| 3M Cogent Systems is working to identify new fingerprint sites in high need areas within the state of Alabama. If your agency or business is geographically located within one of the areas listed below and you would like to be considered to provide these services, or if you have any recommendations of businesses operating in these respective areas that would potentially be good partners in this effort, please contact Scott Snyder at ssnyder@mmm.com. | County | Preferred Cities | | Butler | Greenville , Chapman, Georgiana, McKenzie | | Conecuh | Lyeffion, Evergreen, Castleberry | | Crenshaw | Rutledge, Luverne, Highland Home, Dozier, Mulberry, Leon | | Escambia | Atmore, Huxford, Brewton, Flomaton, Riverview | | Bibb | Brent, Centreville, West Blocton, Piper, Woodstock, Randolph, Lawley | | Fayette | Fayette, Belk, Bankston, Berry | | Marengo | Linden, Thomaston, Dixons Mills, Demopolis | | Pickens | Carrollton, Aliceville, Reform, Gordo, McMullen, Pickensville | | Choctaw | Butler |
| Background Clearance | 3/27/2015 2:46 PM | *Host Fingerprint Sites Needed |
| An individual who has completed an Alabama State-Approved educator preparation program in school counseling may apply for a Professional Educator Certificate in school counseling for grades P-12. Information about Alabama State-Approved Educator Preparation Institutions may be found here. This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application is received in the Educator Certification Section. | School Counseling Options | 12/27/2016 2:56 PM | Alabama State-Approved Educator Preparation Program Approach |
| | Certificate Search | 12/27/2016 2:32 PM | Can I search for certificates held by an individual? |
| Individuals employed in all public schools as county superintendent of education, city superintendent of schools, assistant superintendent, supervisor, principal, teacher or attendance officer shall hold a certificate issued by the State Superintendent of Education. Ala. Code§16-23-1 (1975). | Out of State Certificates | 3/5/2015 2:32 PM | Can I teach school in Alabama if I don’t have a certificate? |
| | Other Approaches | 3/25/2015 3:08 PM | FAQs for Other Approaches |
| | General Information | 2/27/2015 8:45 AM | How can I contact Educator Certification by phone? |
| | Testing | 6/2/2015 3:56 PM | How do I request for my Alabama testing records to be submitted to another state certificate issuing authority? |
| An individual who holds a PCTF or PCCT in one school system cannot change school systems during that scholastic year. The individual is required to remain in the school system that requested the PCTF or PCCT for the entire scholastic year. This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application and fee are received in the Educator Certification Section. | Alternative Certificates | 6/23/2016 2:59 PM | If a teacher holds a PCTF or PCCT in one school system, is the teacher required to remain in that school system for the entire scholastic year or can the teacher transfer to another school system during that scholastic year? |
| A Level I Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Certificate may be requested for an individual who holds at least a bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders {speech-language emphasis} from a senior institution that was regionally accredited at the time the degree was earned. ~A Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Certificate must be requested by the employing Alabama county/city superintendent. ~A Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Certificate does not lead to an Alabama Professional Educator Certificate. The information above is intended to provide a general overview of the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Certificate Approach. This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application is received in the Educator Certification Section. | Speech Language Impairment Options | 12/27/2016 3:28 PM | Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Certificate Approach |
| To continue a certificate is to update the certificate without allowing it to expire. | Certificate Renewal | 3/27/2015 4:19 PM | What is meant by “continuation?” |
| | Alabama Educator Preparation Programs | 12/27/2016 2:17 PM | Where can information regarding Alabama Educator Preparation Programs and Institutions be located? |
| Niketa Dean Education Specialist Division of Career and Technical Education/Workforce Development (334) 353-4524 ndean@alsde.edu | Career and Technical Certificates | 10/3/2017 8:45 AM | Who can I contact for questions regarding Career and Technical Education? |
| Effective July 21, 2002, an applicant for certification, licensure, or an applicant employed by a local school system or nonpublic school who will have unsupervised access to children in an educational environment and who has not completed a background check since July 1, 1999, as required by the Alabama Child Protection Act of 1999, shall be required to be fingerprinted for a criminal history background check through the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation (ASBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) pursuant to Act 2002-457. Effective no later than the beginning of the fall 2008 semester, any candidate applying for admission to a State-approved educator preparation program shall be required to be fingerprinted for a criminal history background check through the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation (ASBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) pursuant to Act 2002-457. | Background Clearance | 3/20/2015 8:02 AM | Why am I required to have a background check? |
