Substitute & Limited Certificates

Limited Teaching certificates allow Washington employers to request a certificate for an educator when a full certificate is not the right option or is not yet available. A Washington state employer must initiate the application on behalf of the educator, except for the Pre-Residency certificate.

Review the certificate types below to find the right application based on your current status.

Eligibility Restriction

Educators who are eligible for a full teaching certificate may not qualify for some Limited Teaching certificates.

Student Teaching (Pre-Residency) Clearance

Select this if you are enrolled in an educator preparation program.

Substitute

Select this if you hold or have held a full Washington Teacher, Administrator, or Educational Staff Associate certificate, or if you are requested under an emergency or intern substitute certificate issued by a school district.

Conditional

Select this option if you are working with a Washington employer who wants to hire you, but you do not currently meet the full certification requirements for a Teacher, CTE Educator, Administrator, or Educational Staff Associate role.

Transitional

Select this if you hold a full, regular Teacher, CTE Educator, Administrator, or Educational Staff Associate certificate subject to renewal that has lapsed and you do not currently meet the requirements for renewal.