Kentucky Alternative Teacher Certification

Kentucky is facing one of the most serious and sustained teacher shortages in its modern history. More than 2,000 teaching positions were left unfilled in 2024, district HR offices consistently report fewer qualified applicants, and as of October 2025, only 34 of 173 surveyed districts reported being fully staffed. 

Against this backdrop, the Kentucky General Assembly has created the most expansive set of alternative certification pathways the state has ever offered — nine distinct statutory routes under KRS 161.048, including one pathway that does not require a bachelor’s degree at all.

Alternative teacher certification in Kentucky means any route to a teaching certificate that does not follow the traditional path of completing an undergraduate education degree at an accredited institution. 

These pathways are not workarounds or lesser credentials — they are formally codified in state statute and produce the same EPSB-issued Professional Teaching Certificate as the traditional route, carrying identical standing in every Kentucky public school district.

This Prepsaret guide provides the most complete, authoritative reference available for every one of Kentucky’s nine alternative certification options.

Kentucky’s Nine Alternative Routes — Summary (KRS 161.048)

Option 1: Exceptional Work Experience — bachelor’s degree + substantial relevant professional experience + portfolio approval

Option 2: Local District Training Program — district-run program; no active EPSB-approved programs as of early 2025

Option 3: College Faculty — master’s/doctoral degree + 5 years higher education teaching; 1-year non-renewable certificate only

Option 4: Adjunct Instructor — content expertise + bachelor’s + major/minor; part-time only; does NOT lead to professional certification

Option 5: Statement of Eligibility — pre-employment eligibility determination for qualified candidates with a bachelor’s degree

Option 6: University-Based Alternative Route — bachelor’s degree (any field); teach full-time while completing certification program; MOST COMMONLY USED

Option 7: Institute Alternative Route — bachelor’s/grad degree in content area; intensive 180-240 hour training institute

Option 8: Veterans of the Armed Services — bachelor’s degree + 6+ years honorable military service + content test

Option 9: Expedited (No Prior Degree Required) — work in classified school position while earning bachelor’s + cert in 3 years

Source: Go Teach KY Alternative Pathways (May 14, 2026 last modified); KRS 161.048 (amended April 9, 2024).

Kentucky Alternative Certification: At a Glance

9 Statutory Alt. Routes KRS 161.048 (amended 2024)

Option 6 Most Common Route TTT.KY.GOV (Nov 2024)

5 yrs Max Provisional Cert Period Options 6 & 7; SB 49 (2023)

3 yrs Option 9 Timeline Degree + cert; HB 277 (2022)

 

2.75 Min. GPA (Most Routes) 16 KAR 2:010; or 3.0/last 30 hrs

2,000+ KY Teacher Vacancies Annenberg Inst.; 2024 data

401 Emergency Certs (Sept 2025) EPSB; LEX18 Oct 2025

KTIP Internship Required Most routes to Professional Cert

Sources: KRS 161.048 history (amended April 9, 2024; March 22, 2023; July 14, 2022); TTT.KY.GOV Option 6 page (Nov 2024); NKyTribune (July 12, 2023); EPSB LEX18 (Oct 2025); Annenberg Institute 2024.

Legal Foundation: KRS 161.048 and Its Legislative History

Kentucky Revised Statute 161.048 is the sole statutory authority for all nine alternative teacher certification routes. Titled ‘Legislative findings — Alternative certification program — Purpose — Options — Testing and eligibility requirements — Salary schedule,’ KRS 161.048 was first enacted in 1990 and has been amended multiple times to reflect evolving workforce needs and educational policy priorities.

Key Legislative Amendments

Year	Legislation	Key Change
2000	KY Acts ch. 161	Established the core framework for Options 1-8; Option 6 (university-based) created
2008	KY Acts ch. 177	Expanded testing requirements and eligibility criteria
2010	KY Acts ch. 79	Further refinements to program standards
2017	KY Acts ch. 14	Updated standards for multiple routes
2022	KY Acts ch. 161 (HB 277)	Created Option 9 — the expedited route requiring no prior bachelor’s degree; effective July 14, 2022
2023	KY Acts ch. 54 (SB 49); ch. 164	Extended temporary provisional cert from 3 to 5 years for Options 6 & 7 (except SpEd/IECE); effective March 22, 2023
2024	KY Acts ch. 124	Most recent amendment; effective April 9, 2024

Source: KRS 161.048 History block — apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=54577; NKyTribune (July 12, 2023); Kentucky Teacher newsroom (July 12, 2022). 

What KRS 161.048 Establishes

Beyond the nine option routes, KRS 161.048 also establishes:

• Salary schedule protection: Alternative route teachers must be placed on the same salary schedule as traditionally certified teachers — they cannot be paid less because of their certification pathway
• Testing requirements: Specifies that candidates must meet EPSB-required assessment standards
• Program approval: Requires EPSB approval for all programs, institutions, and partnerships offering alternative route preparation
• KTIP obligation: Most alternative route completers must participate in the Kentucky Teacher Internship Program in their first year of teaching