| An individual who 1) holds a graduate degree from a senior institution that was regionally accredited at the time the degree was earned, 2) holds a valid master's or sixth-year/education specialist level professional educator certificate in school counseling issued by another state, the District of Columbia, a U.S. Territory, or the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), and 3) verifies 2 full years of full-time professional educational work experience in a P-12 school setting may apply for a Professional Educator Certificate in school counseling. The information above is intended to provide a general overview of the Certificate Reciprocity Approach. This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application is received in the Educator Certification Section. | School Counseling Options | 12/27/2016 2:57 PM | Certificate Reciprocity Approach |
| The $30.00 application fee covers the cost of processing and reviewing the application, and of the issuance of one Alabama certificate. If it is determined that an applicant is eligible for more than one certificate, a $30.00 fee is requested for the issuance of each additional certificate. Application fees are non-refundable. This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application and fee are received in the Educator Certification Section. | Out of State Certificates | 3/30/2015 9:25 AM | Does the $30.00 cover the cost of getting certified in Alabama? |
| Walk-ins are accepted Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | General Information | 12/27/2016 2:34 PM | Does your office accept walk-ins? |
| | Career and Technical Certificates | 12/27/2016 2:24 PM | How can I access supplemental documents related to certification on the Division of Career and Technical Education Web page? |
| An individual may verify their criminal history background check results are on file with the ALSDE by visiting the Educator Certification Portal. | Background Clearance | 3/27/2015 11:44 AM | How do I verify that the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) has received my background check results? |
| An individual who 1) holds at least a master's degree from a senior institution that was regionally accredited at the time the degree was earned and 2) holds a valid Speech-Language Pathology License issued by a state's speech-language pathology licensing board/agency may apply for a Professional Educator Certificate in speech-language pathology. The information above is intended to provide a general overview of the Speech-Language Pathology Professional Educator Certificate Approach. This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application is received in the Educator Certification Section. | Speech Language Impairment Options | 12/27/2016 3:28 PM | Speech-Language Pathology Professional Educator Certificate |
| The application and fee to continue a certificate must be received between January 1 and June 30 of the calendar year of the certificate's expiration. | Certificate Renewal | 3/27/2015 4:19 PM | When should I apply for the continuation of my valid Alabama certificate? |
| | Testing | 12/27/2016 3:17 PM | Where may I get additional information about Alabama's testing program? |
| An individual who 1) holds at least a master's degree from a senior institution that was regionally accredited at the time the degree was earned and 2) has completed a master's degree level CACREP-accredited school counseling program from a senior institution that was regionally accredited at the time the program was completed may apply for a Professional Educator Certificate in school counseling. The information above is intended to provide a general overview of the CACREP Approach. This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application is received in the Educator Certification Section. | School Counseling Options | 12/27/2016 2:57 PM | Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) Approach |
| Applicants living in Alabama should follow the instructions regarding the fingerprinting process through Cogent Systems at https://www.cogentid.com/al/index_adeNew.htm or by calling (866) 989-9316 (toll free). The current cost of fingerprinting for Alabama residents is $46.90. Applicants living outside of Alabama who are not able to report to a designated fingerprint site in Alabama are to go to the Cogent Systems Web site to register online at https://www.cogentid.com/al/index_adeNew.htm. The applicant will then contact the Educator Certification Section at (334) 353-8567 or e-mail edcert@alsde.edu (please include your mailing address) to request two fingerprint cards. Once the fingerprint cards are received, the applicant will need to contact a local law enforcement agency outside of Alabama to be fingerprinted on the cards received from the Educator Certification Section. After being fingerprinted, the applicant will send one completed fingerprint card and a money order or cashier’s check in the amount of $54.90 made payable to Cogent Systems to the following address: 3M Cogent Inc. / ALSDE Cards Scan / 639 N. Rosemead Blvd / Pasadena, CA 91107. The applicant should keep the second completed fingerprint card in case a reprint notice is received from Cogent Systems.
