State Certification

Need to know what your state or jurisdiction requires?

This is an information resource only. This list is a compilation of available information from state department of education resources. While we make every effort to keep up with changes by state, this is not a definitive list of requirements and in all cases, individuals should check with their Local Education Agency or school district for verification of applicable requirements.
  1. Alabama
  2. Alaska
  3. Arizona
  4. Arkansas
  5. California
  6. Colorado
  7. Connecticut
  8. Delaware
  9. District of Columbia
  10. Florida
  11. Georgia
  12. Hawaii
  13. Idaho
  14. Illinois
  1. Indiana
  2. Iowa
  3. Kansas
  4. Kentucky
  5. Louisiana
  6. Maine
  7. Maryland
  8. Massachusetts
  9. Michigan
  10. Minnesota
  11. Mississippi
  12. Missouri
  13. Montana
  14. Nebraska
  1. Nevada
  2. New Hampshire
  3. New Jersey
  4. New Mexico
  5. New York
  6. North Carolina
  7. North Dakota
  8. Ohio
  9. Oklahoma
  10. Oregon
  11. Pennsylvania
  12. Rhode Island
  13. South Carolina
  14. South Dakota
  1. Tennessee
  2. Texas
  3. Utah
  4. Vermont
  5. Virginia
  6. Washington
  7. West Virginia
  8. Wisconsin
  9. Wyoming

 

Alabama:

Professional educator certificates may be continued with verification of: 1) 3 full years (27 months) of full-time satisfactory educational experience AND 5 allowable Continuing Education Units (CEUs), which equate to 50 clock hours of professional development – OR 2) 3 full years (27 months) of full-time satisfactory educational experience AND 3 semester/4 quarter hours of allowable credit OR 3) 5 allowable CEUs and 3 semester/4 quarter hours of allowable credits OR 4) 6 semester/9 quarter hours of allowable credit OR 5) Initial issuance of National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification. All educational experience, CEUs, and credit hours applied toward the continuation of a certificate must be completed during the valid period of the certificate and prior to September 1 of the year of expiration of the certificate. Professional educator certificates shall be valid for five years. All educational experience, CEUs, credit hours, and NBPTS certification applied toward the continuation of a certificate must be completed during the valid period of the expiring certificate and prior to September 1 of the year of expiration of the certificate.

Alaska:

Six semester or nine quarter hours of credit earned from a regionally accredited university are required for renewal or reinstatement of a Regular five-year certificate. Credits earned after the effective date of the certificate being renewed count toward recency credit(s). Three semester hours of credit may be continuing education units (CEUs) and/or with prior EED approval, non-academic credit. At least three semester hours must be upper division or graduate level credit.

Arizona:

180 clock hours of professional development activities OR 12 semester hours of education coursework posted on official transcripts or a combination of the two, completed during the valid period of the certificate.

Arkansas:

Two years of teaching experience during the previous five years -OR- One year of teaching experience for the immediate previous year-OR Completion of six hours of college coursework within the previous five years AND Applicant must provide verification documenting 60 clock hours annually.

California:

For each five-year renewal of this credential, the holder must complete a minimum of 150 clock hours of planned and approved professional growth activities and one-half of one year of experience as specified in “The California Professional Growth Manual”.

Colorado:

A valid Colorado professional license may be renewed every five years with six semester hours of college/university credit or 90 clock hours of Professional Development (i.e. in-services, workshops, etc.) earned during the validity (from the issuance date to the expiration date) of your professional license.

Connecticut:

Continuation of the professional educator certificate requires the completion of nine continuing education units (CEUs) during the five-year period in which the individual holds a professional educator certificate. One semester hour of graduate credit completed at an approved college or university is equivalent to 1.5 CEUs. (See Fact Sheet #107, Continuing Education Units, for more information.)

Delaware:

In accordance with statutory requirements, the Department shall renew a Continuing License, valid for an additional 5 years, to an educator who has fulfilled the 90 clock hour requirement for professional development. At least one half of the required hours (45 hours every five years) for educators must be in activities that relate to the educator’s work with students or staff. Satisfactory evidence of such completion shall be submitted to the Department with the application for renewal. The 90 clock hours of professional development must have taken place during the term of the Continuing License.

District of Columbia:

Applicants for Teacher and Service Provider License renewal must submit evidence of six (6) semester hours or 90 contact hours (or a combination of the two) of professional development activities completed within the four (4) years prior to the date of the licensure application submission. For School Administrators, an Administrative Services Credential may be renewed upon completion of 200 contact hours of professional development activities completed within the four year period prior to the date a renewal application is filed. These requirements also apply to those wishing to reinstate an expired license. Professional development hours may be accrued by completion of activities from one or more of the following options: college credit, professional workshops presented by national, regional or local educational organizations, and professional development activities sponsored and/or approved by employing local educational agencies.