All Nine Alternative Routes at a Glance 

Option	Route Name	Degree Required	Teaching Authority During Program	Leads to Professional Cert?	Best For
1	Exceptional Work Experience	Bachelor’s (2.75 GPA)	1-yr provisional while in KTIP	Yes, after KTIP	Professionals with 10+ years deep subject expertise
2	Local District Training Program	Varies (no active programs)	Varies	Yes, if program approved	Districts seeking to build their own pipeline (no current programs)
3	College Faculty (Grades 8-12)	Master’s or doctoral degree	1-year provisional ONLY	No — terminal 1-yr certificate	College instructors wanting to teach high school part-time
4	Adjunct Instructor (P-12)	Bachelor’s + major/minor in content	Part-time contract only	No — does NOT lead to professional cert	Subject experts wanting part-time classroom experience
5	Statement of Eligibility	Bachelor’s (2.75 GPA)	After district hires + EPSB issues certificate	Yes, after KTIP	Qualified candidates actively job-searching before cert issuance
6	University-Based Alt. Route	Bachelor’s any field (2.75 GPA)	Full teacher of record from day one	Yes — most common path to professional cert	Career changers with any bachelor’s degree
7	Institute Alternative Route	Bachelor’s in content area (2.75 GPA)	After completing 90-120 hours of institute	Yes, after program + KTIP	Content experts wanting intensive condensed preparation
8	Veterans — Armed Services	Bachelor’s (2.75 GPA) + 6+ yrs service	Provisional cert while in KTIP	Yes, after KTIP	Military veterans transitioning to civilian teaching careers
9	Expedited (No Degree Required)	NO — earn it in the program	Classified (non-teaching) support role only	Yes, after 3-year program + KTIP	Paraprofessionals, TAs, school staff without bachelor’s degrees

Sources: Go Teach KY Alternative Pathways page (last modified May 14, 2026); TTT.KY.GOV (Option 1, Option 3, Option 6 pages); teachercertificationdegrees.com Kentucky Alternative 2026; NCTQ Kentucky yearbook; Kentucky Teacher newsroom (July 12, 2022). 

Optional 1: Exceptional Work Experience Certification

Option 1 is Kentucky’s pathway for individuals who have spent a substantial portion of their professional life working in a specific field and want to transfer that expertise into a K-12 teaching career. 

It is portfolio-based rather than program-based, meaning the EPSB evaluates the individual’s professional record directly rather than requiring enrollment in a preparation program.

Eligibility Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 (or 3.0 on the last 30 hours)
• Exceptional work experience directly related to the area for which certification is sought — typically 10 or more years of sustained, substantial professional experience in the field
• Academic major in the certification area OR a passing score on the Praxis content assessment for that subject area
• Employer recommendations documenting the nature, quality, and relevance of the work experience (submitted as part of the portfolio)
• Offer of employment from a local Kentucky school district in the appropriate content area

The Portfolio Approval Process

Option 1 certification is uniquely portfolio-driven. The process works as follows:

1. Compile and submit a portfolio to the EPSB through KECS that documents: degree and transcripts; a description of exceptional work experience with verification from employers; employer recommendation letters; evidence of content area expertise; and proof of a job offer from a Kentucky school district.
2. EPSB staff review. If the portfolio is deemed complete, it is presented to the full EPSB board for approval. If incomplete, EPSB staff will notify the candidate of deficiencies.
3. Board approval. Upon approval, the EPSB issues a one-year Provisional Teaching Certificate. Denial means the candidate may want to consider Option 6 (the university-based alternative route).
4. Teach for one year under the provisional certificate. During this year, the candidate must participate in the Kentucky Teacher Internship Program (KTIP) with a Beginning Teacher Committee.
5. Receive Professional Certificate. Upon successful KTIP completion and district verification of one year of teaching experience, the EPSB issues the Professional Certificate.

Sources: TTT.KY.GOV Option 1 page (last modified October 21, 2024); Go Teach KY Alternative Pathways (May 14, 2026); teachercertificationdegrees.com Kentucky Alternative 2026.

Option 2: Local District Training Program

Option 2 allows a local school district — or a group of districts — to develop and operate its own EPSB-approved teacher training program as an alternative to a college or university program. This option is rooted in the idea that districts closest to their communities often know best what kinds of educators they need.

Option 2 Current Status: No Active Programs

As of early 2025, there are NO currently active EPSB-approved Option 2 programs in Kentucky.

The NCTQ Kentucky yearbook notes: ‘The EPSB currently has no approved local district training programs nor institute alternative routes [under this specific designation].’

Districts interested in exploring an Option 2 program should contact the KDE Division of Educator Preparation and Certification at (502) 564-5846.

The concept of Option 2 is similar to the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (RTAP) that has gained traction in other states — districts may increasingly explore this model if EPSB approves future programs.

Source: NCTQ Kentucky Yearbook; Go Teach KY Alternative Pathways (May 14, 2026); NKyTribune (July 12, 2023).

Option 3: College Faculty Certification (Grades 8-12)

Option 3 creates a limited, non-renewable pathway specifically for individuals who currently teach at the college or university level and want to contribute to Kentucky high schools. It is intentionally narrow — it is not a path to a full professional teaching career in K-12 education.

Eligibility Requirements

• Graduate degree (master’s or doctoral) in the academic content area for which certification is sought
• Minimum of five years of full-time teaching experience at a regionally or nationally accredited institution of higher education in the relevant content area (or equivalent part-time hours totaling the equivalent)
• Verification of qualifying higher education teaching experience from the institution

Certificate Terms and Critical Limitations

• Certificate type: One-year Provisional Teaching Certificate only
• Grade level: Grades 8-12 only
• Non-renewable: This certificate CANNOT be renewed and does NOT lead to a Professional Certificate
• KTIP: The candidate participates in KTIP during the provisional year, but since the certificate cannot become Professional, KTIP completion in this case simply completes the teaching year rather than advancing to Professional certification

⚠ Important: Option 3 is a terminal credential. It is ideal for a college professor who wants to teach high school for one year as a community contribution or to evaluate a potential career change — but it is not a stepping stone to a full-time K-12 teaching career without switching to another option.

