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FAQs

Q: How do I apply for initial certification?
A:  Follow these steps...
  1. Complete an Application for Certification (PDF File).  Follow all instructions and answer ALL questions on the application.  Incomplete applications will not be processed.  All materials should be mailed in one envelope.  Mailing items separately delays processing time and increases the risk of lost documents.
  2. Include a photocopy of your valid Arizona Fingerprint Card.
  3. Include the correct fee(s).  Fees are payable by personal check, money order or cashier’s check only.  Cash, credit cards and debit cards will NOT be accepted.  Fees are not refundable.
  4. Include official transcript(s).  Envelope may be opened, but transcript(s) must be on official transcript paper and bear the original seal or stamp of the Registrar. Photocopies will not be accepted.  If the college/university prefers, transcripts may be mailed directly to the AZ Department of Education - Certification Unit.  The Certification Unit will only accept degrees, programs and courses from accredited institutions.
  5. If verification of K-12 teaching experience is required, complete and include the Verification of K-12 Teaching Experience (PDF File) form.
Related Links: Requirements for Certification
Q: Do you offer Reciprocal Arizona Certificates for out-of-state certificates?
A:  Teachers and Administrators who hold a valid and “clear” license from another state may qualify for a comparable Reciprocal Arizona Certificate.  Reciprocal Arizona Teaching and Administrative certificates are valid for one (1) year and will NOT be renewed or extended.  Within the one (1) year, the out-of-state educator must satisfy the requirements for the "clear" 3-year Provisional Teaching or 6-year Administrative certificate. Related Links: Reciprocal Arizona Certification
Q: What are Endorsements?
A:  Specialized areas attached to a certificate, e.g. English as a Second Language (ESL), K-12; Structured English Immersion (SEI), K-12; Reading Specialist, K-12; etc.  Endorsements may be used to show a specialization or to expand the grade level a teacher may teach.  All endorsements are valid for K-12 unless otherwise indicated. Related Links: Requirements for Endorsements
Q: What are Approved Areas?
A:  Content areas listed on certificates, e.g. English, Mathematics, Social Studies, etc.  Approved areas are limited to the grade level of the certificate.
Q: What is your application processing time?
A:  Once a completed application packet is received it is processed by date in the order received.  Complete applications usually have a prompt turnaround time.  However, there are seasonal changes in processing times due to increased service requests; summer months of June-September are the busiest times.  For this reason, please apply well in advance.
Q: Do you accept cash, debit or credit cards?
A:  No.  Fees are payable by personal check, money order or cashier’s check only.  Cash, credit/debit cards are not accepted.  Fees are not refundable.
Q: How can I find out if the classes I’ve taken count toward the requirements of a certificate or endorsement?
A:  We can only provide you a formal written evaluation.   The process of reviewing your transcripts is called an evaluation.  We do not schedule appointments for an evaluation. You will need to submit an application, the correct fee, a photo copy of your Identity Verified Prints (IVP) fingerprint clearance card, test results and official transcript(s) and any additional requirements specific to the certificate and or endorsement you want to apply for.  Then we will provide you with a formal written evaluation.  If you would like to review the requirement sheets for the certificate you want to obtain please visit our website ( Certification Requirements ).  You will need to complete and submit an application, submite official transcripts and correct fee so we are able to provide you a written formal evaluation.
Q: Do you accept opened transcripts?
A:  Opened transcripts are acceptable as long as they are not a photocopy or a webpage printout from your student account.  We suggest you open your transcript(s) to ensure your degree is posted and all grades have been posted for each class you have taken.  
Q: What type of fingerprint card is required for certification?