Florida:

Six (6) semester hours of college credit or equivalent must be earned during each renewal period to renew your certificate. See information below for retaining all subjects on your certificate. Renewal requirements must be completed during the last validity period of the Professional Certificate and prior to expiration of the Professional Certificate. A grade of at least “C” must be earned in each college course used for renewal. A grade of “pass” or “satisfactory” is is an acceptable grade. Sixty (60) in-service points in an approved Florida master in-service program are equivalent to three (3) semester hours of college credit. A passing numerical score on the Florida subject area test specific to the coverage to be renewed is equivalent to three (3) semester hours of college credit for renewal purposes. A valid certificate issued by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards will renew the Florida certificate only in the subject(s) shown on the national certificate. Teaching a college level course at an acceptable institution may be accepted the same as credit earned for that course.

Georgia:

For educator certification, Rule 505-2-.24 Standard Renewal Credit applies. Applicants seeking certification in Educational Leadership are required to complete a GaPSC-approved performance-based program at the Specialist’s (Level 6) or Doctoral (Level 7) degree level at a Georgia institution. The performance-based program must be completed in cooperation with an employing school system and provider. If an educator holds a Master’s degree or higher, they may apply for leadership positions. If hired the school system may place the educator in a leadership position and request the Non-Renewable Performance-Based “NPL” certificate in either “building level” or “system level” leadership depending on the educators specific job duties. The NPL certificate is valid for 5 years during which time the educator must complete the performance-based program to qualify for the Clear Renewable Performance-Based “PL” Leadership certificate. If an educator does not find employment in a leadership position they may still complete the performance-based leadership program but the employing school system will need to assign them temporary leadership duties/roles to complete the residency requirements of the program.

Hawaii:

All options selected must relate to licensure goals and standards contained in your approved Professional Growth Plan and meet the criteria listed below. You must submit verification and/or documentation for each option completed. You must have a MINIMUM of 60 total points to be eligible for license renewal. NBPTS Certification – Completion of process = 60 points; achieving certification = 60 points; Curriculum Development – 15 points for individual course; 25 points for school-wide program; 35 for statewide curriculum; Professional Programs/ Committees – 5 points for individual class impact; 10 points for school impact; 15 points for statewide impact per assignment; College Credit – 1 semester hour = 5 points.

Idaho:

Total of at least six semester (nine quarter) credits completed during the five (5) year validity period of ones credential. Classes in any subject area, taken at freshman level (100 level) or above from a properly accredited institution for semester or quarter credit hours will be accepted. To be properly accredited, an institution must be accredited by an agency recognized by the American Council on Education (ACE). Up to three of the six credits may be earned through professional development activities that do not earn university credit. The professional development activities must be approved on an in-service form signed by an Idaho school administrator. Idaho Technology Competency: an original certificate of completion, a notarized copy of the certificate, or an official letter of completion from a State Board of Education-approved provider of an Idaho technology competency assessment. The Idaho technology competency is required for renewal only if the applicant is working in an Idaho K-12 school at renewal time.

Illinois:

Educators may use one of the following or a combination of college coursework and CEUs/CPDUs to qualify for renewal of their certificates: Complete an advanced degree OR Meet Illinois criteria for becoming highly qualified in another teaching area OR Complete National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification process OR Earn eight semester hours of college coursework in education-related program OR Earn subsequent Illinois certificate or endorsement OR Complete four semester hours of graduate coursework in Assessment of Teaching Performance or NBPTS preparation OR Earn CEUs/CPDUs. For Educators who choose to use the CEU/CPDU option, the law states that the requirement for continuing professional development may be met by Earning 24 continuing education units (CEUs) OR Earning 120 continuing professional development units (CPDUs) OR Completing any combination of CEUs and CPDUs equivalent to 120 CPDUs. Regular education teachers using CPDUs/CEUs for all or part of their professional development must have 20% pertaining to serving students in the least restrictive environment.

Indiana:

A school services professional must have a MINIMUM of 90 total points to be eligible for license renewal. Each point is equal to one clock hour unless otherwise specified and Points can be awards in the following ways: In-Service meetings for a maximum of 30 points; professional conferences or workshops for a maximum of 45 points; Beginning school services personnel mentoring for a maximum of 45 points; DPS certified mentor training for a maximum of 45 points; DPS Beginning school services professional portfolio scoring for a maximum of 25 points; DPS mentor faculty training for a maximum of 25 points; license renewal professional growth team member for a maximum of 25 points; supervision of field practice of pre-service school services student for a maximum of 45 points; educational travel for a maximum of 5 points; Presenting at conferences, workshops, etc. for a maximum of 5 points per hour of presentation and a total maximum of 30 points; educational research/program evaluation for a maximum of 15 points per project or 30 total points; being on professional committees for a maximum of 30 points; college credit with 1 semester hour equaling 15 points, 1 quarter hour equaling 10 points, and a total of 90 points; College or University teaching of 1 semester =15 points; 1 quarter hour = 10 points, or a total of 45 points; Educational publication for up to 10 points a publication or 40 points total; accreditation activities up to 25 points for chair or 15 points for team member; other experience or activity for up to 15 points; and for National Board Certification 90 points for candidate completing process but not receiving certification.

