Initial Upgrading to Continuing

Requirements

Principal Upgrade

Those principals who hold a valid Initial Certificate and do qualify for the Continuing Administrator Certificate, will need to apply to upgrade to the Continuing Administrator Certificate.

• Verification of three years of full-time employment in the role of principal, vice principal or assistant principal. Form 4020F
• Must attest to completion of an issues of abuse course for more information see WAC 181-79A-030(9). This course MUST be entered into the 'PD Hours' section of your E-Certification account prior to applying
• Verification of 15 quarter hours (10 semester hours) 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. Form 4001D
• Submission of fingerprints for a background check is required, if a valid certificate is not already on record

ISSUES OF ABUSE COURSE NOTE: The issues of abuse course or course work must include information related to identification of physical, emotional, sexual, and substance abuse; the impact on learning and behavior; the responsibilities of an educator to report abuse or to provide assistance to victimized children; and methods of teaching about abuse and its prevention.

UPGRADE NOTE: The administrator must have met the requirements to upgrade their certificate prior to the expiration date of their Initial Certificate, otherwise they will need to convert to the Residency Certificate.

Program Administrator Upgrade

Those program administrators who hold a valid Initial Administrator Certificate and do qualify for the Continuing Administrator Certificate, will need to apply to upgrade to the Continuing Administrator Certificate.

• Completion of 180 days of experience as a program administrator. Form 4020F
• Must attest to completion of an issues of abuse course for more information see WAC 181-79A-030(9). This course MUST be entered into the 'PD Hours' section of your E-Certification account prior to applying
• Completion of 30 quarter hours (20 semester hours) of graduate-level study in education or hold a doctorate in education
• Submission of fingerprints for a background check is required, if a valid certificate is not already on record

ISSUES OF ABUSE COURSE NOTE: The issues of abuse course or course work must include information related to identification of physical, emotional, sexual, and substance abuse; the impact on learning and behavior; the responsibilities of an educator to report abuse or to provide assistance to victimized children; and methods of teaching about abuse and its prevention.

UPGRADE NOTE: The administrator must have met the requirements to upgrade their certificate prior to the expiration date of their Initial Certificate, otherwise they will need to convert to the Residency Certificate.

Superintendent Upgrade

Those superintendents who hold or previously held an Initial Administrator Certificate and do qualify for the Continuing Administrator Certificate, will need to apply to upgrade to the Continuing Administrator Certificate.

• Completion of 180 days of experience as a superintendent, assistant superintendent, or deputy superintendent, 30 days of which need to be with the same school district. Form 4020F
• Must attest to completion of an issues of abuse course for more information see WAC 181-79A-030(9). This course MUST be entered into the 'PD Hours' section of your E-Certification account prior to applying
• Completion of 60 quarter hours (40 semester hours) of graduate-level study in education completed after the baccalaureate degree or hold a doctorate in education
• Submission of fingerprints for a background check is required, if a valid certificate is not already on record

UPGRADE NOTE: There are no restrictions on the number of times the Initial Superintendent Certificate may be issued. Initial Superintendent Certificate holders are not required to upgrade to the second tier Continuing Superintendent Certificate. However, if you wish to pursue the second tier certificate, you can apply once you have met the requirements to upgrade.

ISSUES OF ABUSE COURSE NOTE: The issues of abuse course or course work must include information related to identification of physical, emotional, sexual, and substance abuse; the impact on learning and behavior; the responsibilities of an educator to report abuse or to provide assistance to victimized children; and methods of teaching about abuse and its prevention.

Apply

If you have all necessary documentation to apply for this certificate, login to: E-Certification