On October 6, 2016, regulations were adopted that established additional renewal requirements for school counselors.
Upon renewal of a certificate in school counseling, an individual must present 6 acceptable credits**, which must include:
- One semester hour of coursework; or
- One CPD; or
- An equivalent number of CEUs that addresses the following:
- The need for intervention or referral in response to indicators of mental illness and behavioral distress, including, but not limited to:
- Depression;
- Trauma;
- Violence;
- Youth Suicide; and
- Substance Abuse.
- The identification of professional resources and best practices for distributing resources to parents or guardians to help students in crisis.
When submitting coursework for this requirement, please include a course description or syllabus with your request.
Policy allows school counselors who currently hold a valid Maryland certificate one full renewal cycle prior to having to meet this requirement. Those who were issued a certificate
on or after January 1, 2017 must present the requirements outlined above, including those who choose to accelerate a renewal to the next professional certificate.
**Although CEUs are acceptable to meet the requirements above, the remaining coursework submitted for renewal must meet the following definition:
- Earned or taught at a regionally accredited college/university or through Maryland approved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits; and
- Related to a school assignment; and
- Earned within 5 years immediately preceding the date the certificate is issued.