The candidate must have:

• Earned a bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college/university.
• Completed a state-approved teacher preparation program at a regionally accredited college/university
  OR
  completion of a state-approved alternative pathway teacher preparation program, verify at least 3 years of K-12 teaching experience outside Washington, and hold a regular certificate in another state.  In Washington there are 21 colleges/universities approved by the Professional Educator Standards Board to offer educator preparation programs.
• Out-of-state applicants must pass a basic skills test (WEST-B) within 12 months of receiving a temporary permit. See teacher assessments.
• Out-of-state applicants must pass an endorsement content knowledge test (WEST-E) within 12 months of receiving a temporary permit. See teacher assessments.

The first certificate issued is the Residency Certificate (First Issue), which is valid until the holder has completed two years of successful teaching in a public school or approved private school in Washington. This certificate may then be reissued with a five year expiration date.

For details on the documents needed and process to obtain this certificate, please see the application.