Washington Teacher Certification Renewal

Steps to renewing your certification:

• Residency Teacher Certification Renewal
You are expected to have completed an approved Professional Certification Program before the expiration of your Residency Certification. However, there are multiple scenarios where there are exceptions as well as possible misunderstandings. We will begin with the possible misunderstandings:
• Completion of Provisional Status
Upon completion of two years of successful teaching experience, you will be reissued your residency certification which will be valid for 5 more years. Download application here.


• Residency Certificate Renewal Requirements
1. You are currently enrolled in a state board approved Professional Certification Program (this renewal is valid for 2 years), OR
2. If not employed as a contracted teacher and have completed 10 semester hours of college credit course work since the original issuance of your residency certification (this renewal is valid for two years as well), OR
3. Lastly, you may renew your certification through an appeals process. The duration of your renewal will be determined by the State Board.
4. Download application here.


• Professional Teacher Certification
To earn a Professional Teacher Certification in Washington, you must have held a Residency Certification or, if out of state, you may be awareded a professional certification based on previous teaching experience instead. You must have successfully completed two years of teaching experience as well as one of the following:
• Complete an approved professional certificate program. OR,
• Completion of comparable out of state certification program. OR,
• Possess a Certificate issued by the State Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)


• Professional Teacher Certfication Renewal
In order to renew your Washington Teacher Certification, you will need to complete 150 hours of Continuing Education study or equivalent academic credit after the issuance of your most recent certification.

Your education credit must relate to either the standard outlined in WAC 181-78A-540 or in the salary criteria specified in RCW 28A.415.023.

You will send your application and fees to an Educational Service District at an address specified on the Application.

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.