Iowa:

Two years of experience but no continuing education credits are required to change an initial license to a standard license; Six (6) credits every 5 years are required to renew the educational or standard license; four (4) credits every 5 years are required to renew the masters license. To convert a standard license to a masters license one needs to earn 6 renewal credits, have a masters degree, and have 5 years of experience. Credits can be earned in the following ways: Credit(s) completed which may not lead to a degree but which add greater depth/breadth to present endorsement held; Credit(s) completed which leads toward the completion of a planned master’s, specialist’s, or doctor’s degree program in an endorsement area; Credit(s) completed which may not leads to a degree but which leads to completion of requirements for an endorsement not currently held; Credit(s) completed through Iowa staff development courses or activities approved through guidelines established by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, in other words, AEA staff development or approved LEA staff development courses; 4 credits may be earned for achievement of National Board Certification. Please send a copy of the certificate to the Board of Educational Examiners.

Kansas:

Six (6) semester hours of additional recent college credit from a regionally accredited college or university within the six-year period prior to application for renewal OR completion of 120 additional Kansas in-service/professional development points or its equivalent in hours and points OR verification of three years of accredited experience during the validity of the most recent five-year Kansas certificate and within the six-year period prior to the application for renewal.

Kentucky:

Provisional – An official transcript showing at least nine semester hours of additional graduate credit in the areas of counseling or guidance counseling Standard – Completion of twelve (12) Effective Instructional Leadership Act (EILA) hours as specified by the KY Department of Education in KRS 156.101. (It is the responsibility to provide documentation of this training to the district superintendent, who recommends renewal on the TC-2.)

Louisiana:

Teachers must complete 150 clock hours of professional development over a five-year time period in order to have a Level 2 or Level 3 Professional License renewed. No professional development is needed for Level 1 license but this can only be renewed once for three years.

Maine:

For a five-year professional certificate it is 6 credits of approved study related to your certification area(s) or another certification area taken during the lifetime of your certificate and not used for the prior renewal. These can be CEUs issued by the professional development center’s of a college, can be from a regular 4-year college or a community college, or can be clock hours of professional development training (workshops/conferences, etc). The professional development may not be adult ed. courses. 1 renewal credit = 1 semester hour = 1.5 CEUs = 15 clock hours of professional development training. If the person is employed in a Maine school unit with an approved certification support system, they must renew through that support system and have prior approval for all renewal credits.

Maryland:

Official transcripts for six (6) semester hours of acceptable credit to renew your Professional Eligibility Certificate or Advanced Professional Certificate. Acceptable credit is credit that is earned or taught at a regionally accredited college/university or through Continuing Professional
Development (CPD) credits; related to a school assignment; earned within 5 years immediately preceding the date on which the new certificate is issued; and earned in reading course work if not already completed (teaching areas only).

Massachusetts:

Educators must align their Individual Professional Development Plans with school and/or district improvement goals and obtain supervisor approval indicating that 80% of the Professional Development Points (PDPs) are consistent with the educational goals of the school and/or district. Earn a minimum of 10 hours in a topic and seek their supervisor’s endorsement of their completed professional development plan prior to applying for recertification.

Michigan:

The renewal of the advanced certificate requires completion of 6 semester hours of credit at any four-year or community college listed in the Directory of Michigan Institutions of Higher Education, or 18 State Board Continuing Education Units (SB-CEUs). Also, a combination of semester credit hours and SB-CEUs is acceptable (3 SB-CEUs are equivalent to 1 semester hour of credit). Semester credit hours completed at approved out-of-state institutions are also acceptable. Credits earned should be relevant to your professional growth as it relates to your current position. Semester credit hours or SB-CEUs must have been completed within the five-year period preceding the date of application and after the date of issuance of the previous certificate.

Minnesota:

MN Rule 8710.7200 defines the specific clock hour requirements for the renewal of all professional licenses. In summary, 125 approved clock hours are required for the renewal of a teaching license. Additionally, statute requires specific content to be included. Clock hours must be earned in the five-year period preceding the renewal application and be from two or more of the categories identified in the rule. Professional development activities count toward clock hour requirements at the rate of one clock hour per one hour of actual participation in planned professional development activity. College course work counts toward clock hours. One quarter credit equals 16 clock hours and one semester credit equals 24 clock hour credits.

Mississippi:

Three (3) semester hours in content or job/skill related area OR Five (5) continuing education units (CEUs) in content or job/skill related area OR Completion of the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) process for National Certified School Counselor (NCSC).

