This section is designed to help an educator find information about work completed by the Professional Educator Standards Board.
Certified teachers or individuals who have completed an approved program from another state can find information on becoming certified in Washington by visiting OSPI Certification website.
This Washington approved endorsement programs table can be sorted by endorsements as well as displaying contact information.
Educator Assessments
Learn about required Educator Assessments such as the WEST-B, WEST-E, ProTeach and edTPA.Residency Certification
To earn Teacher, Administrator, or as an Educational Staff Associate (School Counselor, School Psychologist) certificate in the state of Washington, a candidate must attend an approved program.Certified teachers or individuals who have completed an approved program from another state can find information on becoming certified in Washington by visiting OSPI Certification website.
Expiring Residency School Psychology Certificate
School psychologists with an expiration date of June 2013, 2014, or 2015 on their Residency Certificate may apply for a one time 2-year extension.
Expiring Residency Teaching Certificate
Teacher who currently have a residency certificate must move toward the mandatory professional certificate or he/she may be in danger of losing their license for five years. For more information, please review the following document, Renewal Options and Moving to a Professional Certificate. Educators can also visit our Frequently Asked Question section and review the Residency Certification Timeline .Expiring Initial Certificates
School Counselors and School Psychologists with expiring Initial Certificates must complete peer review for a Continuing Certificate or choose to have their certificate roll to the Residency-Professional track. Click here for information on approved programs offering peer review. Peer Review
Professional Certification
The professional certificate is the second-tier professional license. To earn a professional certificate, Teachers, Administrators and Educational Staff Associates must demonstrate a positive impact on student learning. The professional certificate standards and criteria for all roles are fully aligned with Washington’s expectations for K-12 student learning expectations.Adding an Endorsement
There are multiple ways to add an endorsement to your teaching certificate in Washington State, including completing an endorsement program, earning National Board Certification or a Pathway 1 or 2 program. To learn more about all your options visit the OSPI Certification Department website.This Washington approved endorsement programs table can be sorted by endorsements as well as displaying contact information.
Educator Retooling Program
The Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) has pathways available for educators to retool into new endorsement areas.Out of State Programs
Individuals who complete an out of state preparation program may apply for a Washington state certificate via reciprocity. The program must be regionally accredited and state approved. National accreditation is not required. Individuals whose preparation was in another country may be able to apply for a Washington certificate based on a transcript review. Out of state educators are responsible for meeting all Washington testing requirements for the certificate.
Become a PESB Member
The Professional Educator Standards Board consists of twelve-members appointed by the Governor, the majority of whom are practicing educators. If you are interested in serving on the PESB, complete the application found on the Governor's Boards and Commissions website.The Professional Educator Standards Board's value for the mentoring of all educators in the clinical practice portion of their preparation is reflected in the standards for program design. For resources and further information for mentor teachers click here: Mentor Information