Washington, D.C. Teacher Certification Renewal
A Washington, DC Standard Teacher Credential is valid for four years and may be renewed through the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Initial Teacher Credentials are not renewable, and other credential types may follow different rules. Standard-level credentials renew through one of three OSSE pathways: Professional Learning Units, current subject-content test scores, or DCPS IMPACT performance ratings for eligible DCPS educators.
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OSSE issues Standard Teacher Credentials for four-year terms, and renewal applies only to standard-level credentials, not to Initial Teacher Credentials. If you’re not sure which credential type you hold, it’s worth reviewing how to become a teacher in Washington, D.C., before assuming renewal rules apply to you. Teachers with a Standard credential should prepare documentation well before it expires. However, OSSE advises waiting until the credential is within 5 months (150 days) of expiration before submitting the renewal application.
Teaching Certification Renewal
A DC Standard Teacher Credential is valid for four years. Teachers generally renew each credential through one of OSSE’s recognized pathways: Professional Learning Units, current subject-content test scores, or DCPS IMPACT performance ratings for eligible DCPS educators. When renewing multiple credentials at the same time, OSSE applies one option to the first credential, and additional credential areas may require either current subject-content test scores or additional content-specific PLU hours, depending on the pathway used.
The Professional Learning Units option is one common renewal pathway. It requires official documentation of 120 clock hours, eight semester credits, or a combination of both, completed within the previous four years of the renewal application date. At least 60 of those 120 clock hours must be directly related to the credential area being renewed, and the remaining hours may align with OSSE’s other acceptable professional learning activity content areas. Qualifying documentation may include:
- Official transcripts for college coursework
- Official school professional development summaries
- Official certificates from professional organizations or approved training providers
OSSE does not pre-approve professional learning activities unless they’re specifically sponsored or facilitated by OSSE.
Eligible DCPS educators may instead renew through the performance-rating option by submitting final DCPS IMPACT reports showing an effective or higher final rating for any combination of three of the previous four years, in the same assignment area as the credential being renewed. This pathway doesn’t require the 120 PLU hours, but it does require complete final DCPS IMPACT reports, an accepted background-check record or DCPS clearance access, and the required renewal application and fee.
The test-score option allows renewal by submitting passing scores for the current Praxis subject-content exam in the credential area. The exam must have been taken and passed within 12 months of the renewal application date, and prior scores used for the original credential aren’t accepted.
These renewal pathways apply to teachers who already hold a DC credential. If you’re licensed to teach in another state and don’t yet hold a DC credential, you’ll go through reciprocity rather than renewal.
Every renewal application also requires an FBI Identity History Summary Check issued by the FBI or an approved FBI channeler agency, unless DCPS and DCPS currently employ the applicant, who has made the clearance information available to OSSE electronically. A nonrefundable $50 processing fee is required for each credential area being renewed, and incomplete applications may be rejected with the fee forfeited.
Renewal applications are submitted through ECIS V2.0, OSSE’s Educator Credentialing Information System, where applicants submit the application, upload complete PDF documentation, pay the renewal fee, and track application status. Applicants should use OSSE’s current instructions for any third-party documents sent directly to the agency.
Reinstatement of Certification
OSSE does not extend credential expiration dates. Educators with expired credentials generally follow the available renewal pathways, but should verify current requirements on OSSE’s credential renewal page and submit all required documentation, background-check evidence, and fees. Reinstatement does not waive the FBI Identity History Summary Check, the $50 processing fee, or any of the documentation required for an active renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a Washington, DC Standard Teacher Credential valid before it needs renewal?
A Standard Teacher Credential is valid for four years from the date it’s issued. Initial Teacher Credentials are not renewable, and other credential types may follow different rules.
What are the ways to renew a DC Standard Teacher Credential?
Three renewal pathways may be available: Professional Learning Units (120 clock hours, or eight semester credits, or a combination), current subject-content test scores, or DCPS IMPACT performance ratings for eligible DCPS educators.
Can I combine renewal options if I hold more than one credential?
When renewing multiple credentials, OSSE provides a single renewal option for the first credential. Additional credentials may require either current subject-content test scores or additional content-specific PLU hours, depending on the pathway used.
How do I submit a DC teacher certification renewal application?
Applications go through ECIS V2.0 online. Applicants upload complete PDF documents and should follow OSSE’s current instructions for any third-party documents sent directly to the agency.
What happens if my DC teaching credential has already expired?
OSSE doesn’t extend expiration dates. Reinstatement generally follows the available renewal pathways, but applicants should verify OSSE’s current expired-credential instructions and submit all required documents, background-check evidence, and fees.
Is there a fee to renew a DC teaching credential?
Yes. OSSE requires a nonrefundable $50 processing fee for each credential area being renewed. Incomplete applications may be rejected, and the fee may be forfeited.
Do I need a background check to renew my credential?
Renewal requires an FBI Identity History Summary Check issued by the FBI or an approved FBI channeler agency, unless DCPS and DCPS currently employ the applicant, who has made the clearance information available to OSSE electronically.
- Standard credentials are valid for four years — Initial Teacher Credentials are not renewable, and other credential types may follow different rules.
- Three possible renewal pathways — Professional Learning Units, current subject-content test scores, or DCPS IMPACT ratings for eligible DCPS educators.
- Renewal requires a background check and a fee — an FBI Identity History Summary Check (unless DCPS provides clearance electronically) and a $50 nonrefundable processing fee per credential area.
- Reinstatement isn’t automatic — expired credentials follow the available renewal pathways, but still require current documentation, background-check evidence, and fees.
- Applications route through ECIS V2.0 — OSSE’s online system handles submission, document upload, fee payment, and status tracking.
Find OSSE-approved teacher preparation pathways in Washington, DC, including application requirements and credential timelines for your certification path.