| Background Clearance | 12/27/2016 2:19 PM | How do I register and pay for fingerprinting? |
| Individuals who complete programs at institutions outside of Alabama and wish to obtain Alabama certification must, in part, present a valid professional educator certificate in which Alabama offers comparable certification. An applicant must also meet background clearance, test, and any experiential requirements. This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application and fee are received in the Educator Certification Section. | Out of State Certificates | 3/30/2015 9:26 AM | I finished an education preparation program at a college outside of Alabama, but I don’t hold a professional educator certificate issued outside of Alabama. Can I get an Alabama professional educator certificate? |
| A Speech-Language Temporary Certificate may be requested for an individual who 1) holds at least a master's degree from a senior institution that was regionally accredited at the time the degree was earned and 2) completed at least a master's degree level speech-language pathology program that was accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), and 3) satisfactorily completed the CAA-prescribed Praxis II test. A Speech-Language Pathology Temporary Certificate may be requested by the employing Alabama county/city superintendent or nonpublic/private school administrator. The information above is intended to provide a general overview of the Speech-Language Pathology Temporary Certificate Approach. This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application is received in the Educator Certification Section. | Speech Language Impairment Options | 12/27/2016 3:38 PM | Speech-Language Pathology Temporary Certificate Approach |
| Requirements must be met during the valid period of the currently valid certificate and prior to July 1 of the calendar year of the certificate's expiration. | Certificate Renewal | 3/27/2015 4:20 PM | When must the requirements for continuation of my valid Alabama certificate be met? |
| Alabama State Department of Education Educator Certification Section Post Office Box 302101 Montgomery, AL 36130-2101 | General Information | 3/2/2015 2:48 PM | Where do I mail my application packet? |
| Application packets are not accepted by fax or e-mail. | General Information | 2/27/2015 8:47 AM | Can I fax or e-mail my application packet? |
| Individuals applying on the basis of certificate reciprocity must submit a valid professional educator certificate issued by another state, the District of Columbia, a U.S. Territory, or the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). Applicants must also meet background clearance, test, and any experiential requirements. This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application and fee are received in the Educator Certification Section. | Out of State Certificates | 3/30/2015 9:30 AM | Does reciprocity mean that I can trade my valid professional educator certificate from another state for an Alabama certificate? |
| Yes. You must complete a criminal history background check through the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and have results on file with the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) even if you completed a background check for the military, law enforcement, the Department of Human Resources, etc. | Background Clearance | 3/27/2015 10:59 AM | If I was fingerprinted in another state or by another agency, do I need to be fingerprinted again? |
| An Interim Employment Certificate in School Counseling may be requested for: Option 1: An individual who holds a valid Alabama Professional Educator or Leadership Certificate and has been unconditionally admitted to a traditional Class A (master's degree level) State-approved educator preparation program in School Counseling at an ALABAMA college or university. Option 2: An individual who has been unconditionally admitted to a master's degree level Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredited program in School Counseling at an ALABAMA college or university. ~An Interim Employment Certificate in School Counseling must be requested by the employing Alabama county/city superintendent or nonpublic/private school administrator. The information above is intended to provide a general overview of the Interim Employment Certificate Approach. This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application is received in the Educator Certification Section. | School Counseling Options | 12/27/2016 3:14 PM | Interim Employment Certificate Approach |
| Eligibility determinations are not made until a complete application packet has been received in the Educator Certification Section and reviewed by a specialist. Alabama offers: Early Childhood Special Education P(Preschool)-grade 3 Collaborative Special Education Teacher K-6 (includes all special education exceptionalities other than the sensory impairments and the gifted) Collaborative Special Education Teacher 6-12 (includes all special education exceptionalities other than the sensory impairments and the gifted) Special Education P-12:
o Emotional Disturbance
o Gifted
o Hearing Impairment
o Mental Retardation
o Mild Learning/Behavior Disabilities
o Mild Learning Disabilities
o Multiple Disabilities
o Orthopedic and Other Health Impairment
o Severe Multiple Disabilities
o Specific Learning Disability
o Visual Impairment Speech or Language Impairment is not offered through certificate reciprocity. This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application and fee are received in the Educator Certification Section. | Out of State Certificates | 12/27/2016 2:36 PM | I have a professional educator certificate issued outside of Alabama in an area of special education. Since special education terms vary from state to state, please tell me what Alabama offers. |
