How to Get Your Washington
Teacher Certification

TEACH IN WASHINGTON

Washington State is dedicated to educational excellence, making it an ideal place to launch or advance your teaching career. With a strong support system for educators and a diverse student population, earning your teacher certification here opens the door to exciting opportunities.

This guide provides a step-by-step overview of the certification process in Washington, from enrolling in an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) to meeting certification requirements and applying for your teacher certificate.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TEACH IN WASHINGTON

Washington Department of Education

The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) oversee teacher certification and provide essential resources for aspiring and current educators. These two organizations offer comprehensive information on certification requirements, pathways to obtaining certification, and employment opportunities throughout the Evergreen State.

How to Become a Certified Teacher in Washington

Washington has different paths to teacher certification, depending on your educational background and experience:

The Traditional Route

This path is generally for individuals who would like to complete their Educator Preparation Program as part of a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education. Washington has a list of state-approved EPPs.

If you take this route, you’ll then need to:

  • Pass the required Praxis exams for your certification area.
  • Complete a student teaching experience as part of your EPP.
  • Submit fingerprints and pass a background check.
  • Apply for certification through the Washington Department of Education (OSPI).

+

The Alternative Routes

Washington State offers alternative routes for career changers or others who did not complete a traditional degree in education. These paths allow candidates to work in schools while completing their Educator Preparation Program (EPP).

Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program can be completed in as little as 9 months:

  • Fully accredited
  • 100% online
  • Global cohort model
  • Rolling admissions
  • Monthly start dates

+

In addition to the traditional and alternative routes, Washington State offers a high school teacher academy program aimed at supporting participants as they complete high school, apply to, and attend college. For more information on certification routes, visit the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Teacher Certification page.

Benefits of Earning Your Washington Teaching Certification

Comprehensive Perks

Washington provides extensive benefits for teachers, including health insurance options covering medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance. Educators are also part of the Washington Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS), which provides retirement benefits.

Diverse Student Body

Washington’s K–12 student population is richly diverse. This diversity offers educators the opportunity to engage with students from various cultural backgrounds, fostering inclusive and dynamic learning environments.

Strong Demand for Teachers

Washington is projecting 13% growth in jobs for elementary and secondary school teachers by 2032, compared to 2022. There is a shortage of qualified teachers in many areas, including special education, elementary education, early childhood education, and mathematics.

Supportive Community

In Washington, education is a community effort, driven by innovation and inclusivity. Teachers benefit from a supportive network of peers, access to professional development, and a culture that values both time-honored teaching methods and forward-thinking.

Types of Washington Teacher Certificates

Washington has three main types of teacher certificates:

Conditional Teacher Certificate

This certificate allows individuals with expertise in a specific area to teach when a school district cannot find a fully certified teacher for that subject. It’s typically valid for up to two years and can be renewed for an additional two-year period upon request by the employing school district.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree​
  • Employment offer from a Washington public or approved private school​
  • Submission of fingerprints for state and federal background checks​
  • Certificate recommendation initiated by the employing school district

Residency Certificate

This is the initial certificate for new teachers in Washington who have either completed an in-state or out-of-state Educator Preparation Program (EPP) or held a full teaching credential in another state. A Residency Certificate is not renewable in its initial form; instead, it transitions to a 5-year certificate after the educator accumulates 1.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) years of teaching experience. It can be renewed indefinitely as long as renewal requirements are met for each five-year cycle.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • EPP completion, including at least one endorsement
  • Completion of a basic skills test and a content area test
  • Submission of fingerprints for state and federal background checks
  • Certificate recommendation initiated by the EPP institution

Professional Certificate

This is an advanced level of teacher certification, signifying a higher standard of professional practice. This certificate is valid for five years and is renewable as long as renewal requirements are met for each five-year cycle.

Requirements:

  • At least two years of successful teaching experience in a Washington public school, for in-state candidates
  • Completion of one of the following:
    • Washington professional certificate assessment (ProTeach)
    • National Board Certification (issued by National Boards)
    • Wisconsin’s Master Educator
    • Ohio’s Five-Year Professional License

For comprehensive information on certificate types and requirements, visit the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Teacher Certification page. ​

Washington Teacher Education Requirements

General Requirements

Washington teachers must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and:

Testing Requirements

All Washington educators must pass a variety of exams. The primary assessments include:

Basic Skills Assessment

All candidates must achieve passing scores on the basic skills test, such as the Washington Educator Skills Test—Basic (WEST-B), or seek an exemption under special circumstances.