Source: Go Teach KY Alternative Pathways (May 14, 2026); 16 KAR 9:030.

Option 4: Adjunct Instructor Certification

Option 4 creates an Adjunct Instructor Certificate — a specialized credential for subject matter experts who want to teach part-time in Kentucky public schools on a contractual basis. Like Option 3, this pathway does not lead to a professional certificate.

Eligibility Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Content expertise — must have a declared major or minor in the academic content area, OR equivalent demonstrated expertise in the subject to be taught
• May require Praxis content assessment in the area of assignment — check current EPSB requirements for the specific subject

Certificate Terms

• Type: Adjunct Instructor Certificate
• Employment: Part-time, contract-based instruction only — NOT a full-time teaching position
• Duration: Renewable annually
• Does NOT lead to professional certification: This is explicitly a part-time, supplementary credential; full-time classroom teachers cannot be hired under this certificate

✔ Use Case: Option 4 is well-suited for a working professional (e.g., a licensed engineer, practicing nurse, or local business owner) who wants to teach a single course in their field at their local high school on a part-time basis. It is not a path to becoming a classroom teacher.

Source: Go Teach KY Alternative Pathways (May 14, 2026); NCTQ Kentucky yearbook.

 Option 5: Statement of Eligibility

Option 5 is a pre-employment eligibility determination pathway that allows qualified candidates to obtain a formal Statement of Eligibility from the EPSB before they have secured a teaching position. This letter enables them to present themselves to school districts as EPSB-certified eligible for hire — giving them a head start in the job search process.

How Option 5 Works

Option 5 is connected to the proficiency evaluation process. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree (2.75 GPA or 3.0 on the last 30 hours) who meet content area qualification requirements (major in the area OR passing Praxis content test) can apply to the EPSB for a Statement of Eligibility even before they have a job offer in hand.

• The Statement of Eligibility confirms that the candidate is eligible for a provisional certificate in a specific certification area
• The candidate presents this statement to school districts when applying for teaching positions
• Once a district offers employment, the candidate notifies the EPSB and the Provisional Internship Certificate is issued
• KTIP is then conducted during the teaching year, leading to the Professional Certificate

Sources: Go Teach KY Alternative Pathways (May 14, 2026); 16 KAR 2:010 (Proficiency Provisional Certificate); teachercertificationdegrees.com Kentucky Alternative 2026.

Option 6: University-Based Alternative Route

Option 6 is unambiguously Kentucky’s most important and most used alternative certification pathway. According to the TTT.KY.GOV certification portal, it is ‘the most commonly used alternative route for pursuing teacher certification’ in the state. 

It enables individuals with a bachelor’s degree in any non-education field to begin teaching full-time, as the teacher of record, while simultaneously completing an EPSB-approved certification program at a partnering university.

Source: TTT.KY.GOV Option 6 page (last modified November 19, 2024); University of Kentucky College of Education (May 30, 2023). 

Core Eligibility Requirements

Option 6 Eligibility — What You Need to Qualify

DEGREE: Bachelor’s degree OR graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution

GPA: Minimum cumulative 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, OR 3.0 on the last 30 credit hours completed

CONTENT QUALIFICATION: Must meet university admission requirements for the desired certification area (typically major/minor in the subject area OR passing Praxis content score)

PROGRAM ENROLLMENT: Must be admitted to and enrolled in an EPSB-approved Option 6 university program

EMPLOYMENT: Must obtain and maintain an offer of employment from a Kentucky school district in the area of certification

CONCURRENT REQUIREMENT: Must remain concurrently enrolled in the program AND employed throughout the certificate period

Source: TTT.KY.GOV Option 6 page (November 19, 2024); Go Teach KY Alternative Pathways (May 14, 2026).

The Hiring Eligibility Letter

When a candidate is admitted to an EPSB-approved Option 6 program at a Kentucky university, that university produces a Hiring Eligibility Letter. This letter is the critical document that unlocks Option 6 employment. It:

• Confirms the candidate’s enrollment in the program
• Specifies the certification area and grade level for which the candidate is eligible for hire
• Is presented to school districts when applying for teaching positions
• Triggers the EPSB’s issuance of the Temporary Provisional Certificate once employment is confirmed

The Temporary Provisional Certificate and Renewal

Once employed, the EPSB issues a Temporary Provisional Certificate valid for one year. Per Senate Bill 49 (2023), this certificate can be renewed annually for up to four renewals — allowing up to five total years in the program. Key conditions:

• Annual renewal: The EPSB renews the certificate each year upon recommendation of the enrolled university, based on confirmation that the candidate remains enrolled in the program AND continuously employed in the district
• Concurrent requirement: Renewal of the temporary provisional certificate requires that a candidate maintain employment concurrent with enrollment in the Option 6 program
• SpEd/IECE exception: The temporary provisional certificates for teaching exceptional children or interdisciplinary early childhood education are limited to two renewals (three total years) to comply with federal IDEA requirements. Federal law under 34 C.F.R. § 300.156(c)(2) limits alternative certification for special education to three years.

