Certificate Types

Overview

Initial Educator Certificate

The Initial Educator Certificate is the first level of Connecticut's three tier continuum of certificates. It is generally valid for a period of three years. To qualify for the Initial Educator Certificate, an applicant must fulfill all preparation and eligibility requirements in the endorsement areas requested, including one of the following:

  • A state-approved program of preparation at a regionally accredited college or university in the field and at the grade level for which the certification endorsement is requested.

OR

  • In lieu of a planned program of educator preparation, has completed at least 20 school months of appropriate successful teaching or service in the same public school under a valid certificate or in the same approved nonpublic school.

 

Interim Educator Certificate

The Interim Educator Certificate may be issued at the initial or provisional level and is valid for three calendar years. There are two types of interim educator certificates: (1) The Nonrenewable Interim (Initial/Provisional) Educator Certificate and (2) the Interim (Initial/Provisional) Educator Certificate.

  1. The Nonrenewable Interim Educator Certificate is issued with Connecticut test deferrals and/or specific course deficiencies according to current certification regulations.
  2. The Interim Educator Certificate is issued with specific course deficiencies according to current certification regulations.

 

Provisional Educator Certificate

The Provisional Educator Certificate is the second level certificate of Connecticut's three tier continuum, and is generally valid for eight years. To qualify for the Provisional Educator Certificate, an applicant must fulfill all preparation and eligibility requirements for the Initial Educator Certificate, in the endorsement areas requested and successfully complete one of the following:

  • At least 10 school months of appropriate experience under the Initial Educator Certificate, Interim Initial Educator Certificate, or Durational Shortage Area Permit in a Connecticut public school, and the Teacher Education And Mentoring (TEAM) program, as made available by the Board.

OR

  • At least 30 school months of appropriate experience in an approved nonpublic school, or in a non-Connecticut public school under a valid certificate, within the last 10 years prior to application.

 

Professional Educator Certificate

The Professional Educator Certificate is the third level certificate of Connecticut's three tier continuum. To qualify for the Professional Educator Certificate, an applicant must complete the following requirements:

  • At least 30 school months of successful appropriate experience in a Connecticut public or approved nonpublic school under the Provisional Educator Certificate.

AND

  • Any additional course requirements, as prescribed by Connecticut certification regulations, for the endorsement requested.
    The Professional Educator Certificate is generally valid for five years.

Note: Eligibility will be determined upon review of required application materials and fee. The type and duration of certificate issued will depend on appropriate documentation of education and experience.