Renew a Teaching Certificate in WA
(not a Washington teacher, click here to find your state)
How do I keep and renew a teaching certificate in WA?
Teachers can renew their Washington teaching certificate through E-Certification.
Teachers use online professional development and continuing education courses to renew a teaching certificate in Washington.
1 semester credit = 15 clock hours
Clock hours are for educators in the State of Washington who want to earn continuing education. They can use them for salary advancement or to renew their teacher’s certificate
What state requirements does a teacher in Washington need to meet for renewal?
All Professional Learning Board courses include a free PD Tracker.
According to the Washington Office of Public Instruction, teachers in WA must complete 100 clock hours to renew a teaching certificate in Washington . Teachers who take online clock hour classes through RenewaTeachingLicense.com claim clock hours through ESD 112, a Washington State approved clock hour provider.
Child Abuse Course Requirement: An out-of-state candidate looking to become certified in WA must have taken coursework in issues of abuse, which must include information related to identification of physical, emotional, sexual, and substance abuse; the impact on learning and behavior; the responsibilities of a teacher to report abuse or to provide assistance to victimized children; and methods of teaching about abuse and its prevention.
Equity-based Practices Requirement: According to the recently passed HB 1426, educators are required to complete 15 clock hours specific to equity-based school and classroom practices aligned to the current cultural competency standards. (Administrators must complete 10 clock hours).
Suicide Prevention Requirement: Every five years, school nurses, school counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers are required to complete a minimum of three hours of suicide prevention training for certificate renewal.
What clock hour courses does a teacher in WA need to meet the STEM requirement?
Beginning on September 1, 2019, renewal applications for residency, professional, initial, and continuing teacher and CTE certificates that hold certain endorsements must document completion of at least 15 clock hours with an emphasis on STEM integration. The requirement currently applies to the following teaching endorsements:
- Agriculture Education
- Business and Marketing Education
- Computer Science
- CTE (All Areas)
- Designated Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Space Science; Physics
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education
- Family and Consumer Sciences Education
- Mathematics; Middle Level Mathematics
- Science; Middle Level Science
- Technology Education
Clock Hour Note: Educators cannot use the same clock hours to satisfy multiple clock hour-specific requirements (STEM, Equity, Leadership, etc.)
What state requirements does a paraeducator in Washington need to meet for renewal?
20 clock hours are required to renew a Paraeducator English Language Learner Subject Matter Certificate and Special Education Subject Matter Certificate. 30 clock hours are required to renew an Advanced Paraeducator Certificate.
Paraeducators who take online clock hour classes through RenewaTeachingLicense.com claim clock hours through ESD 112, a Washington State approved clock hour provider.
How do I get free clock hours for teachers in Washington?
Get Online PD for Washington Teachers
Looking for online continuing education and staff development for schools or districts? Check out 100% online PD at ConnectedPD.com!
How do I contact the WA Office of Public Instruction?
Contact the Washington Office of Public Instruction
600 Washington St. SE
Olympia, WA 98504-7200
(360)-725-6000
Disclaimer: Please ensure the information and courses meet requirements for your teaching certificate and circumstances and align with what your state Department of Education requires. The new continuing education information and courses listed on this page are current as of September 13th, 2023 to meet the best information available. State licensing requirements and school district approval processes may change and it is your responsibility as a licensed or certified teacher to know your state certification renewal requirements and the process for submission and approval of all professional and staff development hours for renewing a license, licensing and certificate renewal and expired or lapsed certification. Professional Learning Board can not guarantee acceptance by your school, district, state Department of Education or licensing authority.