Sources: TTT.KY.GOV Option 6 (November 19, 2024); NKyTribune (July 12, 2023) — Senate Bill 49 extension; Kentucky Teacher newsroom (July 12, 2023) — concurrent employment requirement.

Completing Option 6 and Earning the Professional Certificate

Upon completing all program coursework, passing all required certification assessments, and being recommended by the employing district (verifying one year of teaching experience), the university recommends the candidate to the EPSB for the Professional Certificate. Important notes:

• The district recommendation only verifies that one year of teaching experience occurred — it does NOT obligate the district to offer continued employment
• The candidate must pass the required Praxis Subject Assessment, PLT, and (beginning 2024-25) the reading instruction knowledge assessment before the Professional Certificate is issued
• KTIP must be completed during the final year of the provisional certificate period

Universities with EPSB-Approved Option 6 Programs

University	Location	Notable Option 6 Programs
University of Kentucky (UK)	Lexington	STEM and Early Childhood programs (expanded 2023); MAT for career changers
University of Louisville (UofL)	Louisville	Louisville Teacher Residency (JCPS partnership); multiple content areas
Northern Kentucky University (NKU)	Highland Heights	MAT with Option 6 track; SpEd; multiple content areas
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU)	Richmond	Multiple content areas; also offers Option 9
University of the Cumberlands	Williamsburg	MAT programs (multiple content areas); also school counseling and principal via Option 6
Western Kentucky University (WKU)	Bowling Green	Multiple content areas
Morehead State University	Morehead	Multiple content areas
Murray State University	Murray	Multiple content areas; see murraystate.edu Alternative Certification page
Bellarmine University	Louisville	MAT; JCPS partnership
Campbellsville University	Campbellsville	Option 6 programs

Sources: TTT.KY.GOV Option 6; University of Kentucky College of Education news (May 30, 2023); University of the Cumberlands Option 6 page (July 17, 2024); Murray State University Alternative Certification page (July 29, 2025); NKU MAT program; Go Teach KY Approved Programs (April 14, 2025). 

Option 7: Institute Alternative Route (Intensive Training)

Option 7 provides a more intensive, condensed training model for candidates who already hold bachelor’s or graduate degrees in the specific content area they wish to teach. Unlike Option 6 (which can span up to five years while teaching), Option 7 delivers a structured, institute-style curriculum in a compressed timeframe.

Eligibility Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with a declared academic major in the certification area sought, OR a graduate degree in a related field
• GPA: Minimum 2.75 overall, or 3.0 on the last 30 credit hours completed
• Exceptional test scores: Must have exceptional scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) OR Core Academic Skills for Educators (Praxis Core)
• Content assessment: Must have a passing score on the Praxis academic content assessment in the area for which certification is sought

Program Structure: Clock Hours by Level

Certification Level	Clock Hours Required	Training Format	Additional SpEd Requirement
Elementary Education (P-5)	240 clock hours	6 hours/day for 8 weeks	240 hours (same)
Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE)	240 clock hours	6 hours/day for 8 weeks	240 hours (same)
Special Education (LBD)	240 clock hours	6 hours/day for 8 weeks	240 hours
Middle School (Grades 5-9)	180 clock hours	6 hours/day for 6 weeks	N/A (SpEd req. separate)
Secondary (Grades 8-12 or 5-12)	180 clock hours	6 hours/day for 6 weeks	N/A

Sources: Go Teach KY Option 7 Additional Information (March 19, 2025); Kentucky Teacher newsroom (November 4, 2019); teachercertificationdegrees.com Kentucky Alternative 2026. 

Entry into the Classroom

A candidate must complete at least half of the required clock hours before they can receive a Temporary Provisional Certificate and enter the classroom as a teacher of record. This is different from Option 6, where teaching can begin almost immediately upon admission.

• Elementary/IECE/SpEd (240 hours): Must complete 120 hours before entering the classroom
• Middle/Secondary (180 hours): Must complete 90 hours before entering the classroom

The same SB 49 (2023) extended provisional certificate period applies to Option 7 as to Option 6: up to four renewals (five total years) for most areas; only two renewals (three total years) for SpEd and IECE.

Currently Approved Option 7 Programs

As of the most recent available data (March 2025), two EPSB-approved programs are offering the Option 7 pathway. Teach For America is recognized as a valid Option 7 pathway in Kentucky. The Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative (CKEC) also operates a Teacher Certification Institute under Option 7, offering four programs:

• Special Education — Learning and Behavior Disorders (LBD), P-12: 13-month learning cycle (240 total hours — 204 bootcamp/seminar + 36 mentor coaching)
• Elementary Education, P-5: 240 total hours (same structure)
• Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE), Birth to Primary: 240 total hours
• High School General Education Core Subjects, Grades 8-12 (Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, or Social Studies): 180 total hours (144 bootcamp/seminar + 36 mentor coaching)

Sources: CKEC Teacher Certification Institute — Option 7 page (sites.google.com/ckec.org/teachercertificationinstitute); teachercertificationdegrees.com Kentucky Alternative 2026 (Teach For America reference).

Option 8: Veterans of the Armed Services

Option 8 recognizes the extraordinary preparation that military service provides — in leadership, technical skills, subject matter expertise, and organizational discipline — as a foundation for a teaching career. It is Kentucky’s dedicated pathway for honoring veterans’ contributions by creating a direct route from military service to the classroom.

