Idaho Department of Education

• Idaho Educator Certification Application

• Checks and money orders are to be made payable to the Idaho Department of Education
• Credit cards are not accepted at this time
• Payment is non-refundable
• Cash in the exact amount will be accepted for walk-ins

• Official transcripts must verify baccalaureate degree
• Official transcripts may be opened and verified but the institution’s original security paper version must be submitted
• Please include transcripts with your packet in order to expedite your application
• If transcripts are not included with your packet, please note in your application whether you are sending them electronically or by mail
• Transcripts will not be accepted until two weeks after the application is received as we cannot link them to your application until it is received
• Official transcripts sent electronically/faxed directly from the university/college are acceptable
• The university/college may send electronic transcripts directly to transcripts@sde.idaho.gov

Please submit one of the following:

• ABCTE Professional Certificate (Valid for five years)
• CSI
• LCSC
• TFA

The candidate applying for the nontraditional interim certificate is required to pass a state board approved pedagogy and content assessment and include verification with the application. Include one of the following:

• Score report showing passage of a formal assessment, such as:
• Praxis II in the applicable content/endorsement area
• Out-of-state equivalent of the Praxis II in the applicable content/endorsement area
• ABCTE assessment, (i.e., the ABCTE Professional Teaching and Knowledge or ABCTE content test) in the applicable content/endorsement area can be used if the candidate is no longer seeking to complete the ABCTE program and is going to participate in the CSI nontraditional or LCSC non-traditional program instead
• BA/BS in the specific content/endorsement area
• Completed Uniform Standard for Evaluating Content Competency for Non-Traditional Candidates (Rubric)

To qualify for a five (5) year renewable Idaho certificate, the candidate must complete a state board approved mentor program and meet all conditions listed on the interim certificate for the specific certificate and endorsement areas within the 3-year interim certificate validity period.

Mentor Program Requirements

The candidate will need to teach and complete a two (2) year state board approved teacher mentoring program that is aligned with the State Board Approved Mentor Program and receive two (2) years of successful evaluations during the three (3) year interim certificate to qualify for the five (5) year renewable Idaho certificate. The signed District/Charter and Mentor Recommendation Form for Non-Traditional Completers form must be included with the application for the five (5) year renewable Idaho certificate.

Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Course/Assessment (All candidates)

The Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Course (ICLC) is offered through university providers at a variety of venues throughout Idaho. The Idaho Comprehensive Literacy requirement can be fulfilled by completing and passing an in-person or online course, or by successful completion of the Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Assessment. Please visit the English Language Arts/Literacy page for additional information on course providers.

Mathematical Thinking for Instruction/Teaching Mathematical Thinking (All candidates with the All Subjects K-8, Special Education and/or Mathematics endorsements)

The Mathematical Thinking for Instruction (MTI)/Teaching Mathematical Thinking (TMT) is a three-credit course that gives Idaho teachers and administrators the best practices and teaching strategies they need to help all students succeed in math. Please visit the Mathematics page for additional information on the course and course providers.