| Official transcripts may be mailed to the Educator Certification Section and must be submitted in sealed envelopes from the institution. Official transcripts may also be submitted securely to the Educator Certification Section through electronic transmission via: *Credentials Solutions' TranscriptNetwork™, *eSCRIP-SAFE, or *National Student Clearinghouse. (Note: There are two methods that National Student Clearinghouse uses to submit transcripts electronically (1) Electronic Transcript Exchange and (2) Electronic PDF. Electronic PDF transcripts will not be accepted by this Section.) Official transcripts that were submitted for the previous issuance of an Alabama certificate remain on file and should not be resubmitted. | General Information | 3/31/2015 3:41 PM | How are official transcripts submitted? |
| An individual who 1) holds a graduate degree from a senior institution that was regionally accredited at the time the degree was earned, 2) holds a valid NBPTS Early Childhood through Young Adulthood School Counseling Certificate, and 3) verifies 2 full years of full-time professional educational work experience in a P-12 school setting may apply for a Professional Educator Certificate in school counseling. The information above is intended to provide a general overview of the NBPTS Approach. This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application is received in the Educator Certification Section. | School Counseling Options | 12/27/2016 2:58 PM | National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Approach |
| No. If you are an applicant for certification or licensure, you must have an application, and appropriate fee on file in the Educator Certification Section before your fingerprint results will be processed by the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE). | Background Clearance | 3/27/2015 10:59 AM | Will my fingerprint results be processed without my application for certification or licensure on file? |
| Files will not be assigned to a certification specialist until all components listed on the application have been received. The files are worked in the order that they are received and every effort is made to work files as soon as possible. Delays in receiving materials (official transcripts, forms, etc.) result in a delay in the determination of eligibility for certification. | General Information | 3/27/2015 2:51 PM | How long will it take for my application packet to be reviewed? |
| A Provisional Certificate in School Counseling may only be requested if an individual is not eligible for certification in school counseling through any other alternative, reciprocal, or traditional approach. There are 3 options available to obtain a Provisional Certificate in School Counseling: Option A: An individual has completed an Alabama Class A (master's degree level) State-approved educator preparation program in school counseling, holds a valid Alabama Professional Educator or Professional Leadership Certificate, and lacks the 2 full years of full-time professional educational work experience required for issuance of the Professional Educator Certificate. Option B: An individual has earned at least a master's degree from a senior institution that was regionally accredited at the time the degree was earned and holds a valid, professional educator certificate (at the master's degree level or higher) in school counseling issued by another state, the District of Columbia, a U.S. Territory, or the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), and lacks the 2 full years of full-time professional educational work experience required for issuance of the Professional Educator Certificate. Option C: An individual has earned at least a master's degree from a senior institution that was regionally accredited at the time the degree was earned in an area of counseling OTHER THAN school counseling and holds a valid counseling license issued by a state board of examiners in counseling. ~An individual who holds an expired Class A or AA Professional Educator Certificate in school counseling is not eligible to pursue the Provisional Certificate Approach in school counseling. ~A Provisional Certificate in School Counseling must be requested by the employing Alabama county/city superintendent or nonpublic/private school administrator. The information above is intended to provide a general overview of the Provisional Certificate in School Counseling Approach. This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application is received in the Educator Certification Section. | School Counseling Options | 12/27/2016 3:14 PM | Provisional Certificate Approach |
| The grade levels are: o Early Childhood Preschool-grade 3 o Elementary K-6 o Middle School 4-8 o Secondary 6-12 o Elementary-Secondary P-12 This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application and fee are received in the Educator Certification Section. | Out of State Certificates | 12/27/2016 2:37 PM | What are the grade levels of the general professional educator certificates in Alabama? |
| Typically, fingerprint results are received as soon as 48 hours after your fingerprint submission. In some cases, this will take longer. Before your suitability status can be determined, the Educator Certification Section may need additional information. If you have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, please mail the following information to the Alabama State Department of Education following the submission of your fingerprints to Cogent Systems: • A court certified copy of the case action summaries showing the judgments, convictions, and sentencing or other outcome of your cases. • A notarized personal explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding your cases. You should include the dates involved, the places of conviction, and any other factors that should be considered. Mail the information to: Alabama State Department of Education Educator Certification Section P.O. Box 302101 Montgomery, AL 36130-2101 | Background Clearance | 12/27/2016 2:21 PM | What can I do to expedite the results of my background check review? |