Eligibility Requirements

• Military service: Currently on active duty with six (6) or more years of honorable service, OR an honorably discharged veteran with at least six (6) years of service
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in an endorsement area with a GPA of at least 2.75 (or 3.0 on the last 30 hours), OR an advanced degree in a related field
• Assessments: Passing scores on EPSB-approved subject content assessments for the desired certification area

Certification Process

• Statement of Eligibility: Veterans who have not yet secured employment may receive a Statement of Eligibility prior to job searching, allowing them to present pre-certified status to districts
• Provisional Certificate: Issued once a teaching position is secured; valid for one year
• KTIP: The candidate participates in KTIP during the provisional year
• Professional Certificate: Issued upon successful KTIP completion and district verification of one year of teaching experience

Sources: Go Teach KY Alternative Pathways (May 14, 2026); teachercertificationdegrees.com Kentucky Alternative 2026.

Option 9: Expedited Certification — Earn Degree and Cert Together

Option 9 is the newest and most structurally distinctive of Kentucky’s nine alternative routes. Created by House Bill 277 and effective July 14, 2022, it is the only route available to individuals who do not yet hold a bachelor’s degree. Under Option 9, a candidate earns both a bachelor’s degree and initial teaching certification within three school years, while working in a classified (non-teaching) position in a partner school district.

Legal basis: KRS 161.048 (amended by HB 277, 2022); 16 KAR 9:110E (emergency regulation approved July 11, 2022). Source: Kentucky Teacher newsroom (July 12, 2022).

Critical Structure: What Option 9 Is and Is Not

Option 9 — The Key Facts Every Candidate Must Understand

NO DEGREE REQUIRED at entry — the only one of Kentucky’s nine options with this feature.

NOT a teaching position — candidates work in classified (non-teaching) support roles (paraprofessional, instructional assistant, etc.) during the program.

NO PROVISIONAL CERTIFICATE during the program — unlike Options 6 and 7, Option 9 does not issue any temporary provisional teaching certificate while the candidate is enrolled.

TIMELINE: Three school years to complete both the bachelor’s degree AND initial teacher certification.

PARTNERSHIP REQUIRED: A college or university must partner with a school district (or group of districts) and receive specific EPSB approval for the program.

MENTORING: Experienced, qualified teachers provide coaching and mentoring during the residency/paraprofessional component.

AFTER COMPLETION: Once the degree is earned and all certification assessments passed, the candidate becomes eligible for a teaching position and participates in KTIP.

Source: KRS 161.048(9); 16 KAR 9:110E; Kentucky Teacher newsroom (July 12, 2022); University of the Cumberlands (October 11, 2022).

Program Growth and Approved Partnerships

Option 9 programs have expanded rapidly since the first approvals in October 2022. The Bowling Green Daily News reported in January 2025 that by that point, the EPSB had approved 17 University of the Cumberlands partnerships alone at a single meeting, plus additional partnerships with NKU, Midway University, Campbellsville, University of Louisville, and EKU. 

University of the Cumberlands was the first approved (October 10, 2022) with Whitley County Schools and Lincoln County Schools.

University	Sample Partner Districts Approved	Programs Offered
University of the Cumberlands (first, Oct 2022)	Whitley County, Lincoln County, Barren County, Ashland Independent, Gallatin County, Garrard County, Logan County, Mercer County, Murray Independent, Pendleton County, Powell County, Trimble County, and others	IECE, Elementary, Middle School; in-seat and online
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU)	CKEC and its 24 district members, KEDC and its 74 district members, WKEC and its 26 district members, SCEC and its 26 district members	Elementary Education (P-5); online coursework, day employment
Northern Kentucky University (NKU)	Boone County, Grant County, Carroll County, Fort Thomas Independent, Gallatin County, Diocese of Covington, and others	Elementary Education; Special Education (paraprofessional-focused)
Midway University	5 partnerships (partner districts confirmed by EPSB Jan 2025)	Teacher education programs
Campbellsville University	Carroll County Schools + others	2+ partnerships
University of Louisville	2+ partnerships	2+ district partnerships

Sources: University of the Cumberlands press release (October 11, 2022); Spectrum News 1 — EKU Option 9 (February 28, 2023); NKyTribune (June 17, 2023; December 21, 2024); Bowling Green Daily News (January 20, 2025); NKU Option 9 Paraeducators page; Kentucky Teacher newsroom (June 17, 2023). 

Who Option 9 Is Designed For

Option 9 is specifically targeted at school paraprofessionals and instructional assistants who are already embedded in Kentucky school communities and want to move into full teaching roles.

As University of the Cumberlands Option 9 Director Dr. Sheena Lawson noted: ‘Whenever Option 9 came across my plate, I thought absolutely, this is the best way to address that shortage of teachers that we’re experiencing here in Kentucky.’ 

The assistant superintendent of Carroll County Schools summarized the district’s motivation: ‘Like every other person in Kentucky right now, we are struggling to get certified teachers. And we have some really talented instructional assistants that we feel like would be good candidates for our teaching positions.’

✔ Who should explore Option 9: Current paraprofessionals, teaching assistants, instructional aides, or recent high school graduates working in school settings who do not yet have a bachelor’s degree. Contact a participating university — or ask your school district HR if they have an Option 9 partnership.

The Proficiency Evaluation Route

In addition to the nine statutory routes under KRS 161.048, the EPSB also offers a Proficiency Evaluation route for currently certified Kentucky teachers who want to add additional certification areas without completing a full preparation program for that new area. While not one of the nine numbered options, it is a recognized alternative pathway mentioned prominently on the Go Teach KY Alternative Pathways page.

