Continuing Education Clock Hours

To maintain their certification, educators are required by law to complete continuing education credits throughout their career. These credits are offered through “clock hours,” which are units of credit assigned to educators at a professional development or training event. Clock hour rules are available in Chapter 181-85 WAC.

Educator Clock Hour Information & Resources

Educator certificate renewal requirements, accepted forms of clock hours, and frequently asked questions.

STEM, Equity, Leadership, and Government-to-Government Clock Hours

The purpose of continuing education requirements is to enhance educator effectiveness, leading to improved outcomes and student learning. Most educators are required to earn 100 clock hours every five years to renew their certificate. Depending on the type of certificate held, educators may need to complete specific clock hours in STEM, Equity, Leadership, or Government-to-Government areas to maintain their certificate.

Department of Health License Hours as Clock Hours Information

Educational staff associates may use continuing education units (CEUs), credits, or clock hours that satisfy the continuing education requirements for their state professional health license, for Washington and any other state, as in-service credits.

Approved Providers

All Washington public school districts, charter schools, and Tribal compact schools are approved providers. If an agency is listed on the approved clock hour provider list, the clock hours are not eligible unless accompanied by acceptable documentation.

Become an Approved Provider

Washington requires the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) to approve providers of continuing education for educators. Providers are approved annually. To seek approval, an agency must be a non-profit organization, a private school, an accredited college/university, or a local, state or federal government agency.