1. (1) Validity of certificate. The initial certificate shall be valid for five years from its effective date.

2. (2) Requirements for an initial certificate as a school counselor. The candidate shall meet each of the following requirements:

   1. (i) Education. The candidate shall meet the education requirement by meeting the requirements in each of the following clauses:

      1. (a) The candidate shall have successfully completed a program leading to the initial certificate as a school counselor registered pursuant to section 52.21(d) of this Title, or its equivalent as determined by the department.
      2. (b) The candidate shall hold a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited higher education institution or an equivalently approved higher education institution as determined by the department.

   2. (ii) Examination. Candidates applying for certification on or after February 2, 2023 shall submit evidence of having achieved a satisfactory level of performance on the New York State examination for school counselors or other equivalent examination as approved by the commissioner, if available.

      (b) Professional certificate.

3. (1) Validity of certificate. The professional certificate for school counselors shall be continuously valid.

4. (2) Requirements for a professional certificate as a school counselor. The candidate shall have successfully completed, in addition to the requirements for the initial certificate, the following requirements:

   1. (i) Education. The candidate shall meet the education requirement by meeting the requirements in each of the following clauses:

      1. (a) The candidate shall have successfully completed a program leading to a professional certificate as a school counselor registered pursuant to section 52.21(d) of this Title, or its equivalent as determined by the department.
      2. (b) The candidate shall hold a master’s degree or higher in school counseling from a regionally accredited higher education institution or an equivalently approved higher education institution as determined by the department or hold an advanced certificate of study from a registered program pursuant to section 52.21(d)(3) of this Title.
   2. (ii) Experience. The candidate shall have successfully completed three years of school counseling experience in New York State public or non-public schools K-12, or its equivalent. The candidate who completes this requirement in total or part through experience in New York public schools shall be required to participate in a mentored program in the first year of employment.

(a) Initial certificate.