Missouri:

The Missouri initial certificate is a four-year license requiring two-years of mentoring, annual evaluation, one year of beginning teacher assistance, a professional development plan, and professional development for a total of 30 contact hours during the four years. Upon successful completion of the four years of teaching and requirements, the educator may apply for the career continuous certification.

Montana:

60 OPI renewal units; or Any combination of OPI renewal units and graduate level credits equaling 60 OPI renewal units. 1 semester credit = 15 OPI renewal units 1 quarter credit = 10 OPI renewal units; 1 hour of attendance at a workshop = 1 OPI renewal unit.

Nebraska:

For Administrators, submit the Verification of Employment Experience form for one year, half time or more, of administrative experience, within the immediate past five years (NOT required for Nebraska school system experience), and IF the experience was acquired in a state other than Nebraska, submit a photocopy of the VALID, REGULAR Administrative Certificate coinciding with the verified experience OR official transcripts indicating completion of six pre-approved semester graduate hours at an approved teacher education institution within five years prior to the date of application; and submit a signed Institutional Verification form by the Certification Officer at the approved teacher education institution where the courses were completed. (Acquiring a signature from the certification officer implies the Certification Officer believes, in their professional opinion, the courses completed are appropriate for certification purposes and were completed in the past five years. In addition, the courses have been completed to the satisfaction of their institution.)

For teachers, you must have recent teaching experience or college credit hours for renewal of the teaching certificate. Submit the Verification of Experience Form indicating teaching for one (1) year within the immediate past five (5) years half time (50%) or more in a legally operated school system while holding or qualifying to hold a regular teaching certificate OR have completed six (6) semester hours within the immediate past five (5) years as recommended by an approved teacher education institution while holding or qualified to hold a teaching certificate that has not expired or has expired for less than five (5) years OR if your teaching certificate has expired more than five (5) years 15 specific semester hours are required within the immediate past five (5) years. The hours must be recommended for issuance of the teaching certificate by the certification officer of your approved teacher education institution. The courses shall include: (a) a course in instructional techniques; (b) a practicum consisting of one hundred or more clock hours of contact with students in the classroom setting, fifty percent of which shall consist of performing instructional duties under the supervision of a cooperating teacher, (c) a course or courses which address current issues in education, including but not limited to, special education, gifted education, reading and writing in the content area, and school law; and (d) the remaining course work be directly related to the applicant’s area of endorsement on his or her expired certificate.

Nevada:

Nevada educators are required to complete six (6) credits of professional development education to renew their licenses. Renewal requirements may vary depending on the type of license held and are referenced in the area. According to NAC 391.075, the six (6) credits of professional development education should be directly related to the person’s current license, be part of an additional endorsement, be in a subject for which shortages of personnel exist, or be part of an approved program leading to an advanced degree. Credits taken toward renewal must be completed after the date the license is issued and prior to the date the license expires. The renewal application may be submitted as early as nine (9) months before the license expires. Professional development credits may be earned from a regionally accredited college/university at the undergraduate or graduate level or from a provider sanctioned by the Nevada Department of Education who has requested pre-approval to offer continuing education courses. Professional Development Education courses offered by Clark County School District and in service courses offered by Washoe County School District are all approved courses for renewal.

New Hampshire:

An accumulation of a minimum of 75 continuing education units documenting job-embedded or formal professional development addressing school or district improvement goal(s) and content areas; or (3) A combination of less than 75 continuing education units and evidence that together document job-embedded or formal professional development addressing the school or district improvement goal(s) and content areas. A minimum of 30 hours of the total hours required shall be devoted to approved professional development activity in each subject area and/or field of specialization, which shall include the knowledge requirements of Ed 512.02(g)(1) for which re-certification is sought.

New Jersey:

All candidates for certification as School Leaders, except as indicated in N.J.A.C. 6A:9-12.7, must hold a Master’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Candidates for principal and school administrator certification must pass a written examination. (Note new tests: School Leaders Licensure Assessment for principal; and School Superintendent Assessment for school administrator.) To register for these tests, contact Educational Testing Service (ETS). A residency/mentoring program is required for school administrators, school business administrators, and principals. A two-year residency is required for principals. Upon satisfactory completion of the residency/mentoring program (the candidate is evaluated formatively three to five times) and recommendation of the mentor, the State Board of Examiners will issue a standard certificate (permanent certification).

