Due to limited staffing, walk-in availability will now be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9–4:30 pm. We understand that these days may not work for everyone. If you need a different day, please reach out at 360-725-6400 or cert@k12.wa.us to schedule an alternative time.
Submit a question to OSPI.
These certificates are required for individuals employed by school districts in certificated positions. School districts determine the roles and responsibilities of certificated employees. Please get in touch with your school district for more information.
Review the application types below to find the right application for you based on your current status.
Certificates you may apply for if you have completed an out-of-state teacher preparation program.
Pre-Residency Clearance* - Select this if you are completing your teacher preparation program.
Residency Teacher - Select this if you completed a teacher preparation program or hold or have held a full teaching certificate in another state with at least three years of out-of-state or out-of-country teaching experience.
Professional Teacher - Select this if you held a second-tier certificate from an approved state or if you are National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certified.
Career and Technical Education - Select this if you want to become certified in Career and Technical Education.
Substitute Teacher - Select this if you completed a teacher preparation program or hold or have held a full teaching certificate in another state with at least three years of out-of-state or out-of-country teaching experience.
Conditional Teacher* - Select this if you are working with a Washington employer wanting to hire you for a position based on your experience and expertise in a specific educational area.
Intern Substitute Teacher* - Select this if you are student teaching and your employer needs you to substitute for your mentor teacher in their absence.
Emergency Substitute Teacher* - Select this if you are working with a Washington employer wanting you to be available for substitute teaching on an emergency basis.
Foreign Trained Applicants - Select this if you completed your degree(s) and/or a teacher preparation program at an institution in a country outside of the United States.