September 2022 Certification Updates

Experienced Educator Renewal Update

Beginning September 24, 2022, educators who hold lapsed, renewable certificate(s) that have expired for at least two (2) years, but less than ten (10) years, and who are in good standing may now apply for renewal.  Verification of 10 years of experience in the certification area is no longer required.  Applicants will need the following to qualify for renewal under this option: 

• A lapsed renewable certificate with no deficiencies that has expired for at least 2 years, but not more than 10 years. 
• A completed renewal application form. Individuals who are applying under this option (outside of the regular renewal timeframe) must submit the application via mail or at the Certification Customer Service Counter.   
• A check for $20 for each certificate to be renewed made out to the “Arizona Department of Education”. 
• Note: There is no additional fee for approved areas and endorsements that are on the certificate(s). 
• A valid Arizona DPS IVP fingerprint clearance card. 

Subject Matter Expert Certificate  

Beginning September 24, 2022, applicants for the Subject Matter Expert Certificate will be required to: 

• Submit a completed “Attestation for Social Media/Cell Phone Use Best Practices” form with their application. This form can be found on our website.  
• Complete Board-approved training in professionalism and ethics within two years of issuance of the certificate.     
  • If an applicant fails to meet this requirement within two years, the Department shall temporarily suspend the standard certificate, but the suspension is not considered a disciplinary action and the individual shall be allowed to correct the deficiency within the remaining time of the standard certification. 

Subject Matter Expert Certificates issued before September 24, 2022 do not need to meet these requirements