted directly to OSPI’s Certification Office. Applications for the 3-year extension are available on the OSPI website. School Counselors with Residency Certificates may also complete 150 clock hours aligned to state school counselor domains to earn a Continuing ESA certificate or complete National Board Certification to earn a Professional ESA certificate.
 

Residency, Professional, and Continuing certificate holders in the role of School Counselor may:

1. Renew a certificate by completing 100 Professional Development aligned clock hours (10 credits) during 5-year validity date of certificate– see below for new SPU course offering!
2. Renew a certificate by completing four annual Professional Growth Plans (PGPs) during 5-year validity date of certificate
3. Renew a certificate by combining completed PGPs with clock hours for a total of 100 hours during the 5-year validity date of certificate
    

PESB also provided language regarding those who are currently enrolled, as well as those who have already met current requirements for Professional Certification:
"Historically, those individuals who have completed the requirements for second tier (professional) certification are not required to complete or ‘re-do’ the work under a new model. They have already earned the certificate using the standards and procedures in place at the time, and are ‘grandfathered’ into any new system.” 

Seattle Pacific University is committed to serving and is working to respond to the evolving state requirements. We are grateful for each candidate who contributed to the Professional Certification program at SPU. It has been a joy to witness the impact leaders have in Washington schools.

As we look ahead, SPU is excited to offer new standards-aligned courses designed to grow your impact as a school leader. Be empowered in your practice and purpose by enrolling in The Center for Professional Educations new courses for school counselors, Fall 2017. Explore our online catalog to find meaningful professional development course offerings!