Indiana school guidance counselors help students succeed by promoting student engagement and learning, a positive school culture, and college and career readiness. For more information about school counseling in Indiana, download the Department of Education Content Standards for Educators – School Counselor manual.
If you are interested in becoming a school counselor in Indiana, you may find additional information regarding licensing requirements on the Indiana Department of Education website.
Sponsored School(s)M. Ed in School Counseling (leads to initial Licensure) Click here to contact Grand Canyon University and request information about their programs.
NYU Steinhardt's accredited master of arts program in Counseling and Guidance: School and Bilingual School Counseling. Through this online program, you will gain the skills you need to become a professional Pre-K-12 school counselor, working with children and families in your community to foster academic achievement and success. Click here to contact New York University and request information about their programs.
Master of Science in School Counseling Click here to contact Butler University and request information about their programs.
MS in School Counseling - General Program. Click here to contact Walden University and request information about their programs.
Master of Arts in School Counseling. Click here to contact University of Denver and request information about their programs.
Online Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling Click here to contact Campbellsville University and request information about their programs.
Skip down the page to the certification pathway you’re interested in:
Applicants for an Indiana original school counselor license must submit a packet for consideration of an evaluation, which does not guarantee a license.
To be considered for an evaluation, you must meet all of the following requirements.
M. Ed in School Counseling (leads to initial Licensure) Click here to contact Grand Canyon University and request information about their programs.
NYU Steinhardt's accredited master of arts program in Counseling and Guidance: School and Bilingual School Counseling. Through this online program, you will gain the skills you need to become a professional Pre-K-12 school counselor, working with children and families in your community to foster academic achievement and success. Click here to contact New York University and request information about their programs.
Master's in School Counseling Online (M.Ed.) Click here to contact Liberty University and request information about their programs.
MS in School Counseling - General Program. Click here to contact Walden University and request information about their programs.
Master of Arts in School Counseling. Click here to contact University of Denver and request information about their programs.
Online Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling Click here to contact Campbellsville University and request information about their programs.
Upon being hired, new Indiana school counselors will be required to obtain an expanded criminal history check and expanded child protection index check, and pay for all associated costs. The criminal history check must be completed no later than thirty (30) days after the hire date, and the child protection index check must be complete no more than sixty (60) days after the hire date.
Background checks may be updated every five (5) years.
For more information about criminal background checking and pre-employment reference checks, view this PDF.
FIND SCHOOLS Sponsored ContentYou must complete the Indiana Core Assessment for School Counselor, with a passing score of 220. This multiple-choice, computer-based exam takes approximately two hours to complete. The exam fee is $114, payable with a VISA or MasterCard credit card only.
Approved testing sites are located nationwide, and offer year-round testing dates. For more information about this exam, to access study materials, and register for a test date, visit the Indiana CORE Assessment website.
Your complete application is submitted online and includes the following materials:
When you submit your application materials, you will also select your recommending institution. A licensing advisor from that institution will process your Indiana school counselor license application. For a list of Licensing Advisors at colleges/universities across the state, visit this this webpage.
Initial fee to determine eligibility for evaluation: $35 plus a processing fee
Upon successful evaluation, license issuance fee: $35 plus a processing fee
All fees are nonrefundable. An automated email will notify you when the license issuance fee is due. For additional information about the application fees, visit this webpage.
Your application for Indiana School Counselor license must be submitted online, using the Licensing Verification and Information System (LVIS), located on the Indiana DOE website.
For detailed instructions about how to create an online profile, apply online, and submit all necessary supporting documentation through the portal, download the Licensing Advisor Manual.
If you need assistance with your School Counselor license application, please contact the licensing department at the Indiana Department of Education.
Phone: 317-232-9010
Email: [email protected]
The school counselor license is valid for two (2), five (5), or ten (10) years from the date of issue, depending on which license the Licensing Advisor grants, and must be renewed within 45 days of the license expiration date.
Your renewal application must include renewal through one of the following methods:
If you would like to renew your Indiana School Counselor license online, visit the Indiana DOE website for all required materials and information for how to renew online.
For more information about how to renew your Indiana School Counselor license, you can contact a certification specialist via email at [email protected] or call the Department of Education at 317-232-9010.
Although Indiana does not have a full reciprocity process, applicants who hold a current and valid school counselor license in another U.S. state can submit materials as an out-of-state applicant. The complete application packet, including all supporting documentation and fees, must be submitted online.
Out-of-state application materials include:
For more details about these application materials, and instructions for how to complete an online profile, visit the IN DOE website.
If you have questions about your out-of-state application, contact the Indiana Department of Education at 317-232-901 to speak with a specialist.
For resources to assist you with continuing education and other career development opportunities, see the following websites: