Washington Teachers: How to Go From Limited to Full Certification


| by Hannah Sparling

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It’s no secret: Washington needs teachers. 

Jobs for elementary and secondary school teachers in Washington are projected to grow 13% by 2032 compared to 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state has thousands of openings every year for K-12 educators. 

Some of those spots are being filled by teachers with limited certificates — teachers who are already leading a classroom but don’t yet meet the requirements for full certification. 

If you fall into that bucket, here’s how you can earn your full teaching certification in Washington state.  

Rules for Limited Teaching Certificates in Washington 

Limited teaching certificates are meant to provide flexibility for Washington schools and educators. For district leaders, it helps them fill crucial staffing gaps to make sure their classrooms have the coverage they need.  

For aspiring educators, it helps them get into the classroom faster. They’re still working toward their full or residency teacher certificate, but they don’t have to wait to start gaining experience and sharing their skills and knowledge with students. 

One of the most common limited certificates in Washington is a conditional certificate, which is available for all endorsement areas, including for special education teachers. According to the Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board, to qualify for a conditional certificate, you need school board approval plus one or more of the following: 

  • Extensive experience or talent in the subject area
  • A teaching position where there isn’t an available teacher with a full certification 
  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university 
  • Enrollment in an Educator Preparation Program 
  • Any other circumstances which warrant the conditional certificate. These would be examined on a case-by-case basis 

          How Washington Teachers with Limited Certifications Can Earn Full Certifications 

          Once you have your limited certificate, here are the steps to earn your full teaching certificate in Washington state, outlined on the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction website

          Step 1: Earn your bachelor’s degree. Many Washington teachers with a limited certificate already have a bachelor’s degree. If you’re in that group, you can go ahead and check this step off your list. (Note: This degree does not have to be in education.) 

          Step 2: Complete an Educator Preparation Program. There are plenty of great options in Washington, just make sure you choose a high-quality program that will give you the skills and resources you need. 

          A few things to consider:  

          • Is the program accredited?
          • Does it offer mentorship and/or test prep? 
          • What is the clinical learning or student teaching experience? 
          • Is the program virtual or in-person?  
          • How long does it last? 
          • How much does it cost? 

                    If you’re still not sure which EPP is best for you, this guide can help. 

                    Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program helps teachers earn their full professional certifications in as little as nine months. The program is fully accredited and 100% online. 

                    Step 3: Pass the required certification exams, which typically include the WEST-B and WEST-E/NES in Washington. There are also approved alternatives for each test. 

                    Step 4: Apply for certification. You’ve already completed a background check as part of the process for your limited or conditional teaching certificate, so the next step is to apply for your residency teacher certificate through the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Make sure to include your application fee. 

                    In Washington, when you’re going from a conditional to full teaching license, your school district will initiate this application process, and you’ll complete it. 

                    It’s also important to note that this is just one example of a path from limited to full certification for Washington teachers. Specific requirements may vary depending on subject area, grade level, and type of certification, so it’s always best to check with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for the most up-to-date information.

                    Limited to Full Teaching Certificate in Washington: How to Get Started  

                    Washington is a great state for teachers. It’s No. 13 on the U.S. News & World Report’s list of the best states for education. This ranking looks at graduation rates, college readiness, student scores on reading and math tests, and more.  

                    Washington teachers also make more than those in other states, an average of $86,804 a year, according to the National Education Association. That’s the fourth-highest rate in the nation. 

                    If you’re ready to advance from a limited to full teaching certificate in Washington, Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program is an excellent option, especially if you’re looking for an accelerated timeline. It’s a nine-month program — fully accredited and 100% online — that will give you the experience, skills, and network you need to be an effective teacher. 

                    Learn more about how we support teachers in Washington, or request more information. We’d be happy to chat 1:1 about your specific questions, goals, and needs. 

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