The Certification Branch is responsible for issuing and renewing certificates for all Kentucky teachers and administrators. Staff works closely with local school districts in the hiring process to ensure a properly credentialed educator in every professional position in Kentucky schools. Staff also works with Kentucky colleges and universities, out-of-state institutions and national evaluation agencies.
Base Teaching Certificates
Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (Birth to Primary) - Preparation is outlined in 16 KAR 2:040.
Elementary School (Primary through Grade 5) - Preparation includes the academic disciplines taught in elementary school
Middle School (Grades 5 through 9) - Preparation includes either one or two teaching fields selected from English and communications, mathematics, science, or social studies. Candidates who choose to simultaneously prepare for teaching in middle school and for teaching exceptional children are required to complete only one middle school teaching field.
Secondary School (Grades 8 through 12) - Preparation includes one or more of the following specializations: English, mathematics, social studies, chemistry, physics, biology or earth science.
Middle/Secondary School (Grades 5 through 12) - Preparation includes one or more of the following specializations: agriculture, business and marketing education, family and consumer science, industrial education, or engineering and technology.
Elementary/Middle/Secondary School (Primary through Grade 12) - Preparation includes one or more of the following specializations: art, foreign language, health, physical education, integrated music, vocal music, instrumental music, or school media librarian.
Exceptional Children (Primary through Grade 12 and for collaborating with teachers to design and deliver programs) - Preparation includes one or more of the following specializations: learning and behavior disorders, moderate and severe disabilities, hearing impaired, hearing impaired with sign proficiency, visually impaired, or communication disorders.
Restricted Base Certificates
- Psychology (Grades 8 through 12)
- Sociology (Grades 8 through 12)
- Journalism (Grades 8 through 12)
- Speech/Media Communication (Grades 8 through 12)
- Theatre (Primary through Grade 12)
- Dance (Primary through Grade 12)
- Computer Information Systems (Primary through Grade 12)
- English as a Second Language (Primary through Grade 12)
Endorsements to Certificates
- Computer Science (Grades 8 through 12)
- English as a Second Language (Primary through Grade 12)
- Gifted Education (Primary through Grade 12)
- Driver Education (Grades 8 through Grade 12)
- Literacy Specialist/Reading (Primary through Grade 12)
- Instructional Computer Technology (Primary through Grades 12)
Other Instructional Services
- Consultant
- Endorsement for Environmental Education (Primary through Grade 12)
- Endorsement for School Safety (Primary through Grade 12)
- Endorsement for Mathematics Specialist (Primary through Grade 5)
- Learning and Behavior Disorders (Grades 8-12)
- School Guidance Counselor
- School Nurse
- School Psychologist
- School Social Worker
- Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps
- Principal (Primary through Grade 12)
- Supervisor of Instruction (Primary through Grade 12)
- Director of Pupil Personnel
- Director of Special Education
- Superintendent