Traditional Pathway

The traditional path for Oklahoma teacher certification is for those who complete state-approved educator preparation program (EPP) in Oklahoma.

• Graduated from an accredited institution of higher education that has an approved teacher education program for the certification area sought
• Successfully completed a higher education teacher education program approved by the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (OEQA);
• Meets all other requirements as established by the Oklahoma State Board of Education;
• Successfully passed the two required competency examinations; and
• Has on file with the Oklahoma State Board of Education a current clear Oklahoma criminal history record search from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation as well as a current clear national criminal history record search from the Federal Bureau of Investigation;
• Applied to Teacher Certification and submitted the appropriate processing fee
  
  OR
   
• Hold a full out-of-state certificate and meet standards set by the State Board of Education. Anything less than full certification will require review by Teacher Certification.

• If you hold an education degree from an Oklahoma state-approved teacher education program then please use the Oklahoma Education Single Sign-On to get started on certification.  Register for an account then navigate to the "Oklahoma Educator Credentialing System".
• If you hold an education degree from outside the State of Oklahoma:
  • If degree is within another state in the U.S. then please see the information on out-of-state credentials.
  • If degree is outside of the U.S. then please see the information on foreign credentials.

Oklahoma law requires applicants for initial teacher certification to have on file with the Oklahoma State Board of Education a current Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint-based criminal history record search (70 O.S. 6-190). It does not apply to renewals. For additional information refer to Background and Fingerprint Information.

• Certification assessment information is available here.

Visit the testing company website and contact the company directly with any questions. Certification assessment information is available here. 

Standard Certificate (valid for five years) costs $50.

If you have a Registered Nurse’s License and a bachelor’s degree in any area, you may be issued a five-year standard certificate.

If you do not have a bachelor’s degree but have an associate’s degree or diploma from a school of nursing (3 years), you may be issued a five-year provisional certificate. You will have 10 years from the initial issuance to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Please submit the following:

• Application for Oklahoma School Certificate (pdf).
• Copy of current Oklahoma Registered Nurse’s License.
• Official transcripts of all college work. Transcript must denote degree earned and the date degree was conferred.
• $50 processing fee (check, cashier’s check, or money order) made payable to the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
• Recent certification or dual fingerprinting (background check) needed, unless you are already certified in Oklahoma. For the most up to date information refer to Fingerprints/Background Checks Information.

New Out-of-State Reciprocity webpage is here.

New Out-of-Country Reciprocity webpage is here.

Oklahoma State Department of Education
Teacher Certification

2500 North Lincoln Boulevard, #211
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105-4599

Email: TeacherCertification@sde.ok.gov

Phone: (405) 521-3337