A:  Arizona State Statute A.R.S. § 15-534 (B) requires that a certificate holder who applies for any certification service must have a valid fingerprint clearance card.  In addition, effective January 1, 2008, per A.R.S. § 15-106, all teachers and persons who are required to be fingerprinted to work in the classroom are required to have an Identity Verified Prints (IVP) fingerprint clearance card.  The IVP fingerprint card is a special type of card used only for people applying for the following: 
  • Certification through the Arizona Department of Education
  • Charter School Instructor
  • Tutors and Teacher Preparation Programs
Note:  Valid non-IVP fingerprint clearance cards with an issue date prior to January 1, 2008, will be accepted by Certification.
Q: How do I obtain an IVP Fingerprint Clearance card?
The applicant must contact the Department of Public Safety (DPS) by phone, fax or email (see below) to request an application packet for Identity Verified Prints (IVP) fingerprint clearance card.  The required fee is $69.00** made payable to AZ DPS.  DPS accepts money orders or cashier's checks, only.  DPS does NOT accept cash or personal checks. ** Effective March 19, 2012, the $69 fee will be reduced to $67.  For additional information, see DPS Fee Reduction flyer [PDF].  Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS)  http://www.azdps.gov/Services/Fingerprint/

Physical Address – Packet Pickup: 2320 N. 20th Avenue Phoenix, AZ  85009 602-223-2279 602-223-2947 (fax)

Mailing Address: PO Box 18390 Phoenix, AZ   85005-8390

You may have your fingerprints rolled at any Police or Sheriff’s office in any state.  The person rolling your fingerprints will collect your money order and be responsible for mailing your card back to DPS for processing.  Once you have received your wallet sized, plastic, valid  IVP card from DPS, please submit a photocopy of your fingerprint card along with your application for certification.
Q: I can’t find my plastic fingerprint clearance card, how do I obtain another?
The applicant must contact the Department of Public Safety (DPS) at 602-223-2279 or visit DPS online at Fingerprint Clearance Cards.
Q: How long does it take for my IVP fingerprint clearance card to be processed by DPS and received by Certification?
A:  The processing time varies from two to twelve weeks depending on volume.
Q: Do you accept out-of-state fingerprint cards?
A:  The Certification Unit does NOT accept out-of-state fingerprint cards.  You will need to apply for an IVP fingerprint card by contacting DPS at 602-223-2279.  You may have your fingerprints rolled at any Police or Sheriff’s office in any state.  The person rolling your fingerprints will collect your money order and be responsible for mailing your card back to DPS for processing.
Q: What are the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA)?
A:  The AEPA assessments are offered for professional knowledge and subject knowledge tests which are required for most teaching certificates. A proficiency assessment is also required for all Administrative certificates. Comparable out-of-state tests may be substituted for these assessments.  For more information, test bulletins and study guides, please call the testing agency Pearson at (800) 239-8105 or visit them online at http://www.aepa.nesinc.com
Q: Do you accept out-of-state exams?
A:  The Certification Unit accepts comparable teaching and administrative out-of-states exams. Please refer to the comparable out-of-state exam list for further information. Arizona does not require a basic skills exam therefore basic skills exams are not comparable.
Q: How can I waive the exams?
A:  An applicant can waive the Subject Knowledge exam if they have a Master’s degree in that subject area from an accredited institution of higher education according to an official transcript issued from the institution.  Applicants who have a Master’s degree in Elementary Education are NOT eligible to waive the Elementary Subject Knowledge exam because the Elementary Subject Knowledge exam covers the content areas of an Elementary classroom whereas a Master’s degree covers the pedagogy of teaching the content areas.  A Master’s degree in the subject area can now be used to waive the twenty-four semester hour requirement or the subject knowledge test for the following endorsements: Art, K-12; Music, K-12; and Early Childhood, Birth-Age 8 under requirement Options B and C. Applicants who have three years of full-time teaching experience in the same area of certification can waive the Professional Knowledge exam.  This means:
  • An applicant applying for an Elementary certificate would be able to waive the Elementary Professional Knowledge exam if he/she submits a letter verifying three years of full-time teaching experience in the  elementary grades,
  • An applicant applying for a Secondary certificate would be able to waive the Secondary Professional Knowledge exam if she/he submits a letter verifying three years of full- time teaching experience in grades 7-12.
