Rhode Island Initial Teacher Certification:

As a new educator in Rhode Island, you will be earning a Rhode Island Certificate of Eligibility for Employment (CEE).

The Certificate of Eligibility for Employment is valid for 3 years and can be renewed until you have secured regular employment in a Rhode Island School District.
  • Rhode Island Initial Certification:

  • In order to begin teaching in Rhode Island, you will need to complete a Rhode Island teacher certification program as well as have at least a Bachelor degree.

    Satisfy the following requirements and complete the following steps to earn your Rhode Island Teaching Certification:
    • Step 1:
      Request information from accredited institutions regarding Bachelor's, Master's and PhD programs. Teacher Preparation Programs.


    • Step 2:
      Download and complete the Rhode Island Application Packet.

    • Step 3:
      Pay the appropriate fees (proper fees are indicated within the application packets as well as downloadable from the Rhode Island Department of Education website)

      Pay by money order or personal check made payable to the "General Treasurer - State of Rhode Island".

    • Step 4:
      Provide a copy of competency test reports within your application packet.

      Find out what tests are required, when they are given and where at the ETS website.

    • Step 5:
      Provide Official Transcripts within your returned application packet. Copies or transcripts printed by yourself off the internet will not be accepted.

    • Step 6:
      Document Recency of Study:
      If you do not possess a Master's degree at the time of submitting your application, you must show the completion of 6 semester hours of college coursework within the past 5 years.

    • Step 7:
      Document any teaching experience (if applicable)

    • Send materials to this address:
      Rhode Island Department of Education
      Office of Teacher Certification
      Shepard Building
      255 Westminster Street
      Providence, RI 02903-3400

      Or contact the RIDOE by calling (401) 222-4600

    • Step 8:
      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.




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