| Yes. Individuals who are not citizens of the United States, but reside here lawfully, are eligible to teach in Alabama provided they meet all requirements for obtaining Alabama certification. | General Information | 3/27/2015 11:50 AM | Are legal aliens (permanent residents) eligible to teach in the state of Alabama? |
| If a passing score on an Alabama prescribed Praxis II test is obtained and electronically reported to the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) for issuance of the Alabama Professional Educator Certificate (PEC) in a core academic subject area, HQT status will be issued upon certificate issuance. If an individual is HQ in a specific core academic subject area and grade level in another state AND holds a valid Alabama PEC in that same core academic subject area and grade level, an individual may send Supplement OHQ to the state in which they are HQ. The completed Supplement OHQ will be reviewed to determine if HQ in Alabama can be issued based on your HQ status in another state. This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application and fee are received in the Educator Certification Section. | Out of State Certificates | 3/30/2015 9:35 AM | I expect to get certified in a core academic subject area in Alabama through reciprocity. Can I transfer in my Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT) status? |
| “Pending” means the review of the file has not been completed. The fingerprint applicant may contact the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) at (334) 353-8567 to speak with a background review specialist for specific information regarding the processing of their file. | Background Clearance | 3/27/2015 11:00 AM | What does the status “Pending” mean? |
| Volunteers are individuals who receive no compensation from a school system for services rendered. Volunteers are not to be fingerprinted by the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE). However, local school systems may require their own, separate background check for volunteers. These background checks will be conducted without the resources of the ALSDE. | Background Clearance | 3/27/2015 11:00 AM | Do volunteers need to be fingerprinted? |
| | General Information | 3/27/2015 11:52 AM | How can I request a duplicate copy of my certificate? |
| An individual's certificate must be in an instructional support area for which Alabama offers comparable certification. In Alabama, the instructional support areas available through reciprocity are educational administrator, principal, library media specialist, school counselor, school psychologist, school psychometrist, sport manager, superintendent, supervisor, and career and technical administrator. Certification in an area of instructional support is based on “certificate and experience reciprocity.” Experience requirements are outlined and defined in Application Part 1 of 2 (Supplement HTO). This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application and fee are received in the Educator Certification Section. | Out of State Certificates | 12/27/2016 2:40 PM | I’m certified in an instructional support area in another state. How do I know if I qualify for a certificate in Alabama? |
| | General Information | 3/27/2015 11:53 AM | How can I request a duplicate highly qualified (HQ) teacher letter? |
| Issuance of a certificate or license is evidence of successful completion of the criminal history background check. Only applicants seeking admission to Alabama State-approved Educator Preparation Programs and applicants for classified employment who successfully complete the criminal history background check will be issued a suitability letter. | Background Clearance | 4/2/2015 3:21 PM | Will I receive a suitability letter when the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) receives my clear fingerprint results? |
| | Background Clearance | 3/27/2015 11:00 AM | Where are the fingerprint locations in my area? |
| Professional Educator Certificates and Professional Leadership Certificates are valid from the date of certificate issuance through the remainder of the same scholastic year, and thereafter, for the next five consecutive scholastic years. This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application and fee are received in the Educator Certification Section. | Out of State Certificates | 3/30/2015 9:37 AM | Once I receive my Alabama certificate, how long will it be valid? |
| In circumstances where an applicant's fingerprints generate characteristics of poor quality, the FBI or ASBI may reject the submission. If the applicant's fingerprints are rejected due to poor quality, a letter will be generated and mailed to the applicant by Cogent Systems. The applicant is required to take the letter (or the applicant's REGISTRATION ID) to any of the Cogent fingerprint locations in Alabama for the collection of a second set of fingerprints. If the applicant resides outside of Alabama and submitted fingerprint cards, the applicant will be required to submit a new set of fingerprint cards to Cogent Systems, ALSDE Cards Scan, 639 N. Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107. A new set of fingerprints received no later than 90 days after the first rejection will be processed at no additional cost to the applicant. If the applicant does not submit a new set of fingerprints within 90 days, they must re-register, re-pay and be fingerprinted again. If the second submission of the applicant's fingerprints is rejected due to the quality of the prints, the applicant will NOT receive a second rejection letter from Cogent Systems. The Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) will be informed and will work with the ASBI, FBI, and Cogent to provide a solution. | Background Clearance | 3/11/2016 7:47 AM | What should I do if my fingerprints are rejected? |
