Paraeducator Certificate Renewal

Paraeducators may renew certain subject matter and advanced certificates by completing the required clock hours. The information below outlines eligible certificate types and renewal requirements.

Eligible Certificates

You may renew the following certificates:

• English Language Learner (ELL) Subject Matter

• Special Education Subject Matter

• Advanced Paraeducator

Renewal vs. Reinstatement

• My certificate is still valid:
  You are applying for renewal. Your clock hours must have been completed after the issue date of the certificate you are renewing. If the certificate was valid for less than five years, clock hours must have been completed within the five years before you apply.
  • Please Note: When you apply, you must submit documentation showing you completed the required clock hours or approved equivalents. The Professional Certification Office will review your documentation as part of your application.
• My certificate has expired:
  You are applying for reinstatement. You must submit documentation of completed clock hours or equivalent activities with your application for review by the Certification Department.

Review the renewal requirements below for your specific certificate type.

English Language Learner Subject Matter

Requirements

• Must hold or have held an English Language Learner Subject Matter Paraeducator certificate.
• 20 clock hours of professional development.
  OR
• Hold a valid and dated, regular, Washington educator certificate issued by OSPI

Special Education Subject Matter

Requirements

• Must hold or have held a Special Education Subject Matter Paraeducator certificate.
• 20 clock hours of professional development.
  OR
• Hold a valid and dated, regular, Washington educator certificate issued by OSPI

Advanced Paraeducator

Requirements

• Hold or have held an Advanced Paraeducator certificate.
• 30 clock hours of professional development
  OR
• Hold a valid and dated, regular, Washington educator certificate issued by OSPI