Education Staff Associate (ESA)

In Washington, certain specialists who serve in the K-12 schools are certified as Educational Staff Associates (ESAs). The list below contains full and limited Educational Staff Associate (ESA) certificates.

School Counselor

School counselors support the academic, career, and social-emotional development of all students through comprehensive school counseling programs. Explore best practices, professional resources, guidance, and Washington state legislation that support school counselors and their work. Learn about the requirements and process for becoming a school counselor on the First-Time Certification page.

School Librarian

Librarians help students build information and digital literacy skills, develop a love of reading, and navigate an increasingly complex information landscape. Explore resources for school library programs, professional learning, standards, endorsements, research, and guidance. Learn about the requirements and process for becoming a school librarian on the First-Time Certification page.

School Nurse

The Initial ESA Certificate is the first-tier full certificate issued in the state of Washington for this role. The Continuing ESA Certificate is the second-tier full certificate issued in the state of Washington for this role. Select this to learn more about these certifications.

School Occupational Therapist

The Initial ESA Certificate is the first-tier full certificate issued in the state of Washington for this role. The Continuing ESA Certificate is the second-tier full certificate issued in the state of Washington for this role. Select this to learn more about these certifications.

School Physical Therapist

The Initial ESA Certificate is the first-tier full certificate issued in the state of Washington for this role. The Continuing ESA Certificate is the second-tier full certificate issued in the state of Washington for this role. Select this to learn more about these certifications.

School Psychologist

School psychologists support students’ academic, behavioral, social, and emotional success by partnering with families, educators, and school communities. Explore professional standards, resources, associations, and laws that support school psychologists and their work. Learn about the requirements and process for becoming a school psychologist on the First-Time Certification page.

School Speech Language Pathologist/Audiologist

The Initial ESA Certificate is the first-tier full certificate issued in the state of Washington for this role. The Continuing ESA Certificate is the second-tier full certificate issued in the state of Washington for this role. Select this to learn more about these certifications.

School Social Worker

School social workers help address barriers to learning by supporting students’ social, emotional, behavioral, and academic needs. Explore qualifications, professional resources, and practice standards that guide school social workers in creating supportive, equitable school environments. Learn about the requirements and process for becoming a school social worker on the First-Time Certification page.

Substitute ESA

This certificate is available to those who meet full certification requirements for the specific ESA roles.

Conditional ESA

(School Counselor, School Psychologist, School Social Worker, School Nurse, and Speech Language Pathologist or Audiologist)

Select this if you are working with a Washington employer wanting to hire you for one of the above ESA roles, and you do not currently meet full certification requirements for the ESA role.

If an educator meets requirements for a full ESA certificate for the role, they might not qualify for a limited ESA certificate. If you have a question regarding qualifications for these certificates, please contact the Certification Office. Limited ESA certificates must be initiated by a state of Washington employer on behalf of the educator who is not eligible for full certification in the requested ESA role.