| Under current requirements, if you have completed an Alabama State Bureau of Investigation (ASBI) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal history background check through the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) and your fingerprint results are on file, you are not required to complete a new criminal history background check for employment purposes. An individual may verify that their criminal history background check results are on file with the ALSDE by visiting the Educator Certification Portal. | Background Clearance | 3/27/2015 11:48 AM | Do I need to be fingerprinted again if I have already completed a background check? |
| An employing superintendent or nonpublic/private school administrator, at his or her discretion, may request a one-year Emergency Certificate on behalf of an applicant who holds a degree from a senior institution that was regionally accredited at the time the degree was earned. This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application and fee are received in the Educator Certification Section. | Out of State Certificates | 12/27/2016 2:46 PM | I have yet to meet all requirements for issuance of an Alabama Professional Educator Certificate (PEC). Does Alabama issue a temporary certificate until I meet requirements to obtain an Alabama PEC? |
| No. Fingerprinting should only be conducted by officials properly trained to take acceptable fingerprints. Fingerprint card submissions that do not meet the required specifications will not be processed by the contractor for the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE). | Background Clearance | 3/27/2015 2:48 PM | I am an out-of-state applicant for certification. Can I purchase my own ink and fingerprint myself using the cards provided? |
| Alabama does not require basic skills assessments when applying through certificate reciprocity. For certification approaches where the basic skills assessments are required, the Alabama Educator Certification Assessment Program basic skills assessments must be passed. This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application and fee are received in the Educator Certification Section. | Out of State Certificates | 3/30/2015 9:37 AM | Can I use another basic skills assessment that I took outside of Alabama toward getting an Alabama certificate? |
| For more information please contact the Educator Certification Section at (334) 353-8567. | Background Clearance | 3/27/2015 2:47 PM | Who do I call if I still have additional questions regarding criminal history background check requirements? |
| This may be an option, through certificate reciprocity ONLY, for applicants who have been determined eligible for Alabama certification. For additional information see Supplement HTO and Supplement TST. This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application and fee are received in the Educator Certification Section. | Out of State Certificates | 3/30/2015 9:38 AM | Can I use another content knowledge test that I passed outside of Alabama toward getting an Alabama certificate? |
| Through the Certificate Reciprocity Approach, Alabama will only offer certification based on the areas listed on the out of state certificate for which Alabama offers comparable certification. Once an Alabama Professional Educator Certificate is earned, individuals may choose to seek additional teaching fields through the Certification Based on Test (CBT) Approach. This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application and fee are received in the Educator Certification Section. | Out of State Certificates | 3/30/2015 9:41 AM | There are some areas that I wish to be certified in that are not on my out of state certificate. Since I have passing Praxis II scores for those areas, can I also obtain certification in those areas? |
| An individual may be considered for Alabama bachelor's degree level certification upon verification of ALL of the following: 1. Completion of a state-approved educator preparation program in another state in an area in which Alabama offers comparable bachelor's degree level certification. 2. A valid professional educator certificate from another state in an area in which Alabama offers comparable bachelor's degree level certification. 3. Completion of 9 semester hours of graduate credit with grades of "B" or above from an Alabama institution that offers State-approved educator preparation programs. This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application and fee are received in the Educator Certification Section. | Out of State Certificates | 3/30/2015 2:18 PM | I completed a bachelor's degree level state-approved educator preparation program outside of Alabama and earned a professional educator certificate. The senior institution I attended was not regionally accredited. Can I obtain certification in Alabama? |
| Alabama will only consider valid (not expired) professional educator certificates issued outside of Alabama. The professional educator certificate(s) must also be in an area in which Alabama offers comparable certification. This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application and fee are received in the Educator Certification Section. | Out of State Certificates | 3/30/2015 2:16 PM | I completed a state-approved educator preparation program outside of Alabama and earned a professional educator certificate. My certificate is no longer valid. Can I present the expired certificate to apply through certificate reciprocity? |
