Hawaii Teacher Certification Renewal
Hawaii teacher certification renewal happens online through the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB) for the Standard Teaching License, which is valid for five years. Renewal applications open January 1 of the license’s expiration year, and every license expires June 30 of that year, so teachers can submit up to six months early. Provisional Licenses can’t be renewed at all, and licenses expired more than six months require a paper reinstatement application instead of the online process.
Sponsored School(s)
Hawaii teachers hold one of three license types, and the one you have determines whether renewal is even an option. A Provisional License lasts three years and cannot be renewed. A Standard License lasts five years and renews through the process below. An Advanced License lasts 10 years and follows the same renewal steps, with additional documentation required for the advanced credential. If you’re transferring in from another state rather than renewing an existing Hawaii license, check Hawaii’s teacher reciprocity agreements instead. If you haven’t been certified in Hawaii yet, start with our overview of Hawaii teaching certification.
Teaching Certification Renewal
Hawaii teacher certification renewal starts with your Standard Teaching License, which is valid for five years. Once it’s issued, you must renew it online before it lapses. Renewal opens January 1 of the year your license expires, and every Hawaii teaching license expires on June 30 of that year, regardless of when it was originally issued. Licenses may be renewed up to six months before their expiration date, so most teachers submit sometime between January and July. Your information will be automatically updated in the HTSB database as part of the process.
Depending on your employer, HTSB may verify your employment and performance electronically. If you’re not electronically verified, you’ll need to complete the applicable renewal forms and keep supporting documentation on file in case of an HTSB audit. These include the Verification of Experience for License Renewal (RA4010), signed by your supervisor, and the Documentation of Meeting HTSB Teacher Performance Standards for License Renewal (RA5010-T). Documentation of approved professional growth activities (listed on the form, along with the appropriate documentation acceptable for each activity) must be submitted to support that form. Advanced License holders follow this same process,s but should confirm with HTSB whether their credential requires any additional professional growth documentation beyond the standard renewal packet.
Reinstatement of Certification
If your Hawaii teaching license expired more than six months ago, you must submit a paper reinstatement/renewal application using the forms required by HTSB. You must also maintain the two verification forms listed above and pay applicable fees. The application should be mailed to the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, 650 Iwilei Road, Suite 201, Honolulu, HI 96871, Attention: Licensing Section.
Sponsored School(s)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a Hawaii teaching license valid?
A Standard Teaching License is valid for five years. A Provisional License is valid for three years and cannot be renewed. An Advanced License is valid for ten years and renews through the same process as a Standard License.
When can I renew my Hawaii teaching license?
Renewal applications open January 1 of the year your license expires, and every license expires June 30 of that same year. You can submit your renewal up to six months before the expiration date through the HTSB online portal.
What happens if my Hawaii teaching license has already expired?
If it expired less than six months ago, you can still renew online through HTSB. If more than six months have passed, you’ll need to mail a paper reinstatement/renewal application to the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board along with the required verification forms.
What forms do I need to renew my Hawaii teaching certification?
Depending on your employer, HTSB may verify your employment and performance electronically. If you’re not verified this way, you’ll need the Verification of Experience for License Renewal (RA4010) form, signed by your supervisor, and the Documentation of Meeting HTSB Teacher Performance Standards for License Renewal (RA5010-T), which documents your professional growth activities.
Can I renew a Provisional License in Hawaii?
No. Provisional Licenses are valid for three years and are not renewable. Provisional license holders need to complete the requirements for a Standard License before that window closes.
- Know your license type. Standard (5-year) and Advanced (10-year) licenses renew online. Provisional licenses (3 years) do not renew
- Mark the window. Renewal opens on January 1, and every license expires on June 30 of the renewal year, with submissions accepted up to 6 months early.
- Keep your paperwork ready. The Verification of Experience for License Renewal (RA4010) and Documentation of Meeting HTSB Teacher Performance Standards for License Renewal (RA5010-T) forms should stay on file if you’re not electronically verified.
- Act before six months pass. Past that point, renewal switches to a paper reinstatement/renewal application mailed directly to HTSB.
Find accredited teacher certification and continuing education programs in Hawaii, including options that support your license renewal and professional growth requirements.
