Nearly 200,000 educators are certified in Washington state, including classroom teachers, principals, paraeducators, school counselors, superintendents, and more. Most certifications must be renewed every five years. This page contains information about the certification and renewal processes, requirements for continuing education, emergency certifications, how military veterans and educators from out of state can teach in Washington, and more.

The Professional Certification Office will be closed on Monday, December 5, from 8 am—5 pm. Normal office operations will resume at 9 am, Wednesday, December 7. 

For immediate assistance during this time please visit our website. Or log into your E-Certification account. 

The Professional Certification Office’s regular telephone hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 am–4:30 pm, and Tuesdays, 10 am—4:30 pm. You can also reach us by email. 

• Teacher applications received the week of 11/8/2022
• Clock hour reports received the week of 11/12/2022
• CTE applications received the week of 11/15/2022
• ESA applications received the week of 11/14/2022
• Administrator applications received the week of 11/7/2022
• Staff is responding to most emails within 1 business day and voicemails within  days

There are currently 1,006 total applications pending review. For more information, see Application Processing Status.