1. (a) Oklahoma School Counselorsshall be certified by one of the following methods:
2. (1) Traditional Certification. For Traditional Certification, an Oklahoma School Counselor shall, prior to certification:
3. (A) possess a master’s degree in School Counseling Program;
4. (B) successfully pass the Oklahoma Subject Area Test (“OSAT”) in School Counseling;
5. (C) successfully pass a background check; and
6. (D) submit a recommendation for certification from the university from which their degree was awarded
7. (2) Alternative Certification. For Alternative Certification, an Oklahoma School Counselor shall, prior to certification:
8. (A) possess a master's degree in a school counseling-related field or a master's degree and two (2) years of counseling-related work experience;
9. (B) have successfully completed thirty (30) or more counseling-related graduate credit hours; or fifteen (15) or more counseling-related graduate credit hours and one year of counseling-related work experience; or three (3) or more years of counseling-related work experience
10. (C) successfully pass the Oklahoma Subject Area Test (“OSAT”) in School Counseling;
11. (D) successfully pass a background check; and
12. (E) successfully complete two (2) college credit courses, totaling at least six credit hours, within three (3) years, addressing the components of a Comprehensive School Counseling program, including but not limited to, data-informed decision-making, closing achievement, and opportunity gaps, school counseling ethical standards, and improving student achievement, attendance, and discipline or approved equivalents.
13. (3) Emergency Certification. Decisions regarding emergency certification are initially handled at the local school level and then must be subsequently approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Education.
14. (b) All Oklahoma School Counselors shall be trained in the pathways unit system as provided for in 70 O.S. Supp. 2023, Section 11- 103.6.
15. (c) Schools shall develop a written Comprehensive School Counseling Program. “Comprehensive School Counseling Program,” for the purposes of this section, shall mean a program that has an impact on student growth in the areas of academic advisement, college and career, and life skills and wellness.
16. (d) Oklahoma School Counselors shall spend a minimum of eighty percent (80%) of total work time providing direct and indirect services that are components of the school’s Comprehensive School Counseling Program and shall spend the remaining percentage of total work time on program planning and providing school support.
17. (e) The Local Educational Agency (“LEA”) shall develop and implement a comprehensive school counseling program that is delivered by a certified Oklahoma School Counselor and ensures student services are coordinated in a manner that provides comprehensive support to all students.
18. (f) Oklahoma School Counselors shall adhere to the ethics and standards set forth within their School Counselor Certification Programs, the Oklahoma Standards of Performance and Conduct for Teachers, as well as all other applicable laws and regulations.

19. (g) Beginning with the 2023-24 school year, prior to annual enrollment of a new or returning student, the Parent or Guardian of a student may disclose to the student's resident district, as determined by Section 1-113 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes, if the student has received inpatient or emergency outpatient mental health services from a mental health facility in the previous twenty-four (24) months. For the purposes of this section, "mental health facility" shall have the same meaning as Section 5-502 of Title 43A of the Oklahoma Statutes.

    1. (1) If a disclosure provided occurs, designated school personnel, which may include members of the individualized education program (IEP) team, shall meet with the parent or legal guardian of the student and representatives of the mental health facility prior to enrollment to determine whether the student is in need of any accommodations including but not limited to an IEP in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or a Section 504 Plan as defined by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The meeting required by this section may take place in person, via teleconference, or via videoconference.
    2. (2) The disclosure and subsequent handling of personal health information and related student education records pursuant to this section shall comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

Added at 8 Ok Reg 2159, eff 5-17-91 (emergency)

Added at 9 Ok Reg 2371, eff 7-13-92

Amended at 40 Ok Reg 1989, eff 9-11-23

Amended at 42 Ok Reg, Number 20, effective 7-11-25