Become an Approved Provider

Only organizations approved by the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) may offer clock hours to Washington state educators. Approved providers must adhere to rules in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC).

Clock Hour Provider Eligibility:

The following organizations are eligible to become an approved clock hour provider (WAC 181-85-045)

• Accredited college or university (WAC 181-85-025)
• Nonprofit or not-for-profit organizations, with the exception of 501(c)4 organizations. These organizations must provide documentation of current non-profit or not-for-profit status. 501(c)4 organizations are prohibited from becoming an approved provider.
• Educational Service Districts (ESDs)
• State-approved private schools (WAC 180-90-112)
• Local, state, or federal agencies
• Educator preparation programs approved by the Professional Educator Standards Board

Note: All School Districts, Charter Schools, and Compact Schools in Washington are automatically approved as clock hour providers.

Clock Hour Provider Requirements:

Clock hour providers are responsible for knowing and adhering to all applicable rules governing Washington state approved clock hour providers. Rules are laid out in WAC 181-85; selected rules are highlighted on the Clock hours - Professional Educator Standards Board webpage under Provider Requirements.

Clock Hour Provider Annual Application Process: 

• Approval of agencies as clock hour providers occurs once a year, and agencies must apply annually to become an approved clock hour provider by PESB.
• For agencies that have received approval from PESB, this timeline runs from October 1 to September 30 of the following year (there are no means to add a clock hour provider or clock hours retroactively).
• There is no fee for agencies to seek approval as a clock hour provider.

In the Annual Approval Process:

• Clock hour committee members, the designated administrator, and the website must be identified.
• Applicants must describe how they will meet the program standards and recordkeeping requirements.
• Applicants will provide other information as requested by PESB.

Some Providers Must Include Additional Information:

• Equity providers must include their mission and vision statements. They must also state their experience and expertise in providing professional development to educators generally, as well as specific experience and expertise in equity-based practices;
• Nonprofit or not-for-profit providers must include proof of their current nonprofit status.

Apply: