As of September 1, 2005, individuals completing a Washington school counseling, school psychology, or school social work program, as well as most ESAs in these roles from out-of-state, receive Residency Certificates as their first Washington ESA certificate. This certificate is undated when issued; after the holder serves two years in the role the certificate is valid for five years from that point. Within this five-year period, School Counselors, Psychologists, and Social Workers are expected to earn the second level certificate, the Professional Certificate.

Washington educators who hold residency ESA certificates in these three roles will be able to enter professional certificate programs for those roles beginning in fall of 2008. A framework is currently in development and will be considered by the Professional Educator Standards Board in July, 2007.

Future updates and additional resources will be provided on this web site as the planning implementation proceeds.

ESA Program Framework (Word)

Professional Level Benchmarks

• School Counselors (Word)
• School Psychologists (Word)
• School Social Workers (Word)