Educational Staff Associate (ESA)-School Counselor or School Psychologist
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This page explains how to apply for your first Educational Staff Associate (ESA) certificate in Washington state for the School Counselor or School Psychologist roles. It covers both the Residency (First Issue) and Professional ESA certificates, who qualifies for each, and the requirements you must meet.
Washington Offers Two Types of ESA School Counselor or School Psychologist Certificates
- Residency ESA (First Issue) certificate is the first-tier, full credential for new ESAs
- Professional ESA certificate is a second-tier, full credential for school counselors or school psychologists who meet all the requirements for a Residency certificate and have a National Board certification in their role
Residency ESA (First Issue)
Institution Approval Required
You will NOT be able to apply for this certificate until your institution initiates it.
General Requirements for Both Role Types
- Master's degree according to the requested role in counseling or school psychology (must submit official transcripts showing degree conferral)
- Please Note: If your master’s degree is not specifically in counseling, you may still qualify. You must show proof that you completed all the required coursework for a counseling master’s degree. You can submit this proof in the following form:
- Option 1: School counselor or school psychologist preparation program completion verification (Psychologist and Counselor Program Completion Verification Form 4098E)
- Option 2: A letter on institution letterhead, signed by the registrar or head of the counseling or psychology department, stating that all coursework requirements for a master’s degree have been completed
- Please Note: If your master’s degree is not specifically in counseling, you may still qualify. You must show proof that you completed all the required coursework for a counseling master’s degree. You can submit this proof in the following form:
- Complete a comprehensive exam relevant to the role (Psychologist and Counselor Program Completion Verification Form 4098E)
- If you did not complete such an exam in your program, verification of one of the approved testing alternatives is required
- Complete the additional requirements by role type below
- Submit fingerprints for a background check if you do not already have a valid Washington certificate on record
Additional Requirements by ESA Role Type
- School Counselor
-
Complete one of the options below:
- Option 1: Complete any state's approved program leading to PK–12 certification for the school counselor role (Psychologist and Counselor Program Completion Verification Form 4098E)
- Option 2: Verify that you have three years of certified out-of-state experience in the PK–12 school counselor role (Experience Verification Form 4020F-1)
- School Psychologists
-
Complete one of the eligibility options below:
- Option 1: Complete any state's approved program leading to certification for the school psychologist role (Psychologist and Counselor Program Completion Verification Form 4098E)
- Option 2: Verify that you have three years of certified out-of-state experience in the PK–12 school psychologist role (Experience Verification Form 4020F-1)
- Option 3: Hold a valid Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential issued after December 31, 1991, by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
Approved School Counselor Comprehensive Exam Testing Alternatives
| Test Name and Code | Passing Score | Administration Dates |
|---|---|---|
| The National Counselor Examination (NCE) of the National Board-Certified Counselors (NBCC) | N/A | N/A |
| Praxis II Specialty Area Test Code 5422 | 159 | 10/1/2022–Present |
| Praxis II Specialty Area Test Code 5421 | 156 | 9/1/2014–9/30/2022 |
| Praxis II Specialty Area Test Code 0421 | 156 | Prior to 8/31/2014 |
| Praxis II Specialty Area Test Code 0420 | 600 | Prior to 1/17/2003 |
Approved School Psychologist Comprehensive Exam Testing Alternatives
| Test Name and Code | Passing Score | Administration Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Praxis II Specialty Area Test Code 10400 | 600 | Prior to September completed |
| axis II Specialty Area Test Code 0401 | 165 | Prior to October 2014 |
| Praxis II Specialty Area Test Code 5402 | 147 | 10/1/2014–9/30/2022 |
| Praxis II Specialty Area Test Code 5403 | 155 | 10/1/2022–Present |
Professional ESA
This application is for people seeking second-tier certification for the school counselor or school psychologist role.
Requirements
- Must meet all Residency ESA (First Issue) requirements
- Must hold one of the following:
- A school counselor certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)
- A valid Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential issued by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
- Attest that you completed a course or coursework on issues of abuse and emotional or behavioral distress in students
- Enter this requirement in your E-Certification account under Clock Hours or submit the Issues of Abuse Course Verification Form 4020G.
- Attest that you have completed an approved suicide prevention training after your most recent certificate for this role was issued or within the five years before you applied. Submit the Suicide Prevention Training Verification Form 4020S.