Principal or Program Administrator

This page explains how to apply for your first Principal or Program Administrator certificate in Washington state. It covers both the Residency (First Issue) and Professional Administrator certificates, who qualifies for each, and the requirements you must meet.

Washington Offers Two Types of Principal or Program Administrator Certificates

• Residency (First Issue) certificate is the first-tier, full credential for new administrators.

• Professional certificate is a second-tier, full credential for principals or program administrators who hold a valid Initial certificate in the role. 

Principal and Program Administrator Roles in Washington

The roles are separated in the state of Washington. An educator must have completed a program for either role individually or have the appropriate experience for either role to apply for one or both.

• Principal role is for school-level leadership as a principal, assistant principal, or vice-principal

• Program Administrator role is for district-level leadership roles other than superintendent or assistant superintendent roles, e.g., director-level positions. The state of Washington does not require this certificate for employment as a program administrator.

If you are unsure which application below to complete based on your program or experience, please contact the Certification Department before applying. 

Residency Administrator (First Issue)

In-State Applicant

The application is for educators who have completed their administrator preparation program (Principal or Program Administrator) and have been recommended for their certificate by a Washington state-approved administrator program.

Institution Approval Required

 You will NOT be able to apply for this certificate until your institution initiates it. 

Principal Requirements Verified by Program

• Hold or have previously held a regular Teacher, Educational Staff Associate, or Initial/Continuing CTE certificate
• Complete a master’s degree
• Complete a state-approved administrator preparation program.
• Verify that you have three years of successful school-based instructional experience in an educational setting
• Submit fingerprints for a background check if you don't already have a valid Washington certificate on record

Program Administrator Requirements Verified by Program

• Complete a master's degree
• Complete a state-approved administrator preparation program
• Submit fingerprints for a background check if you don't already have a valid Washington certificate on record

Out-of-State Applicant

This application is for principal and program administrator applicants who have completed their preparation program in another state or have met the requirements outlined below.

Principal Requirements

• Must hold or have held a regular Teacher, Educational Staff Associate, or CTE certificate
• Complete a master's degree (must submit official transcripts showing degree conferral)
• Verify that you have three years of successful school-based instructional experience in an educational setting (Principal Prerequisite Experience Verification Form 4001F)
• Complete one of the following:
  • Option 1: Complete a state-approved administrator preparation program (Administrator Program Completion Verification Form 4001E)
  • Option 2: Verify that you have three years of full-time, out-of-state administrator experience and a copy of an out-of-state administrator certificate (Experience Verification Form 4020F-1)
• Submit fingerprints for a background check if you don't already have a valid Washington certificate on record

Program Administrator Requirements

• Complete a master's degree (must submit official transcripts showing degree conferral)
• Complete one of the following:
  • Option 1: Complete a state-approved administrator preparation program (Administrator Program Completion Verification Form 4001E)
  • Option 2: Verify that you have three years of full-time, out-of-state administrator experience and a copy of an out-of-state administrator certificate (Experience Verification Form 4020F-1)
• Submit fingerprints for a background check if you don't already have a valid Washington certificate on record