certification > certification from start to finish

Time Extension of a Provisional, Initial, or Transitional Certificate

NOTE:  A non refundable fee of $50 is required for each request. Your time extension application will not be evaluated until the fee and any required documentation are received.

Conditions for an Extension of a Certificate

The time validity of an expired Provisional, Initial or Transitional certificate may be extended for two years from the date the certificate expired, if one of the conditions below applies to the certificate holder, providing such condition was in effect at least 7 months prior to the expiration date:

(These conditions must have occurred while the Provisional, Initial or Transitional certificate was in effect)

1. who is on leave from his/her teaching duties because of childbearing, child rearing, serious illness, or extended illness - Mail a copy of the board of education resolution authorizing such leave of absence.
    
2. who is serving with the Peace Corps or other volunteer organization - Mail a statement on official letterhead showing dates of service.
    
3. whose service as a teacher has been discontinued as a result of abolition of teaching positions in the school district in which employed - Mail a statement from the school district including date such action was taken.
    
4. who, because of extreme hardship or other circumstances beyond the control of the individual, was unable to complete the requirements for the Permanent or professional certificate in a timely manner, excluding normal family commitments or inconvenience - Provide a written explanation of your circumstances (including dates) in the text box provided in the online application and mail any supporting documentation.
    
5. for a candidate who is not a citizen of the United States, who has applied for citizenship and whose application for citizenship has not been acted upon by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
    
6. for the holder of a Provisional/Initial certificate only, who has been unable to secure employment as a teacher or who has been pursuing a career other than teaching - Provide a list of school districts contacted, including dates, or an explanations describing a career other than teaching in the text box provided in the online application.

Special Exception: The time validity of expired certificates held by individuals on active duty with the Armed Forces may be extended by the commissioner, upon application by the holder of such certificate, for the time of such active service. Please provide form DD-214 verifying dates of active service.

NOTE:  Individuals with an expired Provisional certificate, who do not qualify for a time extension, must apply for the Initial certificate. Click to apply online.

How to Apply for a Time Extension

NOTE: You cannot apply for an extension of your certificate unless it is within seven months of its expiration date.

Click to apply for a Time Extension online.