Interim Superintendent, PreK-12

A formal review is required to verify that all requirements have been met. Please visit the "How to Submit Official Documents" below for the proper submission of the required documents. Failure to submit documents as described could cause a delay in the processing of the application.

• Application: A completed Application for Certification.
• Fee: The fee for this certificate is $60. Per Board rule, certification fees are non-refundable.
• AZDPS IVP Card: A valid Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Master's Degree: Official Transcripts documenting a master's or more advanced degree.
  • Note: If you completed your degree and applicable coursework at an institution outside of the United States, you must submit an evaluation from a Department-approved foreign credential evaluation agency. Please see the "Approved Foreign Credential Evaluation Agencies" list.
• Verification of Experience: Verification of three years of full-time teaching experience or related education services experience in grades PreK through 12. 
  • If you are using teaching experience, please have your district/school human resources office complete and submit the "Verification of PreK-12 Teaching Experience" form.
  • If you are using related education experience (e.g., school counseling, school social work), please have your district/school human resources office complete and submit the "Verification of Leadership & Professional Non-Teaching Experience" form.
• Program Verification Letter: Letter of verification, signed by the dean or department chair of a college of education, indicating enrollment in an Arizona State Board-approved alternative path to the administrator certification program, or an Arizona State Board-approved administrator preparation program.
• District Verification Letter: Verification that the holder of the interim certificate shall be employed as a superintendent, assistant superintendent, or associate superintendent and working under the direct supervision of an Arizona-certified superintendent or the appropriate county school superintendent.

The Interim Superintendent, PreK-12 Certificate may be extended yearly for no more than two consecutive years. There is no fee to apply for an extension of the Interim Principal certificate.

• Application: A completed Application to Extend an Interim Administrative Certificate.
• AZDPS IVP Card: A valid Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Initial Issuance: Qualification for the initial issuance of the Interim Principal certificate.
• Program Verification Letter: Letter of verification, signed by the dean or department chair of a college of education, indicating the certificate holder is making adequate progress in the Arizona State Board-approved alternative path to the administrator certification program, or an Arizona State Board-approved administrator preparation program.
• District Verification Letter: Letter of verification, signed by a District Superintendent or Personnel Director, indicating the holder shall be employed as a superintendent, assistant superintendent, or associate superintendent and working under the direct supervision of an Arizona-certified superintendent or the appropriate county school superintendent.

Documents Requiring Submission by the Verifying Authority

• Official Transcripts: Transcripts that are uploaded through the educator portal or emailed by the applicant are not official and will not be accepted. Official transcripts and foreign credential evaluations must be submitted as follows:
  • Electronic official transcripts must be submitted directly by the college or university to [email protected] or directly through Parchment.
  • Official transcripts must be in a sealed envelope and mailed by the college or university to:
    Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit
    PO Box 6490
    Phoenix, AZ 85005-6490.
  • Foreign credential evaluations must be sent directly by the approved foreign credential evaluation agency to [email protected] or mailed to the Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit.
• District Verification Letter: Letter of verification, signed by a District Superintendent or Personnel Director, indicating the holder shall be employed as a superintendent, assistant superintendent, or associate superintendent and working under the direct supervision of an Arizona-certified superintendent or the appropriate county school superintendent. Request that the district/school human resources office email the letter directly to [email protected].
• Verification of Teaching Experience: Request that the district/school human resources office complete and submit your verification of experience following the instructions on the form.
  • If you are using teaching experience, please have your district/school human resources office complete and submit the "Verification of PreK-12 Teaching Experience" form.
  • If you are using related education experience (e.g., school counseling, school social work), please have your district/school human resources office complete and submit the "Verification of Leadership & Professional Non-Teaching Experience" form.

Accepted Photocopies from the Applicant

• AZDPS IVP Card: Submit a photocopy of the Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance card.
• Program Verification Letter: A letter verifying enrollment in an Arizona State Board-approved alternative path to the administrator certification program, or an Arizona State Board-approved administrator preparation program.
  • The letter must be signed by the appropriate designee from the administrator preparation program and may be submitted with the application.