Per Certification and Staffing Policy Guideline (CSPG) 76, a school counselor who holds an Elementary School Counselor K-6 certificate or a Secondary School Counselor 7-12 certificate may provide services to students in grades five (5) through eight (8). Additionally, a school counselor employed by a local education agency (LEA) who holds an Elementary School Counselor K-6 certificate may provide services to PK students in their LEA.
Those holding either certificate looking to obtain the current PK-12 certificate can be considered if the program completed meets current PK-12 program requirements. This can be determined by contacting the program provider, which will advise whether additional requirements must be met before a recommendation for certification can be made. If the program provider does not currently offer a PK-12 certification program or the counselor chooses to work with a different program provider, an approved PK-12 program provider must be contacted for current PK-12 program requirements.
Candidates who completed a grade-comparable program outside of PA and/or hold a comparable, current and valid professional level out-of-state certificate can find guidance on the Out-of-State Educators page of our website. All candidates must apply in TIMS to be considered.
Elementary and Secondary School Counselor (PK-12) CSPG 76