I already have a College Degree
Gain the credentials you need

• Washington Residency Teacher Certification


• Step 1:
  
  
  You must have at least a bachelor's degree to become a teacher in Washington. Request information from accredited institutions regarding Bachelor's programs, Bachelor's with Certification, Master's with certification or post-baccalaureate Certification programs.


• University of Phoenix
• Walden University
• American InterContinental University
• Capella University
• Ashford University


• Step 2:
  
  
  To begin the application, you will either want to have completed your teacher education program or at least be currently enrolled in a program. Find Teacher Preparation Programs Here.


• Step 3:
  
  
  Download an application for your Residency Teaching Certification as well as procedural information, Here.
  


• Step 4:
  
  
  You must pass the Washington Educator Skills Test-Basic (WEST-B).

  • Contact the National Evaluation Systems
    at (800)784-4999
    


• Step 5:
  
  
  You must verify subject matter competence by successfully completing the WEST-E examination.

  • Contact the Educational Testing Service at (800) 772-9476
    


• Step 6:
  
  
  Complete a teacher preparation program (successful student teaching, teacher prep courses, etc.)
  • Request information from Universities that offer teacher preparation courses. Washington Teacher Certification Programs.
  
  
• Step 7:
  
  
  You will need to have your fingerprints taken and be cleared through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), Washington State, and the FBI. You can request fingerprint cards through the Washington State Department of Education.
  
  
• Step 8:
  
  
  Your Preliminary Teacher Certification packet will contain the following contents:
  
  
  • Completed application packet
  • Official Transcripts of all degrees and credits you have earned
  • Fingerprints & Fees
  • The address where you will send your application will be designated in the directions that accompany your downloaded application.
  
  
• Step 9:
  
  
  Sit Back and Relax!


• Alternative Route to Teaching Certification


There are various routes to certification in Washington State. Alternative routes to certification, emergency certification, conditional certification and some others depending on the needs of a particular school district's needs and the educational and work experience of the teacher candidate.


• Alternative Route to Certification:
  
  
  This route to certification is reserved fro mid-career professionals seeking certification in subject matter shortage areas.
• Must have five years experience in the work force
• Must have at least a Bachelor's degree or higher
• Must successfully complete assessment tests
• Must meet age, moral character and personal fitness requirements of the Washington State School Board
• Request an application packet and further information from this website.


• Emergency Certification:
  
  
  The Washington Emergency Certification is for those who have substantially completed a teacher preparation program, and the employing school district has requested an exception due to lack of certified applicants for a particular teaching position. Download application here.


• Conditional Certification:
  
  
  This Washington Certification is for people who have a considerable expertise in a subject, but have not completed any formal teacher preparation program or training. Download application here.


• Now...
  
  
  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.