| Alabama does not offer certification based on "in-field" or "supplemental" or "endorsement" areas which are contingent upon holding other certificates. Alabama offers certification based upon valid professional "stand-alone" certificates only. This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application and fee are received in the Educator Certification Section. | Out of State Certificates | 3/30/2015 9:41 AM | I hold a professional educator certificate from another state in an area in which Alabama offers comparable certification. I also have endorsements in gifted and ESOL. Will Alabama recognize these areas? |
| To verify a valid professional educator certificate issued outside of Alabama, individuals may submit either: 1. An original valid certificate. 3. A screenshot taken from the issuing authority's Website and the specific Website of that state's public online certificate look-up so that your certification information can be verified by the Educator Certification Section. This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application and fee are received in the Educator Certification Section. | Out of State Certificates | 3/30/2015 9:42 AM | I have lost or misplaced my original professional educator certificate that I earned outside of Alabama. What other documentation may I submit to verify my professional educator certificate issued outside of Alabama? |
| To reinstate a certificate is to make valid a certificate that is no longer current. | Certificate Renewal | 3/27/2015 4:20 PM | What is meant by “reinstatement?” |
| The application to reinstate a certificate may be submitted at any time as long as all requirements have been met. | Certificate Renewal | 3/27/2015 4:20 PM | When should I apply for the reinstatement of my expired Alabama certificate? |
| Requirements must be completed within five years (60 months) immediately prior to receipt of the application. All requirements must be met prior to application submission. | Certificate Renewal | 12/27/2016 2:25 PM | When must the requirements for reinstatement of my expired Alabama certificate be met? |
| Applications must be mailed to the Alabama State Department of Education. Alabama State Department of Education Educator Certification Section 5215 Gordon Persons Building Post Office Box 302101 Montgomery, AL 36130-2101 APPLICATION FORMS AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CANNOT BE SUBMITTED ONLINE, BY FAX, OR BY E-MAIL. | Certificate Renewal | 12/27/2016 2:26 PM | How do I submit my application? |
| Applications will not be assigned to a certification specialist for review until at least a completed Application Part 1 of 2, Application Part 2 of 2, the personal data barcode page, the $30.00 non-refundable application fee, and background clearance have been received. | Certificate Renewal | 3/27/2015 4:22 PM | When will my application be reviewed? |
| An individual cannot continue his/her valid Alabama Certificate based on verifying a valid professional educator certificate in another state. An individual can continue his/her valid Alabama Certificate by meeting a continuation option. An individual who does not meet continuation requirements and allows his/her Alabama Certificate(s) to expire may be able to apply for Alabama Certification through the Certificate Reciprocity or Certificate and Experience Reciprocity Approaches providing all requirements are met and this option was not previously used to obtain the now expired Alabama Certificate(s). Please be advised that Certificate Reinstatement AND Certificate / Certificate and Experience Reciprocity cannot be combined. Application must be made for either Certificate Reinstatement OR Certificate / Certificate and Experience Reciprocity. This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application and fee are received in the Educator Certification Section. | Certificate Renewal | 3/30/2015 2:17 PM | I hold a valid Alabama Certificate(s) which is about to expire. I also hold a valid professional educator certificate in another state. Can I continue my Alabama Certificate with my valid professional educator certificate from the other state? |
| An individual cannot reinstate his/her Alabama Certificate(s) based on verifying a valid professional educator certificate in another state. An individual can reinstate his/her Alabama Certificate(s) by meeting a certificate reinstatement option. An individual may be able to apply for Alabama Certification through our Certificate Reciprocity or Certificate and Experience Reciprocity Approaches providing all requirements are met and this option was not used to obtain the now expired Alabama Certificate(s). Please be advised that Certificate Reinstatement AND Certificate / Certificate and Experience Reciprocity cannot be combined. Application must be made for either Certificate Reinstatement OR Certificate / Certificate and Experience Reciprocity. This response is based on current requirements and requirements are subject to change. Individuals must meet requirements in effect on the date the application and fee are received in the Educator Certification Section. | Certificate Renewal | 3/30/2015 9:40 AM | I held an Alabama Certificate(s) which is now expired. I hold a valid professional educator certificate in another state. Can I reinstate my Alabama Certificate(s) with my valid professional educator certificate from the other state? |
| | Alternative Certificates | 3/27/2015 4:30 PM | FAQs for Specific Alternative Certificates |
| | Certificate Renewal | 3/27/2015 4:27 PM | FAQs for the Renewal of Specific Certificates |