The Certificate of Eligibility (CE) is a teacher credential with lifetime validity issued to an individual who has NOT completed a teacher preparation program, but who has met the basic requirements for certification including academic study and applicable test requirements. The CE authorizes an individual to seek and accept employment in NJ public schools requiring certification. The Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) is a credential issued to an individual who HAS completed a teacher preparation program and has met the basic requirements for certification including academic study and applicable test requirements. The CEAS authorizes an individual to seek and accept employment in NJ public schools requiring certification. The CEAS is issued to an individual who does NOT hold a NJ Standard certificate or has NOT completed one year of full-time teaching under a valid out-of-state instructional certificate. The Standard certificate is a permanent certificate issued to an individual who has met all requirements for state certification. This certificate is issued to an individual who has successfully completed the PTP program, holds a previously issued NJ instructional certificate, or holds a valid out-of-state instructional certificate with one year of full-time teaching experience under the certificate.

New Mexico:

An Administrator holding a valid level 3B license and seeking licensure renewal shall submit a completed application for continuing licensure and the Superintendent’s Recommendation Form for Teachers & Administrators signed by an Administrator or Board Member at the school/district where most recently employed.

A teacher holding a valid level 2 or level 3A license and seeking licensure renewal at the same level shall submit a completed application for continuing licensure and the Superintendent’s Recommendation Form for Teachers & Administrators signed by an Administrator at the school/district where most recently employed.

New York:

The Professional Certificate for classroom teachers is continuously valid with completion of required professional development hours on a five year professional development cycle. Professional certificate holders must complete 175 hours every five years; Teaching Assistant III certificate holders must complete 75 hours every 5 years. Decisions regarding content, delivery and providers of such professional development are within the purview of the employing public school district or BOCES and should be made within the context of the district’s professional development plan.

All candidates with a provisional School Administrator certificate that have not completed their experience may apply for a renewal of their certificate if they receive a passing score on the School Building Leader examination(s) prior to the issuance of the SAS renewal. To qualify for a Permanent Certificate, applicants must hold a valid Provisional Certificate – School Administrator/Supervisor and meet the following requirements: Masters Degree; paid, full-time Administration experience of not less than 2 years; completion of the workshop on Child Abuse Identification; completion of the workshop on School Violence Intervention and Prevention; and completion of the workshop on the Dignity For All Students Act.

North Carolina:

During the 2011 session, the General Assembly reduced the number of renewal credits required to renew a Standard Professional 2 license from 15 to 7.5. As a result, the State Board of Education approved the following requirements to renew the Standard Professional 2:

  • For professional educators: 1 renewal credit for literacy, 1 renewal credit in the specific academic subject area and 5.5 general credits (as determined by the LEA, if employed), not to include years of experience.
  •  For Administrators: 3 credits focused on the school executive’s role as instructional, human resources and managerial leader, and 4.5 general credits (as determined by the LEA, if employed), not to include years of experience.
  • National Board Certification: 7.5 credits for completion and 2 credits (1 for literacy and 1 for content) for 10 year renewal.

A unit of renewal credit is equivalent to one quarter hour or one in-service credit from a North Carolina public school system. A unit reflects ten contact hours. The DPI Licensure Section does not accept renewal credits of less than one unit. One semester hour is equivalent to 1.5 units of credit. For a professional educator’s license to remain current, all credit must be earned by the expiration date of the existing professional educator’s license. To renew an expired professional educator’s license, 10 semester hours or 15 units of renewal credit must be earned within the most recent five-year period. Activities accepted for renewal credit include college or university courses (transcripts are required as documentation; grade reports are not accepted), local in-service courses or workshops in which the administrative unit certifies credits, and classes and workshops approved by an LEA. Documentation of completion is provided by the agency sponsoring the activity.

North Dakota:

Initial teacher licensure for in-state graduates or graduates of out-of-state programs requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a state agency-approved teacher education program. The approved program must include a general studies component, a North Dakota recognized program area major, and a professional pedagogy core as defined in the North Dakota standards for teacher education program approval. The professional education component includes a minimum of twenty-two semester hours of pedagogical study of teaching and learning in addition to the program-specific major. This coursework must be from the areas of educational foundations, educational psychology, child development, teaching and learning theory, educational diagnosis and assessment, inclusive education, educational technology, classroom and behavioral management, and human relations specific to teaching. The applicant must document a minimum of eight full weeks of student teaching at the appropriate level in the major field of study under the supervision of a state-approved teacher education program and document five years of successful teaching within the last ten years; or an applicant who can document a minimum of eight weeks of successful student teaching but cannot document a minimum of five years of successful teaching experience must either complete the additional student teaching hours or may choose to complete an internship under the supervision of a state-approved college of teacher education to fulfill the additional hours. Regular (5 year) certification is issued to individuals who have met all of the requirements for a ND Educator’s Professional License and have successfully taught 18 months (full-time equivalent) in the state of North Dakota. Individuals must be under contract at least thirty days of the five-year period and complete six semester hours of re-education.

