Educator Certification

Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program

The State Department of Education (SDE) requires all students who are applying for an initial professional educator certificate to complete the Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program (AECTP). These students must be in an Alternative Fifth-Year teacher education program approved by the state of Alabama. Information on the AECTP should be obtained from the College of Education or www.act.org/alabamapttp.

Certification

All persons who complete approved Teacher Education Programs at the master’s and sixth-year levels are eligible for certification (A, AA respectively), provided that they meet all Alabama State Department of Education requirements. Individuals seeking to add new subject endorsements at the A or AA levels must already be A or AA certified and have completed an approved master’s or AA program. (except for programs in collaborative education, instructional leadership, library media, and reading specialist. These individuals must hold only initial certification in a subject area.) The approved program being added must be met in full; however, courses completed in satisfying the requirements of another program at the same level do not have to be repeated. Individuals should consult an adviser in the College of Education before registering for classes. A written comprehensive examination is required.

Graduate-level courses used to obtain Class B certification cannot be used again toward Class A certification. Courses used to obtain Class A certification may not be used to add on Class AA certification.

Recertification

An expired teaching certificate may be renewed by enrolling in approved undergraduate or graduate courses, usually nine semester hours. Since renewal requirements vary widely according to the type of certificate held, number of years of teaching experience and area of endorsement, individuals are urged to contact the Alabama State Department of Education before enrolling in courses.

Individuals completing degree programs in education at ASU or adding new subject endorsements must apply for and be recommended for certification. Contact the certification officer in the College of Education.