Per 16 KAR 2:010, the EPSB may issue a Proficiency Provisional Certificate in accordance with a grade level and content area recommended by an approving university. 

The certificate is issued at the appropriate rank per 16 KAR 8:020 and requires: submission of an official transcript, an Educator Learning Plan (ELP) submitted by the college or university, and a written offer of employment in the content area. 

This route is particularly relevant for teachers seeking to expand their endorsements into additional teaching areas.

Sources: 16 KAR 2:010 (Proficiency Provisional Certificate section); Go Teach KY Alternative Pathways (May 14, 2026); University of Louisville OEE proficiency evaluation page. 

The Highly Qualified Route

The Highly Qualified (HQ) Route is another pathway outside the nine numbered statutory options that allows fully certified Kentucky teachers to add new certification areas to their existing certificate. It is specifically for currently licensed, professionally certified Kentucky teachers who want to extend their teaching authority to an additional content area or grade range.

Per the Go Teach KY Highly Qualified Route FAQ (last updated March 24-25, 2025):

• Who qualifies: Fully certified Kentucky teachers holding a valid Professional Certificate
• Process: Work with the district HR office for documentation; may involve Praxis II content assessment; may involve a university for course analysis if using college credit hours
• Praxis requirement: A Praxis II content assessment is typically required. The only exception is when a teacher with a declared major area seeks to extend to an adjacent grade range in that area — for example, a teacher fully certified in Mathematics Grades 8-12 does not need another Praxis II test to add Mathematics Grades 5-9
• Does NOT apply to: Holders of emergency, adjunct, temporary, temporary provisional, conditional, or probationary certificates — only fully certified (Professional Certificate) teachers are eligible

Sources: Go Teach KY Highly Qualified Route page (March 25, 2025); 16 KAR 2:010; Go Teach KY Alternative Pathways (May 14, 2026).

KTIP and Alternative Certification Candidates

The Kentucky Teacher Internship Program (KTIP) is the bridge from provisional/alternative certification to the full Professional Certificate. For most alternative route candidates, KTIP is required — and understanding how it works is essential for planning your certification journey.

When KTIP Applies to Alternative Route Teachers

Option	KTIP Required?	When It Occurs
Option 1 (Work Experience)	Yes	During the provisional teaching year (after portfolio approval and provisional cert issuance)
Option 3 (College Faculty)	N/A — terminal cert	Certificate does not progress to Professional; KTIP year does not result in Professional Cert for this option
Option 4 (Adjunct)	N/A — does not lead to professional cert	Part-time role; not applicable
Option 5 (Statement of Eligibility)	Yes	During the first full year of teaching under provisional internship certificate
Option 6 (University-Based)	Yes — final year of program	During the final year of the provisional certificate period (after completing program requirements and passing assessments)
Option 7 (Institute)	Yes	During the final year of the provisional period after completing institute hours
Option 8 (Veterans)	Yes	During the one-year provisional teaching year
Option 9 (Expedited)	Yes	After completing the 3-year program, earning the bachelor’s degree, and passing required assessments; KTIP in the first year of teaching

KTIP Structure for Alternative Route Teachers

KTIP consists of a Beginning Teacher Committee (BTC) of three members: a resource teacher (mentor), the building principal, and a teacher educator from a college or university. The committee meets at least three times per year, conducts a minimum of three formal classroom observations, and evaluates the intern’s Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA). Successful KTIP completion triggers the EPSB’s issuance of the Professional Certificate.

Sources: 16 KAR 7:010 (KTIP); TTT.KY.GOV Option 6 (KTIP references); Kentucky State University KTIP overview page.

Assessment Requirements for Alternative Route Candidates

All Kentucky alternative certification routes — except the terminal/non-professional Options 3 and 4 — require passing standardized assessments before the Professional Certificate is issued. The specific timing varies by route.

Standard Assessment Battery

Assessment	What It Tests	Timing for Alt. Route Candidates	KY Passing Score
Praxis Core Academic Skills (Reading, Writing, Math)	Basic academic skills	Required for most university program admissions (Options 6, 7); some programs may substitute qualifying ACT scores	Varies by subtest
Praxis Subject Assessment (Content Test)	Content knowledge in specific teaching area	Required before Professional Certificate is issued; for Option 7, before entering classroom; for Option 6, may be during or near end of program	Varies: 141-166 by subject
Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT)	Pedagogy — how to teach (grade-band specific)	Required before Professional Certificate; typically near end of program or provisional year	155 (KY, PLT K-6)
Reading Instruction Assessment (new 2024-25)	Reading instruction knowledge and skills	All new teachers from 2024-25 onward; part of cert program requirements	Per EPSB approved list

Sources: 16 KAR 6:010; Kentucky Teacher newsroom (December 14, 2023 — assessment options extended); ETS Praxis Kentucky page; Boyce College Praxis guide; Go Teach KY Kentucky Teacher Certification Assessments page (last updated June 6, 2025). 

Extended Assessment Flexibility (Through 2024-25)

The EPSB has extended two important assessment accommodations through at least the 2024-25 school year:

• -1 Standard Error of Measure (SEM): Candidates who score within one SEM below the required Praxis passing score still qualify. Typically allows scores 3-7 points below the cut score to count.
• Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers (PPAT): An EPSB-approved performance-based alternative to standard Praxis testing, accepted under 16 KAR 6:010. Evaluates actual teaching performance rather than test-taking ability.