Ohio:

Each educator is responsible for the design of an Individual Professional Development Plan, subject to the approval of the Local Professional Development Committee. The plan should be based on the needs of the educator, the students, the school and the school district, and be aligned with the professional educator standards adopted by the State Board of Education. In accordance with the approved plan, the educator must complete six semester hours of coursework related to classroom teaching and/or the area of licensure; or 18 continuing education units (CEUs) (180 contact hours); or other equivalent activities related to classroom teaching and/or the area of licensure as approved by the Local Professional Development Committee of the employing school, district or agency since the issuance of the license to be renewed. Coursework, CEUs or other equivalent activities may be combined.

Oklahoma:

The teacher candidate for licensure and certification shall demonstrate in-depth knowledge of subject matter as reflected in the standards of learned societies recognized by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). In program areas where NCATE has not recognized a learned society, the standards of a learned society appropriate to the subject area shall be used. The applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree, have a certification recommendation from an Oklahoma institution of higher education or verify 2 years of related experience above a bachelor’s degree (not required for Troops to Teachers) and/or pass the Oklahoma General Education Test, appropriate Oklahoma Subject Area Tests, and the Oklahoma Professional Teaching Exam.

Oregon:

Educators will choose a CPD option in which at least one domain of professional competency is addressed. A completed five-year plan for renewal of a Standard or Continuing License consists of at least 125 PDUs. A completed three-year plan for renewal of a Basic License consists of a minimum of 75 PDUs. A plan may be segmented into a series of one-year plans to permit the educator and the district to annually review and update the plan. Once the plan is developed, it may be amended to reflect changes in an educator’s assignments or goals. It will be the educator’s responsibility to provide documentation to the supervisor or CPD advisor that the plan is completed and that the educator has analyzed the results and applied what has been done to enhance student learning.

Pennsylvania:

All school and system leaders (defined as principal, assistant or vice principal, superintendent, assistant superintendent, Intermediate Unit executive director, Intermediate Unit assistant executive director, and Area Vocational-Technical School director) must meet their Act 48 continuing professional education requirements in programs that address the three core and six corollary PA leadership standards. Educators must earn six credits of collegiate study; or six credits of PDE-approved continuing professional education courses; or 180 hours of continuing professional education programs, activities or learning experiences; or any combination of the above every five years to maintain active certification status. Each semester collegiate credit is equal to 30 continuing education hours. Each quarter collegiate credit is equal to 20 continuing education hours. All credits and hours must be related to an educator’s certificate type or area of assignment, unless enrolled in an administrative program or approved by the school board.

Rhode Island:

To be issued a certificate in Building Level Administrator an applicant must hold an advanced degree from a regionally accredited institution; have completed an approved program for the preparation of Building Level Administrator; have completed a 300 Hour Internship; have demonstrated the Professional Competencies of the Rhode Island Standards for Educational Leadership (RISEL); have demonstrated the Content Competencies as prescribed by the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA); and have completed three years of PK-12 professional education experience. To be issued a teaching certificate in a defined area, an applicant must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution; have completed an approved program for the preparation of teaching in the area specified; have completed a minimum of 12 weeks of Student Teaching in this area and a minimum of 60 hours Field Experience prior to Student Teaching; have demonstrated the Professional Competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS); have demonstrated the Content Competencies as prescribed by the Association for Childhood Education International and Content Specific Standards (ACEI); and have met all Rhode Island assessment requirements. Certification regulations specify that the only renewal requirements that an educator must meet to renew a certification that is issued after January 1, 2012 is to provide evidence of effective practice as determined by evaluation ratings on state approved local evaluation systems. Educators must provide evidence of at least one evaluation rating of ‘Developing’ or higher during the length of their certification to demonstrate effective practice and attain certification renewal.

South Carolina:

The Renewal Credit Plan guidelines apply to any person who holds a South Carolina educator’s professional license. The current employment status of the educator determines the specific steps the educator must complete to renew his/her professional educator’s license. Educators working in a public middle or high school setting must satisfy the Jason Flatt Act requirements before the Professional License can be renewed (the Department of Education shall require two hours of training in youth suicide awareness and prevention as a requirement for renewal of credentials). The State Department of Education uses a renewal matrix to identify and explain the various requirements for certification renewals.

South Dakota:

All educators are required to earn six credits for renewal purposes. The type of credit varies based on the educator’s highest degree. For educators holding a Bachelor’s degree, at least three credits must be transcripted; the remaining credits may be continuing education contact hours. For educators holding an advanced degree or National Board Certification, these credits can be any combination of transcripted credits or continuing education contact hours. All certificates expire July 1st and the renewal application may be submitted after January 1st of the year the certificate expires. Once a renewal application is submitted, credits may be earned for the next renewal. Educators that have not met renewal requirements may be eligible for a one-year extension to keep the certificate valid for one additional year. Educators who have met all certification requirements will receive a five year renewal certificate. Educators who have completed an advanced degree (master’s, specialist, doctorate) or National Board Certification may be eligible for a one-time 10-year certificate. The ten years are based on the year the degree was completed.

