Certification Department Closure – Wednesday, October 8
The Professional Certification Department will be unavailable on October 8 from 10:15 am to 12:15 pm
The Professional Certification Department will be unavailable on October 8 from 10:15 am to 12:15 pm
Submit a question to OSPI.
This page contains renewal information for Educational Staff Associate (ESA) who hold Initial or Continuing Certificates.
If you are looking for information on how to move to a second tier certificate, please see the Initial Upgrading to Continuing webpage.
School Physical Therapist Initial ESA Renewal Requirements (Effective 9/1/2020)
The Educational Staff Associate (ESA) may apply for an Initial ESA Renewal Certificate beginning 9/1/2020. The Initial ESA Renewal Certificate shall be valid for five years. See below for requirements.
Renewal of an expired Initial ESA Certificate: 100 clock hours or equivalents must be completed within the five years immediately preceding the date of application for renewal.
NOTE: Educators applying to renew an expired Initial ESA Certificate must submit documentation of completed clock hours or equivalents to the Certification Office for review with their application.
CLOCK HOUR NOTE: Further clock hours earned will not start counting towards a following renewal until the next certificate's effective date.
NATIONAL CERTIFICATION NOTE: Educators who hold a valid National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certificate, Certificate of Clinical Competence issued by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, or Nationally Certified School Psychologist credential issued by the National Association of School Psychologists may submit that certificate in lieu of the 100 clock hours (or equivalent) to renew their Washington educator or ESA certificate.
Clock hour equivalents are allowed as follows: 1 quarter credit = 10 clock hours; 1 semester credit= 15 clock hours; 1 PGP until 6/30/2018 = 30 clock hours; 1 PGP as of 7/1/2018= 25 clock hours.
Template Form 1697 PGP for Certificate Renewal
Form 1128-8: Use this form to document completion of a Professional Growth Plan and submit to your school district to claim clock hours and to the Certification Office if you are submitting an application for renewal or reinstatement of an EXPIRED certificate.
For PGP information and resources, please visit the Professional Educator Standards Board.
LICENSE HOURS NOTE: Certain ESA roles are allowed to count any continuing education credits (CEUs) that they completed to satisfy the requirements for their state professional health license to also fulfill the continuing requirement (clock hour equivalents) for their certification renewal. Form 4098V Please see ESA Clock Hour Information for details.
General Clock Hour Information
This is the certificate an ESA would apply for when they have already gained the Continuing Certificate. If you do not know if you already hold this certificate, please contact the Certification Office before you apply
Renewal of an expired Continuing ESA Certificate: All renewal requirements listed above must be completed within the five years immediately preceding the date of application for renewal.
NOTE: Educators applying to renew an expired Continuing ESA Certificate must submit documentation of completed clock hours or equivalents to the Certification Office for review with their application.
CLOCK HOUR NOTE: Further clock hours earned will not start counting towards a following renewal until the next certificate's effective date.
NATIONAL CERTIFICATION NOTE: Educators who hold a valid National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certificate, Certificate of Clinical Competence issued by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, or Nationally Certified School Psychologist credential issued by the National Association of School Psychologists may submit that certificate in lieu of the 100 clock hours (or equivalent) to renew their Washington educator or ESA certificate.
Clock hour equivalents are allowed as follows: Clock hour equivalents are allowed as follows: 1 quarter credit = 10 clock hours; 1 semester credit = 15 clock hours; 1 PGP until 6-30-18 = 30 clock hours; 1 PGP as of 7-1-18 = 25 clock hours. Form PGP | PGP Information Clock Hour Information
Form 1128-8: Use this form to document completion of a Professional Growth Plan and submit to your school district to claim clock hours and to the Certification Office if you are submitting an application for renewal or reinstatement of an EXPIRED certificate.
LICENSE HOURS NOTE: Certain ESA roles are allowed to count any continuing education units (CEUs) that they completed to satisfy the requirements for their state professional health license to also fulfill the continuing education requirement (clock hour equivalents) for their certification renewal. Form 4098V Please see ESA Clock Hour Information for details.
If you have all necessary documentation to apply for this certificate, login to: E-Certification