New Hampshire Administration/Principal Certification
The New Hampshire Department of Education Bureau of Credentialing offers endorsements to qualified applicants to serve as Principals, Associate Principals, and District Administrators (Superintendents).
Education Requirements
Principal:
- Complete at least an approved bachelor’s degree program in school administration/leadership and receive a recommendation from that program’s officials; or
- Demonstrate the following knowledge/competencies through experience and education:
- Philosophy of learning
- Culture of teaching and learning
- Organizational management/school
- Community relationships that foster learning
- Ethics, fairness and integrity in learning
- Social, political, legal, economic, and cultural context of learning
Learn more about the graduate school process. Contact schools offering educational administration degree programs in New Hampshire.
Associate Principal:
- Complete at least an approved bachelor’s degree program in school administration/leadership and receive a recommendation from that program’s officials; or
- Be enrolled in an approved bachelor’s degree program in school administration/leadership for no longer than six years and receive recommendation for certification from the officials of the program, or
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an approved/accredited New Hampshire college/university and receive a recommendation from the superintendent of the school in which you work, and
- Demonstrate the knowledge/competencies listed above
Superintendent:
- Hold at least a master’s degree
- Complete an approved program in school administration/leadership at the certificate of advanced graduate study(CAGS) or doctorate level and receive a recommendation from that program’s officials; or
- Demonstrate the following knowledge/competencies through experience and education:
- Philosophy of learning
- Culture of teaching and learning
- Organizational management/school
- Community relationships that foster learning
- Ethics, fairness and integrity in learning
- Social, political, legal, economic, and cultural context of learning
Examinations
No examinations are required to become a Principal, Associate Principal or Superintendent in New Hampshire.
Experience Requirements
Principal/Associate Principal:
- Three years of experience as a teacher
- Demonstrate the competencies and knowledge above through that experience
Superintendent:
- Five years of experience as a certified principal
- Demonstrate the competencies and knowledge above through that experience
Document and Application Requirements
When you have satisfied the above requirements, submit the Application for Certification form. Along with your completed application and fee, include:
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended, indicating the school administration/leadership preparation program you completed and degree(s) received
- Verification and recommendation from the program’s officials
- Letters of verification of any teaching/administrative experience you are claiming
Send all of the above to State of New Hampshire – Department of Education, Division of Program Support, Bureau of Credentialing, 101 Pleasant St., Concord, NH 03301-3860.
Criminal History Background Check
As a candidate for administrator certification in New Hampshire, you do not have to submit to a criminal history background check. All New Hampshire schools do; however, require you to undergo a criminal history background check prior to employment. The New Hampshire Department of Public Safety Division of Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will run your fingerprints and perform the check. Your employing school district will provide you with more information on this process.
Contact Information
Contact these colleges and universities that offer approved school administration/leadership programs for more information.