Tennessee:

Tennessee Instructional Leadership Standards (TILS). The applicant must have completed or be current in completing the required Tennessee Academy for School Leaders (TASL) credit hours required for each two year cycle. The applicant must have obtained the signature of the school system’s Director of Schools/Superintendent on the administrator license renewal application form verifying evaluation of performance as an administrator at the level of the TILS standards appropriate to the license for at least the last two years. The applicant must submit the administrator license renewal application to the state Tennessee Academy for School Leaders (TASL) Office for review and signature regarding completion of required TASL credit hours.

Applicants (i.e. teachers) seeking to renew a Professional License based on a Bachelor’s degree must earn 90 renewal points. All educators holding a Professional License based on a Master’s degree or higher who have not accrued five years of acceptable experience during the ten-year validity period of the license (ex: 2003-2013) are required to earn 90 renewal points. All educators holding a Professional License based on a Master’s degree or higher, and has accrued five years of acceptable experience during the ten-year validity period of the license (ex: 2003-2013), no renewal points are required, only verification of that experience. If all experience has been in Tennessee public school systems no verification by the applicant is required. A Professional Level License can be renewed any time after the fifth year of validity.

Texas:

Standard certificates were first issued on Sept. 1, 1999, and replaced the lifetime provisional certificates. Texas no longer issues lifetime provisional certificates. An educator with a standard certificate in Texas is required to renew his or her standard certificate(s) every five years. New requirements for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) are in effect as of September 1, 2013. All certified educators, including educational aides, seeking to renew a certificate must hold a valid Standard Certificate that has not been, nor is in the process of being, sanctioned by TEA; successfully undergo a national criminal background check by submitting fingerprints for review; not be in default on a student loan or in arrears of child support; and complete the required number of clock hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE). Educational aides are not required to complete any CPE hours for certificate renewal. The CPE requirements for each class of certificate are as follows:

  • classroom teachers must complete 150 clock hours every five years
  • counselors must complete 200 clock hours every five years
  • learning resource specialists and school librarians must complete 200 clock hours every five years
  • reading specialists must complete 200 clock hours every five years
  • educational diagnosticians must complete 200 clock hours every five years
  • master teachers must complete 200 clock hours every five years
  • and superintendents, principals, and must complete 200 clock hours every five years

Utah:

The license cycle is defined as the length of time for which a license is valid. A level 1 license is valid for 3 years, a level 2 license is valid for 5 years, and a level 3 license is valid for 7 years. Licensed educators currently employed by a district or charter school must include at least two (2) hours of suicide prevention training as part of their license renewal activities. Utah educators must create and maintain a plan of professional learning activities that they intend to complete to meet the renewal requirements for their license. To be valid for renewal, the professional learning plan shall document that the educator has earned the appropriate number of license renewal points as defined in R277-500-3. A Level 1 license holder shall earn at least 100 license renewal points in each three year period. A Level 2 license holder shall earn at least 200 license renewal points in each 5 year period. A Level 3 license holder shall earn at least 200 license renewal points in each 7 year period. License renewal points may be earned by the following activities:

  • Semester hours at a college or university, as recorded on an official transcript
  • LEA-sponsored or approved professional learning activities
  • CEU if the licensed administrator believes that the activity was related to the educator’s license area(s)
  • Clock hours of participation at an approved conference, workshop or symposium
  • Board approved content and pedagogy testing (typically Praxis II content knowledge)
  • Service in a leadership role in a professional education organization
  • Participation in educational research that results in a final product
  • Utah university sponsored cooperating teachers

Vermont:

A Level I License is valid for three (3) years, and a Level II License is valid for seven (7) years. Educators renewing a Level I Professional Educator’s License need to document three (3) credits or 45 hours of professional learning over the three-year licensing cycle. One (1) credit or 15 hours shall address the specific knowledge and performance standards of the renewing endorsement(s). The remaining hours of professional learning should be directed to improving professional practice. To move to a Level II license, the educator must have practiced in Vermont in an endorsement area for three (3) years and must provide verification that they are performing at a professional level, provide evidence of three credits or 45 hours of professional learning over the closing three-year licensing cycle, provide documentation of any valid licenses or credentials that are required by the endorsement sought, and must develop an Individual Professional Learning Plan (IPLP).

Educators renewing a Level I Administrator License need to document three (3) credits or 45 hours of professional learning over the three-year licensing cycle. One (1) credit or 15 hours shall address the specific knowledge and performance standards of the renewing endorsement(s) or the six Core Leadership standards. The remaining hours of professional learning should be directed to improving professional practice. To move to a Level II license, the administrator must meet the same requirements listed above, including the IPLP.

