School Behavior Analyst Renewal

This page contains renewal information for Educational Staff Associate (ESA) who hold Initial or Continuing Certificates.

If you are looking for information on how to move to a second tier certificate, please see the Upgrading to Professional webpage.

Select the following link if you are looking for information regarding a Conditional ESA Certificate for this role.

Initial ESA Renewal Requirements

School Behavior Analyst Initial ESA Renewal Requirements (Effective 9/1/2020)

The Educational Staff Associate (ESA) may apply for an Initial ESA Renewal Certificate beginning 9/1/2020. The Initial ESA Renewal Certificate shall be valid for five years. See below for requirements.

Must hold a valid Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certificate from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
Must attest to completion of an issues of abuse course. The coursework must include information related to identification of physical, emotional, sexual, and substance abuse; the impact on learning and behavior; the responsibilities of a teacher to report abuse or to provide assistance to victimized children; and methods of teaching about abuse and its prevention. For more information see WAC 181-79A-200. This course MUST be entered in the 'PD Hours' section of your E-Certification account prior to applying.
Must complete 100 clock hours or equivalent college credits or Professional Growth Plans (PGPs) or a combination of any of the three options, during a five-year period. First-time renewals must have completed the continuing education requirement within the five years prior to application for renewal. Subsequent renewals must have completed the continuing education requirement since the effective date of the latest renewal. Hours used to maintain a valid Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certificate from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) will be considered as clock hours and may be used towards the 100 clock hour requirement for renewal.
Submission of fingerprints for a background check is required, if a valid certificate is not already on record.

LICENSE HOURS NOTE: Certain ESA roles are allowed to count any continuing education credits (CEUs) that they completed to satisfy the requirements for their state professional health license to also fulfill the continuing education requirement (clock hour equivalents) for their certification renewal. Form 4098V Please see ESA Clock Hour Information for details.

General Clock Hour Information

Please note requirements are subject to change.

Reinstatement of an expired Initial ESA Certificate: 100 clock hours or equivalents must be completed within the five years immediately preceding the date of application for renewal.

NOTE: Educators applying to reinstate an expired Initial ESA Certificate must submit documentation of completed clock hours or equivalents to the Certification Office for review with their application.

NATIONAL CERTIFICATION NOTE: Educators who hold a valid National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certificate, Certificate of Clinical Competence issued by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, or Nationally Certified School Psychologist credential issued by the National Association of School Psychologists may submit that certificate in lieu of the 100 clock hours (or equivalent) to renew their Washington educator or ESA certificate.

CLOCK HOUR NOTE: Further clock hours earned will not start counting towards a following renewal until the next certificate's effective date.

Clock hour equivalents are allowed as follows: 1 quarter credit = 10 clock hours; 1 semester credit= 15 clock hours; 1 PGP until 6/30/2018 = 30 clock hours; 1 PGP as of 7/1/2018= 25 clock hours.

Template Form 1697 PGP for Certificate Renewal

Form 1128-8: Use this form to document completion of a Professional Growth Plan and submit to your school district to claim clock hours and to the Certification Office if you are submitting an application for renewal or reinstatement of an EXPIRED certificate.

For PGP information and resources, please visit the Professional Educator Standards Board.

 

Continuing ESA Renewal Requirements

This is the certificate an ESA would apply for when they have already gained the Continuing Certificate. If you do not know if you already hold this certificate, please contact the Certification Office before you apply.

  • Must hold a valid continuing certificate for the ESA role at time of application submission (If expired, see Reinstatement information)
  • Must hold a valid Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certificate from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
  • Must have completed 100 clock hours or equivalent college credits or PGP or a combination of any of the three options during a five-year period. First-time renewals must have completed the continuing education requirement within the five years prior to application for renewal. Subsequent renewals must have completed the continuing education requirement since the effective date of the latest renewal.
  • Submission of fingerprints for a background check is required, if a valid certificate is not already on record.

Reinstatement of an expired Continuing ESA Certificate: All renewal requirements listed above must have been completed within the five years immediately preceding the date of application for reinstatement.

NOTE: Educators applying to reinstate an expired Continuing ESA Certificate must submit documentation of completed clock hours or equivalents to the Certification Office for review with their application.

CLOCK HOUR NOTE: Further clock hours earned will not start counting towards a following renewal until the next certificate's effective date.

NATIONAL CERTIFICATION NOTE: Educators who hold a valid National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certificate, Certificate of Clinical Competence issued by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, or Nationally Certified School Psychologist credential issued by the National Association of School Psychologists may submit that certificate in lieu of the 100 clock hours (or equivalent) to renew their Washington educator or ESA certificate.

Clock hour equivalents are allowed as follows: Clock hour equivalents are allowed as follows: 1 quarter credit = 10 clock hours; 1 semester credit = 15 clock hours; 1 PGP until 6-30-18 = 30 clock hours; 1 PGP as of 7-1-18 = 25 clock hours. Form PGP | PGP Information Clock Hour Information

Form 1128-8: Use this form to document completion of a Professional Growth Plan and submit to your school district to claim clock hours and to the Certification Office if you are submitting an application for renewal or reinstatement of an EXPIRED certificate.

LICENSE HOURS NOTE: Certain ESA roles are allowed to count any continuing education units (CEUs) that they completed to satisfy the requirements for their state professional health license to also fulfill the continuing education requirement (clock hour equivalents) for their certification renewal. Form 4098V Please see ESA Clock Hour Information for details.

Apply

If you have all necessary documentation to apply for this certificate, login to: E-Certification

*IMPORTANT: Please note that application fees are NOT refundable. Ensure that you select and submit the correct application. If you have questions regarding your application, please contact our office.