Approved Programs: Where to Study

EPSB-approved programs are the gateway to most Kentucky alternative certification routes. The following table summarizes key universities by the routes they offer. 

For the most current and complete list, visit the Go Teach KY Approved Educator Preparation Programs page (last updated April 14, 2025) and the TTT.KY.GOV Accredited Educator Preparation Providers page. 

University	Option 6	Option 7	Option 9	Other Notable Alt. Programs
University of Kentucky (UK)	Yes (STEM, ECE, expanded 2023)	N/A	N/A	Traineeship (SpEd/ECE tuition funding)
University of Louisville (UofL)	Yes (Louisville Teacher Residency)	N/A	Yes (2+ partnerships)	Bellarmine (partner); JCPS Teach KY
Northern Kentucky University (NKU)	Yes (MAT, SpEd, multiple areas)	N/A	Yes (6+ district partnerships)	Option 9 Paraeducators program
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU)	Yes	N/A	Yes (CKEC/KEDC/WKEC/SCEC networks)	Frank Murray Award winner 2025
University of the Cumberlands	Yes (MAT; also Counseling/Principal)	N/A	Yes (36+ district partnerships — most in state)	First Option 9 provider (Oct 2022)
Western Kentucky University (WKU)	Yes	N/A	N/A	Multiple content areas
Morehead State University	Yes	N/A	N/A	Multiple content areas; CAEP through Spring 2026
Murray State University	Yes	N/A	N/A	Murray State Alt. Cert. page; July 2025 update
Bellarmine University	Yes (JCPS partnership)	N/A	N/A	Education programs
Campbellsville University	Yes	N/A	Yes (2+ partnerships)	Multiple teacher education areas
CKEC Teacher Cert. Institute	N/A	Yes (primary Option 7 provider)	N/A	SpEd, Elementary, IECE, HS content areas
Teach For America	N/A	Yes (recognized Option 7 pathway)	N/A	Nationally recognized TFA certification pathway

Sources: Go Teach KY Approved Educator Preparation Programs (April 14, 2025); TTT.KY.GOV; University of the Cumberlands Option 9 and Option 6 pages; NKU Option 9 Paraeducators page; EKU Option 9 (Spectrum News 1, Feb 2023); CKEC Teacher Certification Institute (Google Sites); kytraineeship.org; Kentucky Teacher newsroom (Oct 23, 2025 — Frank Murray Award). 

Special Education and Alternative Certification (IDEA Limits)

Special education teacher certification through any alternative route carries important federal restrictions that candidates must understand before choosing this pathway.

The Three-Year Limit for SpEd and IECE

Under Section 612(a)(14) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and 34 C.F.R. § 300.156(c)(2), special education teachers may serve on an alternative route to certification for a maximum of three years (two renewals of the temporary provisional certificate). 

This three-year limit applies regardless of which alternative route is used (Options 6 or 7). After three years, the candidate must hold full state certification or be unable to continue teaching in a special education position.

⚠ Federal IDEA Requirement: Kentucky will NO LONGER issue emergency certificates for teaching exceptional children or IECE. Per KDE Certification Guidance (July 2024), ‘Emergency certificates do not meet the requirements for special education teachers under IDEA.’ Option 6 and Option 7 are the appropriate alternative routes for SpEd — but candidates must plan to complete certification within three years.

SpEd Alternative Route Programs

Several programs specifically support alternative certification candidates in special education:

• University of the Cumberlands — Option 6 SpEd programs
• NKU MAT SpEd through Option 6
• CKEC Teacher Certification Institute — Learning and Behavior Disorders (LBD) P-12 program under Option 7 (240 hours total; 13-month cycle)
• KY Traineeship Program — provides tuition assistance for SpEd and ECE alternative candidates at 16 EPSB-approved institutions; Summer 2026 applications now closed — check kytraineeship.org for current cycles

Sources: TTT.KY.GOV Option 6 (SpEd IDEA note); KDE Certification Guidance July 2024 PDF; kytraineeship.org; CKEC Option 7 page.

Salary and Rank Under Alternative Certification

Alternative route teachers in Kentucky are legally entitled to the same salary and professional status as traditionally certified teachers. KRS 161.048 explicitly requires that teachers certified through alternative routes be placed on the same salary schedule as those certified through traditional routes.

Salary Schedule Placement

• Same salary schedule: Alternative route teachers are placed on their district’s standard salary schedule based on years of experience and educational rank — not on certification method
• Rank III entry: Most alternative route completers will initially hold Rank III (bachelor’s degree), which is the standard entry-level professional certificate rank
• Rank advancement: Identical to traditionally certified teachers — Rank II requires an EPSB-approved master’s degree or NBCT; Rank I requires Rank II + 30 additional EPSB-approved graduate hours

Financial Support for Alternative Route Candidates

Program	Support Type	Who Qualifies	Contact
KY Traineeship Program	Tuition assistance for SpEd and ECE courses	Alternative route candidates in SpEd or IECE at 16 approved institutions	kytraineeship.org
TEACH Grants (Federal)	Up to $4,000/year for teachers in high-need fields at low-income schools	All certificate routes; must teach in qualifying school for 4 years post-graduation	studentaid.gov/teach-grant
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)	Remaining federal loan balance forgiven after 120 qualifying payments while working for public school district	All teachers employed by public school districts (government employers)	studentaid.gov/pslf
KY KTRS (pension)	Defined benefit pension; no Social Security for most KY teachers	All teachers employed by KY public districts; same for all certification routes	ktrs.ky.gov

Sources: KRS 161.048 (salary schedule protection); kytraineeship.org; studentaid.gov; ktrs.ky.gov. 