Content Knowledge Assessment

Content knowledge tests are a certification requirement. Candidates are required to pass the Washington Educator Skills Test—Endorsements (WEST-E) or National Evaluation Series (NES) tests, depending on the endorsement area.

A comprehensive list of required assessments, specific timelines, and qualifying scores is detailed on the Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board assessment page.

Education & Degree Requirements

Washington requires educators to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. university or college. If you have a bachelor’s in a subject other than education, you can become a teacher by completing an Educator Preparation Program (EPP), such as Moreland University’s 9-month TEACH-NOW program.

Washington Licensing Application Process

Once you’ve fulfilled the necessary requirements for teacher certification in Washington, you can apply online through the E-certification system. This process involves submitting essential documents, including official transcripts, exam scores, and background checks, and paying the application fee. Detailed instructions and application forms are available on the OSPI’s certification forms page.

Washington Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs)

The Washington Department of Education provides a list of approved Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) in Washington. You can also complete an out-of-state EPP, like Moreland University’s 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program.

TEACH-NOW:

  • Fully accredited
  • 100% online
  • Global cohort model
  • Rolling admissions
  • Monthly start dates
  • 9 months total
  • Clinical learning (student teaching) included
Apply Now

FAQs

You have questions about becoming a certified teacher in Washington. We have answers.

How do I become a Washington teacher?

Washington offers multiple pathways to teacher certification, including the Traditional Pathway, through approved Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs), and Alternative Certification Programs for those transitioning from other careers.

For comprehensive information on certification types and requirements, visit the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Teacher Certification page.

Do I need a teaching certification to teach in Washington?

Yes, a valid Washington teaching certification is required to teach in public schools. The state offers a structured certification system with three main types of teacher certificates: Conditional Teacher certificates, Residency certificates, and Professional certificates.

For comprehensive information on certification types and requirements, visit the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Teacher Certification page.

What are the requirements for Washington teacher certification?

The specific requirements for teacher certification in Washington vary depending on the certification type and the subject or grade level you wish to teach.

In general, Washington teachers must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and:

How do I maintain my Washington teaching certification?

  • Conditional Teacher Certificates are typically valid for up to two years. Renewal is possible upon request by the employing school district and requires the educator to complete 50 clock hours (or equivalent) of coursework aimed at professional growth to better assist students in meeting state learning goals.
  • Residency Certificates are initially valid until the educator accumulates 1.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) years of teaching experience in a Washington public school. After this period, the certificate must be reissued with a five-year expiration date. To renew, educators must complete 100 clock hours (or equivalent) of professional development within the five years preceding the renewal application date. Additionally, educators are required to complete 15 clock hours focused on equity-based school practices aligned with Cultural Competency, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (CCDEI) standards.
  • Professional Certificates are valid for five years and are renewable. To renew, educators must complete 100 clock hours (or equivalent) of professional development during the five-year certification period. This includes 15 clock hours focused on equity-based school practices aligned with CCDEI standards. For educators with endorsements in STEM-related areas, an additional 15 clock hours in STEM integration are required.

For detailed certificate renewal information, visit the PESB certificate renewal page.

How long does it take to become a certified teacher in Washington?

The timeline to become a certified teacher in Washington can vary depending on your educational background and the specific pathway you choose.

  • Traditional Pathway: Typically four years (bachelor’s degree with an EPP).
  • Alternative Certification Programs: Timeframes vary based on program structure, and candidates often teach under a Practitioner certification while completing certification requirements. Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program can be completed in as little as 9 months.

How much do Washington teachers make?

Washington teacher salaries depend on multiple factors, including experience, education, subject area, grade level, and school district. According to the National Education Association:

  • The average annual salary for a Washington teacher is $86,804.
  • The average starting salary is $55,631, varying by district and experience.

Those with advanced degrees, such as a master’s in education (M.Ed.), may earn higher salaries.

How can I learn more about becoming a certified teacher in Washington?

The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Teacher Certification page and the Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) are the best resources to learn more about teacher certification, endorsements, and pathways to teaching.

You can also reach out to Moreland University at admissions@moreland.edu or 844-283-2246. We’d be happy to answer your questions about teacher certification or our 9-month, 100% online EPP.