Professional Certification for Educational Staff Associates
Am I "Serving in the Role?"

ProCert is designed as a performance and evidence based process. Therefore ESAs should be engaged in an appropriate role in order to effectively demonstrate their practice is at the professional level.

The residency certificate timelines and expiration dates reflect this need as described in the WAC 181-79A-145 2(b).

Basically, a residency certificate is valid for 5 years from when the ESA completes two years of service in the role with the same district. Please use the following chart to determine if your position constitutes “serving in the role” for purpose of certificate reissuance and enrollment in ProCert. Please note: if you are not “serving in the role” by the following definitions and therefore still have an undated residency certificate, you may still apply for enrollment into a ProCert program if you feel you can demonstrate the standards.