  • Special education teachers would need to submit a letter verifying three years of full-time teaching experience in the disability area for which they are obtaining the certificate to waive the Elementary Professional Knowledge exam.
This same statute also applies to CTE, Arts Education and Early Childhood certificates.  Three years of full-time teaching experience in Early Childhood can also waive the Early Childhood Professional Knowledge exam under option B for the Early Childhood Endorsement.
Q: When will you receive my AEPA test scores?
A:  Test scores are received approximately four days after the score report date.  Or, approximately five weeks after the test was administered.
Q: Where can I register to take my certification exams?
A:  Please visit the testing agency Pearson online at www.aepa.nesinc.com to register for the exam, obtain study guides and view objectives for the test.
Q: Where can I take Arizona State Board approved SEI training/coursework?
A:  Listing of Arizona State Board approved SEI training/coursework -
Q: What Arizona certificates require SEI?
A:  Teaching Certificates:  Elementary, Secondary, Early Childhood, Special Education, Career and Technical Education.  Administrative Certificates:  Principal, Superintendent, Supervisor.
Q: What Arizona certificates are exempt from SEI?
A:  Substitute, Emergency Substitute, Guidance Counselor, Adult Education, School Psychologist, Speech-Language Technician, Speech-Language Pathologist, Athletic Coaching, JROTC.
Q: How do I obtain a duplicate copy of my certificate?
A:  Steps:
  1. Complete an application for Duplicate Copy or Name Change Form (PDF File).
  2. Mail completed application and fee ($20 - check or money order, payable to ADE).
  3. Your copy should arrive in approximately 2-6 weeks, depending on volume.
Q: How do I change my address?
A:  Steps:
  1. Complete an application for Change of Address Request (PDF File).
  2. Mail completed application.
  3. We'll update your address on file in approximately 1-2 weeks, depending on volume.
Q: How do I apply for a Name Change?
A:  Steps:
  1. Complete an application for Duplicate Copy or Name Change Form (PDF File).
  2. Mail completed application, supporting document, and fee ($20 - check or money order, payable to ADE).
  3. A copy of your certificate with your new name should arrive in approximately 2-6 weeks, depending on volume.
Q: Am I “Highly Qualified”?
A:  Please contact the Highly Qualified Unit for further information (602) 364-1842 or visit them online at http://www.azed.gov/highly-qualified-professionals/
Q: Does Arizona offer Alternative Pathways to Certification?
A:  Yes, please visit us online at Alternative Pathways to Certification or call us at (602) 364-1842 for more information.
Q: What’s the best way to contact Certification?
A:  Online at:  http://www.azed.gov/educator-certification/ Call us at:  (602) 542-4367 Email us at:  certification@azed.gov
Q: What same-day counter services do you offer?
A:  Generally, if you apply in person and all requirements are ment and documents in order we can complete the following services at our counter:
  • Renewals
  • Substitute Certificates
  • Name Changes
  • Address Changes
  • Deficiency Renewals
  • Duplicat Copy of Certificate
  • One-Time Extensions of Provisional Certificates*
  • Conversions of 3-year Provisional certificates to 6-year Standard certificates*
  • Arizona Preparation Programs - Institutionally Recommended (IR) certificates & endorsements
  • Adult Education Certificates
*  Except for Career and Technical Education (CTE) one-time extensions and conversions
Q: What are your office hours?
A: Phoenix Location Hours:  Monday through Friday 8:30am-4:30pm Tucson Location Hours:  Monday through Friday 8:30am-4:30pm * State Service Holidays Observed:  http://www.hr.az.gov/HR_Professional/HRP_State_Service_Holidays.asp
Q: What is your mailing address?
A:  You may mail your application to: ADE – Teacher Certification PO Box 6490 Phoenix, AZ  85005-6490