Foreign Trained Applicants Teacher Certification

Foreign-trained applicants who completed a program in another country must submit documentation verifying the equivalency of their program, as demonstrated by both the degree requirement and program requirement below:

 

Foreign Trained Teacher Requirements

Degree Requirement

Documentation verifying the equivalency of their degree, as demonstrated by either:

Program Requirement

Foreign-trained applicants who completed a program in another country must submit documentation verifying the equivalency of their program, as demonstrated by either:

Additional Requirements

  • Must take a basic skills test (WEST-PESB-approved proved alternative).
  • Must pass a content area test for each endorsement sought (WEST-E or PESB PESB-approved native). Must submit copies of score reports for any test being used for certification. Teacher Testing
  • Submission of fingerprints for a background check is required if a valid certificate is not already on record
Transcript Evaluation NOTE: Transcripts submitted from Canada and all US Territories DO NOT require a transcript evaluation for equivalency. ​​
Foreign Trained ESA Applicant Requirements

Foreign Trained ESA Applicants

Applicants who completed the required degree outside of the United States must submit documentation verifying the equivalency of the required degree in addition to other requirements for the ESA certificate in the respective role.

Degree Requirement

Documentation verifying the equivalency of their degree, as demonstrated by either:

Program Requirement

Foreign-trained applicants who completed a preparation program specific to the ESA role for serving in PK-12 schools (ages birth to eighteen years) outside the United States may submit documentation verifying the equivalency of their program, as demonstrated by either:

  • Form 4030 completed and signed by a representative from the institution where you completed your preparation program. (This would not be a degree-only program.)
    OR
  • Form 4098E (school counselor or school psychologist role) completed and signed by a representative from the institution where you completed your preparation program. (This would not be a degree-only program.)
    OR
  • Form 4099E (school nurse, school occupational therapist, school physical therapist, school social worker, school speech-language pathologist, or audiologist) completed and signed by a representative from the institution where you completed your preparation program. (This would not be a degree-only program.)
    OR
  • Form 4020F-1 to verify three or more years of experience in the role outside of Washington State. If an educational certificate was required for serving in the role in PK-12 schools, applicants must also submit a copy of the certificate.

Those with the appropriate degree equivalent but not a preparation program or appropriate out-of-country/state experience specific to PK-12 school service may be required to complete a Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board-approved ESA course within one year of application submission.

Transcript Evaluation NOTE: Transcripts submitted from Canada and all US Territories DO NOT require a transcript evaluation for equivalency. ​​

Apply

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

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.