Virginia:

Individuals who hold five-year, renewable licenses must accrue 180 professional development points. Renewal points can be achieved by completion of activities through one or more of the following eight options:

  1. College credit (A minimum of 90 points in the content endorsement area)
  2. Professional conference
  3. Curriculum development
  4. Publication of article
  5. Publication of book
  6. Mentorship/supervision
  7. Educational project
  8. Professional development activity

The Virginia Performance Standards for School Leaders may be applied to achieve the Principal of Distinction (Level II) Administration and Supervision Endorsement.

Washington:

The Principal candidate must have verification of 3 contracted school years of full-time employment as a principal, vice principal, or assistant principal; a course or coursework in issues related to abuse, which must include information related to identification of physical, emotional, sexual, and substance abuse; the impact on learning and behavior; the responsibilities of a teacher to report abuse or to provide assistance to victimized children; and methods of teaching about abuse and its prevention; verification of 15 quarter hours (10 semester hrs) or 150 clock hours, or equivalent, of graduate course work (in consultation with and approved by employer) based on performance domains included in WAC 181-78A-270(2) and taken subsequent to the issuance of the initial principal’s certificate. For teachers, renewal of the Professional Certificate requires 150 clock hours of approved continuing education study and/or equivalent academic credit since the issuance of the most recent certificate. All continuing education credit hours shall relate to one or more of the three standards outlined in WAC 181-78A-270 and one of the salary criteria specified in WAC 392-121-262 (some clock hours must be related to the standards, and some must relate to salary criteria) OR by completing the professional growth plan as defined in WAC 181-79A-030. Individuals who complete the requirements of the annual professional growth plan to renew their professional certificate shall receive the equivalent of thirty hours of continuing education credit hours. Completed PGPS qualify for the renewal requirements of other certificates held.

West Virginia:

A Professional Certificate may be issued to an individual who meets the prescribed experience and/or academic and professional standards and who has been assessed as competent to assume a role in public education in keeping with the specialization(s) and grade level designated on this license. The County Superintendent or professional designee shall approve appropriate college/university coursework for renewal purposes. The Initial Professional Teaching Certificate will be valid for three school years. Application for renewal for a Professional Five Year Teaching Certificate must satisfy the following conditions: successful completion of the Beginning Educator Internship for classroom teacher; six (6) semester hours of appropriate college/university coursework related to the public school program at a minimum GPA of 3.0, within the five year period immediately preceding the date of application for renewal; two years of experience, one of which must be completed in West Virginia; and the recommendation of the County Superintendent.

Wisconsin:

Educators who successfully completed at least 3 years of the Initial Educator stage based on employment and successful completion of a professional development plan are eligible to apply for a Professional Educator License. The Professional Development Plan (PDP) is a process for renewal of an educator’s license based on planned professional growth and evidence of the effect of that growth on student learning. The PDP should be developed and completed over a 3-5 year period depending on the renewal timeline for the educator. A five year timeline includes:

Year 1: Self-reflection and work with mentor.

Year 2: Submit plan with checklist to PDP Team for approval of the goal.

Years 2-4: Document the annual review. If major revisions are made, the educator must submit changes to the PDP Team.

Year 5: Submit the complete PDP with documentation to the PDP Team.

Year 5: The PDP Team verifies the PDP.

Year 5: The completed application with the PDP verification form is sent to the DPI to advance to the Professional Educator license.

An optional 10-year license may be issued to educators who successfully completed a National Board Certification by National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) or a Wisconsin Master Educator Assessment Process (WMEAP).

Applicants for licenses in the category of administration must have completed a state-approved educator preparation program in the licensure area; a minimum of Master’s degree or the equivalent; a valid, or eligibility to hold, a Professional Educator License in teaching or pupil services; and three years of successful full-time classroom teaching experience, or three years of successful experience as a pupil services professional including 540 hours of classroom teaching experience.

Wyoming:

A Wyoming Educator License for a classroom teacher (including library media specialist) is valid for five years. An individual who holds this license is eligible to teach only in his or her endorsement area(s). An Institutional Recommendation indicating completion of a school administration program from an accredited institution of higher education is required for an initial endorsement. A Wyoming Educator License with a School Administrator endorsement is valid for five years. An individual who holds this license is eligible to serve as administrator in any Wyoming school district in accordance with his or her level of preparation. In order to apply for this endorsement, you must be concurrently applying for a Wyoming teaching or related services endorsement. In addition to completing the School Administrator requirements, you must also complete, and provide documentation for having met all requirements for the Classroom Teacher endorsement. An Institutional Recommendation indicating completion of a school administration program from an accredited institution of higher education is required for an initial endorsement. For most teaching & administrative fields, five (5) Professional Development/Renewal Credits will be required to renew. The requirements for renewing your specific license or permit are listed on the reverse side of the license or permit itself. Renewal credits may be obtained by completing college courses from an accredited institution, PTSB approved workshops which can include school district workshops, and credits earned while pursuing National Board Certification.

The right-click function has been disabled for all ASAP Elearning Solutions assessments.