Oregon Initial Teacher Certification

Steps to becoming a teacher in Oregon:

• Route 1: Oregon Initial Teaching Certification


The Oregon Initial Teaching Certification is the credential issued to applicants who have not taught before and have completed an Oregon teacher certification program.


• Step 1:
  Request information from accredited institutions regarding Bachelor's, Master's and PhD programs. Teacher Preparation Programs.


• University of Phoenix
• Walden University
• Capella University
• Ashford University


• Step 2:
  Initial Certification applicants must satisfy the Oregon Basic Skills and Subject Mastery requirements.
  
  
  • Basic Skills: You may satisfy the basic skills requirements by passing the CBEST or Praxis/PPST exams. You can also have the basic skills requirements waived with official transcripts verifying the completion of a Doctoral Program.
  • Subject Mastery: You must pass the Specialty Area Tests for each endorsement you wish to become certified under. ETS/NES Testing Information.


• Step 3:
  You will need to pass the Oregon Civil Rights Knowledge Requirements. You may complete this requirement through Oregon State University by workshop or a correspondence course. Schedule of Workshops on Civil Rights Knowledge.


• Step 4:
  Download the Download Forms C-1 and C-2. Make sure your application packet contains the following items before sending:
  • Official Transcripts of all college credits earned.
  • Have Form C-2 completed by your Teacher Education Institution and sealed in a separate college or university envelope.
  • Send scores of basic skills and specialty mastery exams. Or send transcripts of a completed doctorate program.
  • Submit one fingerprint card and a $62 processing fee for Oregon and Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal History Checks.
  • Complete Form C-1
  • Submit all fees and materials:
  • Oregon Initial License Evaluation Fees: $100
  • Fingerprint Processing Fees: $62


Send to this address:
Teacher Standards and Practices Commission
465 Commercial St. NE
Salem, OR. 97301

Or contact the commission for further questions through their website at www.tspc.state.or.us or call (503) 378-3586


• Step 6:
  Sit Back and Relax!

• Route 2: Oregon Alternative Teaching Certification


The Alternative route to certification in Oregon is called the Oregon Restricted Transitional Certification. This certification is valid for 3 years and is not renewable. The restricted transitional license allows the candidate to enter the classroom prior to the completion of a teacher education program. The following are the requirements needed to be qualified for this certification:
• Step 1:
  You will need to have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree.
  • Your degree must be from a field of study that corresponds to the area you are going to be teaching and earning your certification.


• Step 2:
  Submit a fingerprint card to the TSPC for a criminal history check by the Oregon and Federal Bureau of Investigations.


• Step 3:
  You Must have a School District co-apply for your license.


• Step 4:
  Your employing district must provide a mentor.


• Step 5:
  During the life of your transitional certification, you must complete a teacher education program.
  
  
  Send to this address:
  Teacher Standards and Practices Commission
  465 Commercial St. NE
  Salem, OR. 97301

  
  Or contact the commission for further questions through their website at www.tspc.state.or.us or call (503) 378-3586


• Step 6:
  Sit Back and Relax!

Learn about the requirements of another state by clicking on one of the state certification links to your left.

Request information from schools by clicking on the links or school logos below.