Educator Certification: Extensions

Extension Timeframes

• Extendable Certificates: Extendable certificates include Alternative Teaching, Interim Administrative, and International Teaching certificates.
  • Standard Professional Teaching, Administrative, and other non-teaching certificates are not eligible for extension.
  • Deficiency due dates may not be extended.
• Extension Timeframe: Extension timeframes vary based on the type of certificate being extended.
  • Alternative Teaching and Interim Administrative certificates may be extended three months prior to its expiration date and up to six months after expiration.
    • Certificates are extended for 1 year from the previous expiration date.
    • Certificates are eligible for up to 2 extensions after the initial issuance.
  • International Teaching certificates are aligned to the expiration date of the J-1 or Q-1 visa. Certificates may be extended if the J-1 or Q-1 visa has been extended.

The Alternative Teaching Certificate may be extended yearly for no more than two consecutive years. There is no fee to apply for an extension of an Alternative Teaching certificate. To apply for the extension of an Alternative Teaching certificate, submit the following:

• Application: A completed Application to Extend an Alternative Teaching Certificate.
• AZDPS IVP Card: A valid Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Initial Issuance: Qualification for the initial issuance of the Alternative certificate.
• Program Verification Letter: Verification from the Board-approved educator preparation program in which the alternative teaching certificate holder is enrolled that the holder has made adequate progress toward program completion. Please contact the approved Educator Preparation Program Provider for information on requesting the Alternative Teaching adequate progress letter from the appropriate designee.
  • The appropriate letter will include both the Educator Preparation Program logo and the Arizona Department of Education logo.

The Interim Principal 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 Administrative 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.
  • The appropriate letter will include both the Educator Preparation Program logo and the Arizona Department of Education logo.
• District Verification Letter: Letter of verification, signed by a District Superintendent or Personnel Director, indicating the holder of the interim certificate will be under the direct supervision of a certified administrator.

The International Teaching Certificate may be extended with the following:

• Application: Submission of an Application to Extend an International Teaching Certificate.
• Fee: The fee to extend an International Teaching certificate is $20. Per Board-rule, certification fees are non-refundable.
• AZDPS IVP Card: A valid Arizona DPS IVP fingerprint clearance card.
• J-1 or Q1 Visa: A photocopy of your extended J1 or Q1 visa. The certificate will be extended to the length of the certificate holder’s visa, not to exceed 12 years.
• Verification of Teaching Placement: A letter signed by an Arizona school personnel director or superintendent verifying that you have been placed in a contracted teaching position through a foreign teacher program.

If you hold a certificate which is eligible for renewal, you may renew your certificate electronically online at  My Certification Portal or review more information on the Renewal Requirements page on our website.

Emergency Teaching and Emergency Substitute certificates may not be extended or renewed. Please review the Emergency Certificates page on our website for information on applying for a new issuance of your certificate.