Residency, professional, and continuing certificate holders, in the roles of teacher, administrator, and ESA, now all have the same options to renew their certificates:

• 100 clock hours or the equivalent in college credit
• Or, by completing four annual PGPs during the five-year validity date of the certificate
• Or, by combining completed PGPs with clock hours for a total of 100 hours (e.g. 3 PGPs + 25 CH = 100 CH)
• Or, for professional or continuing certificates for teachers or counselors, by possession of a valid certificate issued by National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; or for school psychologists, by the National Association of School Psychologists.

What about this STEM requirement I have heard about?

Beginning on September 1, 2019, renewal applications for residency, professional, and continuing teacher and CTE certificates must document completion of at least 15 clock hours, or at least one goal from an annual professional growth plan (PGP), with an emphasis on STEM integration to meet this renewal requirement.

STEM integration is the authentic combination of at least two of the STEM components (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). The requirement applies to the following endorsement areas:

• Elementary Education (K-8) endorsement
• Early Childhood Education (P-3) endorsement
• Mathematics (5-12)
• Middle Level Math (4-9)
• Middle Level Science (4-9)
• Science (5-12)
• Designated Sciences (5-12): Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Space Science, Physics
• Technology Education
• CTE Teachers

TPEP requirements too?

Beginning on September 1, 2019, renewal applications for professional and continuing teacher, administrator, and CTE certificates must document completion of at least 15 clock hours, or at least one goal from an annual professional growth plan (PGP), related to the knowledge and competency of the teacher and principal evaluation criteria or system. This is not required for residency certificate renewal.

Please see the OSPI Certification page on the TPEP certificate renewal requirement for more information. The TPEP certificate renewal requirement is considered to be met by holders of a valid National Board Certificate.

The Professional Educator Standards Board for Washington state has a helpful FAQ document with additional details if you would like to explore further.

When you have completed these requirements and are ready to log into the OSPI EDS system to enter your information and renew your certificate, refer to the following step-by-step slideshow to complete that process.