Certification

Content Core Requirement Update

The Board of Regents amended section 80-3.7 of the Commissioner’s regulations, reducing the Content Core requirement for the “Additional Classroom Teaching Certificate” pathway from 30 semester hours to 18 semester hours. This amendment becomes effective on April 23, 2025.

Please note the following:
  • Applications submitted through this pathway on or after 4/23/25 will reflect the updated 18-semester hour Content Core requirement.

  • Applications that were previously evaluated will not be automatically updated to reflect the 18-semester hour Content Core requirement. However, applicants can request that their application be updated to the 18-semester hour pathway by filling out this form.

  • Acceptable coursework must be exclusively focused on the specific subject matter of the certificate title sought (e.g., Mathematics, Biology, Spanish, etc.). Courses that are related - but not exclusively focused on such subject matter - are unacceptable. Additionally, pedagogical coursework covering the subject matter (e.g., - teaching methods of a subject) is not acceptable.
      Note: Content core courses must be passed with a "C" or above at the undergraduate level or "B-" or above at the graduate level.

The following certificate titles are affected by this regulation change:

Grades 5-9
biology, chemistry, earth science, English language arts, mathematics, social studies, physics, and foreign language certificates.

Grades 7-12
biology, chemistry, earth science, English language arts, mathematics, social studies, physics, and foreign language certificates.

Special subjects (All Grades)
dance, family and consumer sciences, health education, music, physical education, technology education, theater, and visual arts.

Other subjects (All Grades)
agriculture and business and marketing
Last Updated: April 22, 2025