Traditional Pathway
The traditional path for Oklahoma teacher certification is for those who complete state-approved educator preparation program (EPP) in Oklahoma.
Requirements
- 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 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
Steps to Certification
- Complete a certification or dual background check if you are not already certified. Instructions are available here.
- Create a Single Sign-On (SSO) account to access the Oklahoma Educator Credential System (OECS). If you have never submitted an application to Teacher Certification before, Step 3 will ask Would you like to access your Oklahoma certification records? You must select the third option and enter your full social security number to create an SSO log in AND an OECS file. If you receive a red banner stating that a record already exists, then you will select the second option to link your new SSO log in with your existing OECS file.
- After your college education department submits a recommendation a new application will open. Submit the online application for your college recommendation.
- Order official college transcripts to be sent directly from the college/university to TeacherCertification@sde.ok.gov.
If you completed an education degree or already hold a teaching certificate/license somwhere other than Oklahoma:
- See the information on Out-of-State Reciprocity.
- See the information on Out-of-Country Reciprocity.
Do I have to be fingerprinted?
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.
What teacher tests are required for Oklahoma certification?
- Certification assessment information is available here.
How do I register for a teacher competency test?
Visit the testing company website and contact the company directly with any questions. Certification assessment information is available here.
What is the cost of an Oklahoma teaching certificate?
Standard Certificate (valid for five years) costs $50.
What do I have to submit in order to apply for a school nurse certificate?
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.
Complete the following:
- Complete a certification or dual background check if you are not already certified. Instructions are available here.
- Create a Single Sign-On (SSO) account to access the Oklahoma Educator Credential System (OECS). If you have never submitted an application to Teacher Certification before, Step 3 will ask Would you like to access your Oklahoma certification records? You must select the third option and enter your full social security number to create an SSO log in AND an OECS file. If you receive a red banner stating that a record already exists, then you will select the second option to link your new SSO log in with your existing OECS file.
- Submit the online application for School Nurse. Upload a copy of your current Oklahoma Registered Nurse’s License during the application process.
- Order official college transcripts to be sent directly from the college/university to TeacherCertification@sde.ok.gov.
I hold an out-of-state credential. How do I get a certificate in Oklahoma?
New Out-of-State Reciprocity webpage is here.
How do I obtain an Oklahoma certificate if I graduated from an out-of-country university and was certified (or authorized) to teach in another country?
New Out-of-Country Reciprocity webpage is here.
Contact Information
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
