Your Certification
Pathway Starts Here
2024–2025 Certification Requirements, Deadlines & Application Resources
Three routes to your
classroom credential
Every applicant qualifies through one of three established pathways. Identify yours below — each track has distinct requirements, timelines, and fees.
Traditional Preparation Program
For graduates of state-approved educator preparation programs (EPPs). Typically 4-year university programs with supervised student teaching.
Recent education graduates, student teachers completing their program
- 1Complete approved EPP with minimum 3.0 GPA
- 2Pass required Praxis Subject + Pedagogy exams
- 3Complete 16 weeks of student teaching
- 4Submit EPP verification letter
- 5Apply within 12 months of graduation
Alternative Certification Pathway
For career-changers and professionals with a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Complete educator training while teaching under a Provisional Certificate.
Career changers, corporate professionals, subject-matter experts entering education
- 1Hold bachelor's degree with 2.5+ GPA
- 2Pass Praxis Core Academic Skills tests
- 3Complete approved ACP provider enrollment
- 4Secure teaching position with district sponsorship
- 5Complete field experience requirements
Out-of-State Reciprocity
For licensed educators relocating from another state. Expedited review process to evaluate your existing credentials against state requirements.
Licensed teachers from other states, military spouses, educators relocating by September
- 1Hold valid out-of-state teaching license
- 2Minimum 1 year of verified teaching experience
- 3Submit official license verification from issuing state
- 4Pass state-specific content exam (if required)
- 5Complete state-mandated training modules
| Track | Min. Degree | Praxis Required | Processing Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional | Bachelor's in Education | Subject + Pedagogy | 30 days | $125 |
| Alternative | Any Bachelor's (2.5 GPA) | Core + Subject | 30 days | $125 + ACP |
| Reciprocity | Valid out-of-state license | State-specific only | 21–45 days | $75 |
Score thresholds &
exam requirements
All applicants must pass the required Praxis assessments before a Standard Certificate can be issued. Score reports must be sent directly from ETS to this office.
Praxis Core Academic Skills
Waived with qualifying GRE, SAT, or ACT scores.
Praxis Subject Assessment
Must match your target certification area exactly.
Praxis Principles of Learning & Teaching
Select the grade band matching your certification level.
State Pedagogy Assessment
Computer-based test, 5 hours. Available year-round at Pearson VUE centers.
Start Here
Select Your Target Certification Area
Elementary Education (PK–6)
Secondary English (7–12)
Secondary Math (7–12)
Special Education
School Counselor
Submit Score Reports via ETS Score Recipient Code: 7432
Score Waiver Policy: Applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.5+ from an approved EPP may apply for a Core Academic Skills waiver. Submit Form CE-117 with your official transcripts.
Hard deadlines &
key milestones
Missing a deadline means waiting for the next processing cycle. Plan your submission with these dates — applications are reviewed in the order received.
Application Portal Opens
Online application system opens for all 2024–2025 certification cycles. Create your applicant account and begin your profile.
Early Application Deadline
Submit by this date to guarantee processing before January 1. Recommended for applicants starting spring semester positions.
Spring Semester Priority Deadline
Final deadline for educators beginning teaching positions in January or February. Late submissions subject to $50 expedite fee.
Praxis Score Submission Cutoff
All required Praxis scores must be received by this date for spring processing. Scores must be sent directly from ETS (code: 7432).
Summer Renewal Window Opens
Annual certificate renewal portal opens. All certificates expiring June 30 must be renewed before this cycle closes.
Fall Application Priority Deadline
Priority deadline for educators beginning fall semester positions. Guarantees certificate issuance before August 1 if all documents complete.
Standard Application Deadline
Final deadline for standard processing. Applications received after this date enter the next cycle and may not be processed before September.
Reciprocity Expedited Deadline
Last date for out-of-state educators to request expedited reciprocity review for September start. $75 expedite fee required.
Standard Deadline
Regular processing cycle dates
Priority Deadline
Guaranteed pre-semester issuance
Urgent / Final Cutoff
Miss this = next cycle delay
Processing Time Reference
- • Standard applications: 30 business days
- • Reciprocity expedited: 21 business days
- • Incomplete applications: paused until resolved
- • Status checks: certify.state.edu/status
Late Submission Policy: Applications received after the standard deadline are processed in the following cycle. No exceptions are granted for late document submissions.
Everything you need
before you apply
Incomplete applications are the #1 cause of processing delays. Use these checklists to ensure your submission is complete before you click submit.
Completed Online Application (Form CE-100)
Official college/university transcripts (all institutions)
Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
Social Security Number verification
Criminal background check authorization (FBI + State)
Application fee payment ($125 or $75 reciprocity)
Signed applicant attestation form
Document Authentication: All foreign credentials must be evaluated by a NACES-approved evaluation service before submission. Allow 4–8 weeks for international evaluations.
Download the Complete
Certification Guide
87 pages covering every pathway, exam, deadline, and form — organized the way applicants actually think. Updated for 2024–2025.