Certificate Reissue & Renewal

Washington educators can maintain their certification by reissuing or renewing their certificates, depending on their role, certificate type, and service history. In some situations, educators who are not yet eligible to renew may be issued a Transitional certificate so they can continue working in a school setting while completing renewal requirements. This page helps you understand which option applies to you and what steps to take next. Identify and review your role below to understand the guidance, requirements and next steps for each type of certificate. 

Reissue vs. Renewal Guidance

Reissue your certificate if both of the statements below apply to you:

• Your certificate title includes "First Issue (FI)" (Ex, Residency Teacher, Administrator, or ESA — First Issue)
• You have met the service requirement of 1.5–2 years in Washington in the designated teacher, administrator, or ESA role

Renew your certificate if both of the statements below apply to you:

• Your five-year certificate is expiring
• You have completed 100 clock hours of professional development

Fees Non-refundable

Please review guidance and requirements carefully. Applications submitted before eligibility is met cannot be approved, and application fees are nonrefundable.

Reissue Your Residency First Issue Certificate

Select this option if you hold a First-Issue (FI) certificate in any of the roles below and have completed two years of service in the role, or your certificate now has an expiration date.

• Residency Teacher (First Issue)
• Residency Administrator (First Issue)
• Residency Educational Staff Associate (First Issue)

Renew Your Five-Year Certificate

Select this if you hold a five-year certificate in any of the roles below that is nearing its expiration date.

• Teacher
• CTE Teacher
• Principal
• Program Administrator
• Superintendent
• CTE Director
• Educational Staff Associate

Paraeducator Renewal

Select this option if you are renewing a Subject Matter or Advanced Paraeducator certificate.

First Peoples' Language, Culture, and Oral Traditions Renewal

Select this if option if you are renewing a First Peoples’ certificate you currently hold.

Emergency Substitute Renewal

Select this option if you hold an Emergency Substitute certificate and your employer is completing the renewal.

Conditional Renewal

Select this option if you are renewing a Conditional certificate that you hold.

Transitional

Select this option if your five-year Teacher, CTE Educator, Administrator, or ESA certificate has expired, and you do not yet meet the renewal requirements.