Teacher Certification FAQ - Office of Teacher Services

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Teacher Certification

How do I apply for a Kentucky teaching certificate?
What tests must I take to become a teacher?
When (i.e., at what point in my undergrad program) should I take my required PRAXIS II exams?
How do I register for the PRAXIS examinations?
How can I check to see if the Office of Teacher Certification has received my Praxis scores?
Is it ok to submit a photocopy of my test scores?
How do I determine the status of my application?
How do I qualify for a Temporary Provisional Certificate?
May I get a recommendation for a rank change as soon as I have completed enough graduate hours? May any graduate hours be counted toward the Rank II or Rank I classification?


Q. 1:	How do I apply for a Kentucky teaching certificate?

A:	Kentucky teacher certification is based upon the completion of a teacher preparation program that includes student teaching and testing when applicable. Kentucky requires a recommendation from the certification official at the college/university (where the applicant completed his/her initial teacher preparation program) regarding the specific teacher preparation program completed, grade level, degree level, and completion date of the program. ALL applicants must submit the following documents to the WKU Office of Teacher Certification (407 TPH, 270 745-4300): Application for Kentucky Teacher Certification or Change in Salary Rank (TC-1 Form) Official transcript(s) reflecting degree awarded or course work completed PLT and PRAXIS II Specialty Examination Scores (when applicable)

Q. 2:	What tests must I take to become a teacher?

A:	The PRAXIS II examination is required by Kentucky. All student teacher candidates are required to attend a meeting before beginning the student teaching semester. Specific testing requirements are discussed at this meeting. For additional information on testing requirements, please refer to the Kentucky EPSB web page.

Q. 3:	When (i.e., at what point in my undergrad program) should I take my required PRAXIS II exams?

A:	Undergraduates should take the required PRAXIS II exams in the semester prior to student teaching.

Q. 4:	How do I register for the PRAXIS examinations?

A:	Applicants may register to take PRAXIS exams by logging on to the Educational Testing Service web site (www.ets.org) and following the instructions for registering for PRAXIS examinations. Applicants must select the R1901 Recipient Code to ensure that the score report is sent to WKU.

Q. 5:	How can I check to see if the Office of Teacher Certification has received my Praxis scores?

A:	WKU receives PRAXIS scores from the ETS approximately one month after the test date, at the same time that students receive their reports. The scores are usually available to view on TopNet within a week after the Office of Teacher Certification has received them. Students may log on to TopNet, select “Student Services,” click on “Registration,” and then click on “View Test Scores and Course Eligibility.” If the scores are not listed, the student must furnish a copy of the scores to the Office of Teacher Certification.

Q. 6:	Is it ok to submit a photocopy of my test scores?

A:	Yes. The Office of Teacher Certification will accept a photocopy of your examination score(s).

Q. 7:	How do I determine the status of my application?

A:	Official transcripts are usually available from the Registrar’s Office approximately four or five weeks after the end of each semester. As soon as WKU’s Office of Teacher Certification receives all official transcripts, a completed TC-1 Form, and required examination score(s) (if applicable), we will process the candidate’s application for certification. If the application is for initial certification, the forms are mailed directly to the Kentucky EPSB. Each applicant receives a copy of the approved TC-1 Form. If the application is for an advanced/additional certification or endorsement, the forms are mailed back to the applicant, who must then mail everything to the Kentucky EPSB, along with the appropriate fees. Applicants with incomplete applications receive correspondence from the WKU Office of Teacher Certification regarding materials received and items required for completion of the application process; however, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure all required documents have been received by the Office of Teacher Certification. After the approved application has been mailed to the Kentucky EPSB, candidates may track the progress of the application by logging on to the EPSB web site (www.kyepsb.net). The EPSB issues the Statement of Eligibility for Internship for those seeking initial certification, or issues a new certificate for those seeking an advanced/additional certification or endorsement, and mails it to the student in approximately three-four weeks.

Q. 8:	How do I qualify for a Temporary Provisional Certificate?

A:	You may be recommended for a Temporary Provisional Certificate only if you are enrolled in an Alternate Route to Certification graduate program and have an offer of employment in an approved classroom. For those students enrolled in an appropriate program, a recommendation for a Temporary Provisional Certificate may be obtained upon receipt of the following by the WKU Office of Teacher Certification: An approved Program of Study (Form C) Official undergraduate transcript(s) showing degree posted Completed TC-TP form (obtained from the District’s Central Office) signed by the superintendent showing verification of employment (or intent to hire) in an approved classroom Once the TC-TP Form has been processed and approved, it is mailed directly to the Kentucky EPSB. Each applicant receives a copy of the approved TC-TP Form. This certificate is only good for one year (renewable twice for a total of three years), and is only in effect as long as the individual is pursuing the master's degree and employed as a teacher. Students must take and pass all required PRAXIS exams and be ready to begin the Kentucky Teacher Internship Program (KTIP) before a third Temporary Provisional Certificate may be issued.

Q. 9:	May I get a recommendation for a rank change as soon as I have completed enough graduate hours? May any graduate hours be counted toward the Rank II or Rank I classification?

A:	You may get a recommendation for a rank change only after you have completed an approved program. A Planned Fifth-Year (Rank II) or Planned Sixth-Year (Rank I) program is a planned, approved, specific program of studies (i.e., set of courses), not just a collection of graduate hours. All courses on the student’s program of studies must be completed before we can make a recommendation for rank change.