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School Counselor Renewal Requirements

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:

    1. 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.

    2. 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​​.


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School counselors may present one course or a combination of courses to fulfill the regulation requirements.

MSDE is currently aware of the following coursework, which may be used to satisfy the requirements*:

*Courses do not require approval by the MSDE to be applied toward the requirements established in COMAR 13A.12.03.02F.