frequently asked questions

Certification Requirements - Provisional and Permanent

1. I have a Provisional certificate. Will I be affected by the new certification requirements that went into effect 2/2/04?
    

2. Assuming that I meet the requirements for Provisional certification and am issued that certificate with an effective date of February 1, 2004 or before, how do the 2004 regulations affect the type of master's program I need for Permanent certification?
    

3. I hold a Provisional certificate. If I apply for a Permanent certificate after February 2, 2004, will it be called a Permanent or a professional certificate?
    

4. II have a Provisional certificate, but will not have completed requirements for my Permanent certificate as of February 1, 2004. Do I need to start all over with the certification process and fulfill the requirements for the Initial certificate as my entry-level certificate and continue through to the professional certificate?
    

5. How do I obtain my Permanent certification? I have my master's degree, two years of experience, and have passed all my tests.
    

6. I hold Provisional certificates in more than one subject (i.e., PreK-6 and English 7-12). Must I teach for two years in each subject area to meet the two-year experience requirement for a Permanent certificate?

1. I have a Provisional certificate. Will I be affected by the new certification requirements that went into effect 2/2/04?
   
   As long as you maintain a valid certificate, you will continue to fall under the “old” requirements. If you complete the requirements for a Permanent certificate within the life of your Provisional certificate, a Permanent certificate will be issued to you upon application.  back
    

2. Assuming that I meet the requirements for Provisional certification and am issued that certificate with an effective date of February 1, 2004 or before, how do the 2004 regulations affect the type of master's program I need for Permanent certification?
   
   If your Provisional certificate is issued with an effective date of February 1, 2004 or before, the new requirements will have no effect on the master's requirement. You will continue to fall under the “old” requirements, (To qualify for Permanent certification, you will need to obtain a master's degree in an area functionally related to your area of certification within five years of issuance of the Provisional certificate.)  back
    

3. I hold a Provisional certificate. If I apply for a Permanent certificate after February 2, 2004, will it be called a Permanent or a professional certificate?
   
   The certificate issued to you will be a Permanent certificate.  back

4. I have a Provisional certificate, but will not have completed requirements for my Permanent certificate as of February 1, 2004. Do I need to start all over with the certification process and fulfill the requirements for the Initial certificate as my entry-level certificate and continue through to the professional certificate?
   
   No. As long as you hold a valid Provisional certificate that has not expired, you can obtain a Permanent certificate in accordance with the requirements that were in effect when your Provisional certificate was issued, even though the Permanent certificate will be granted, even after February 2, 2004.  back

5. How do I obtain my Permanent certification? I have my master's degree, two years of experience, and have passed all my tests.
   
   Just as you applied for Provisional certification, you must now apply for Permanent certification. Use to apply and pay the $100 fee online.  Send transcripts of any graduate study we do not already have on file.  Include verification of required training in the identification and reporting of child abuse and training in school violence prevention and intervention if not already on file, and verification of completion of the testing requirement. USCIS Permanent Residence status is also a requirement for a Permanent certificate if you are not a citizen.  For more information, see Citizenship Requirement.  You must also submit a fingerprint package if not done previously.

    

    

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6. I hold Provisional certificates in more than one subject (i.e., PreK-6 and English 7-12). Must I teach for two years in each subject area to meet the two-year experience requirement for a Permanent certificate?
   
   

   No. An individual who holds more than one classroom teaching certificate may meet the two-year experience requirement with any two years of classroom teaching experience. For instance, a teacher who holds the PreK-6 and English 7-12 certificates could satisfy the experience requirement for both certificates by teaching for two years in an elementary classroom or two years as a secondary English teacher, or a combination of such experience totaling two years.

   Similarly, for persons holding a certificate in a pupil personnel service area, the two-year experience requirement for Permanent certification may be met by any two years of pupil personnel service experience. For instance, an individual holding both a school attendance teacher certificate and a school counselor certificate could satisfy the experience requirement for both certificates with two years of experience as a school counselor or two years of experience as a school attendance teacher or a combination of such experience totaling two years.
   
   Please note that service in one of the three certificate areas (classroom teaching, pupil personnel service, and administration/supervision) may not be used to satisfy the experience requirement in either of the other two areas.  top