How to Choose the Right Route: Decision Guide

With nine statutory options plus the Proficiency Evaluation and Highly Qualified routes, choosing the right Kentucky alternative certification pathway requires careful self-assessment. Use the following framework to identify your best match.

Decision Matrix by Candidate Profile

Your Situation	Best Option(s)	Why
No bachelor’s degree; currently work as a school paraprofessional or instructional assistant	Option 9	Only route available without a degree; earn both degree and cert in 3 years while being paid to work in a school
Have a bachelor’s degree in any non-education field; want to start teaching immediately	Option 6	Most commonly used; begin teaching within weeks of program admission; up to 5 years to complete program
Have a bachelor’s/grad degree in a specific academic subject; want intensive condensed prep	Option 7	Condensed 180-240 hour institute; must complete half before entering classroom; currently limited providers
Have a bachelor’s degree in a content area PLUS 10+ years professional experience in that field	Option 1	Portfolio-based; EPSB board approval required; one-year provisional + KTIP leads to Professional Cert
Currently serve in or have served in the military with 6+ years of honorable service	Option 8	Designed specifically for veterans; Statement of Eligibility available pre-employment; same path to Professional Cert
Currently a college/university instructor wanting to teach HS for one year only	Option 3	Master’s/doctoral degree required; terminal 1-year provisional — does NOT lead to Professional Cert
Want to teach part-time in your subject area without seeking full certification	Option 4	Adjunct Instructor Certificate; part-time only; does NOT lead to Professional Cert
Already fully certified in one area; want to add a new content area	Highly Qualified Route	For currently licensed Professional Certificate holders adding endorsements; Praxis II content test usually required

Key Resources for Getting Started

• Go Teach KY Interactive Pathway Form: goteachky.com/resources/certification/alternative-pathways/ — Complete the interactive form for a personalized recommendation
• TTT.KY.GOV — Option-by-Option Pages: ttt.ky.gov — Individual pages for each option with current admission requirements and program links
• KDE Division of Educator Preparation and Certification: (502) 564-5846 — Call for case-specific guidance on the most appropriate route for your background
• KECS Educator Credential Search: kecs.education.ky.gov — Look up your own status or verify program eligibility

Kentucky Emergency Teacher Certification Requirements: FAQs

What is the most common alternative certification route in Kentucky?

Option 6 (the University-Based Alternative Route) is explicitly described by TTT.KY.GOV as ‘the most commonly used alternative route for pursuing teacher certification’ in Kentucky. It allows individuals with any bachelor’s degree to begin teaching immediately upon admission to an approved university program, while completing their certification coursework concurrently. The temporary provisional certificate can be renewed annually for up to five total years (or three for SpEd/IECE), giving candidates substantial flexibility.

Can I become a teacher in Kentucky without a bachelor’s degree?

Yes — through Option 9 only. Created by HB 277 in 2022, Option 9 allows candidates without a bachelor’s degree to earn both a degree and initial teaching certification within three school years, while working in a classified (non-teaching) support position in a partner school district. Note that you cannot serve as the teacher of record during the Option 9 program — only as a paraprofessional or instructional assistant. Full teaching authority comes after completing the three-year program.

How long does it take to get certified through Option 6?

Option 6 certification can take anywhere from one to five years. You can begin teaching within weeks of being admitted to an approved university program and receiving your Hiring Eligibility Letter. The temporary provisional certificate is valid for one year and renewed annually for up to four additional renewals (five total years for most subjects; three total years for SpEd and IECE). Most candidates complete their Option 6 program within two to four years of part-time coursework while teaching full-time.

Do alternative route teachers earn the same salary as traditional teachers?

Yes. KRS 161.048 explicitly requires that teachers certified through alternative routes be placed on the same salary schedule as those certified through traditional routes. You are paid based on your years of experience and educational rank (Rank III, II, or I) — not on how you obtained your certificate. Alternative route teachers must be treated identically to traditionally certified teachers for compensation purposes.

What is the difference between Option 6 and Option 7?

Both Option 6 and Option 7 lead to a Professional Certificate through a temporary provisional period, but they differ significantly in structure. Option 6 is a university-based program where you enroll in ongoing coursework over one to five years while teaching — you can begin teaching almost immediately upon admission. Option 7 is an institute-based program with a condensed, intensive training requirement (180 or 240 clock hours) — you must complete at least half of those hours before entering the classroom. Option 7 requires a degree in the specific content area you wish to teach, while Option 6 accepts any bachelor’s degree. There are currently only two Option 7 programs in Kentucky versus many Option 6 providers.

What is the IDEA limit on SpEd alternative certification in Kentucky?

Federal law (IDEA, 34 C.F.R. § 300.156) limits the use of alternative certification routes for special education teachers to three total years (two renewals of the temporary provisional certificate). After three years, a SpEd alternative route candidate must hold full state certification. Kentucky no longer issues emergency certificates for special education or IECE positions for this reason. Candidates pursuing SpEd through Option 6 or Option 7 must plan to complete all program requirements and pass all assessments within three years.

What Praxis tests are required for Kentucky alternative certification?

For most alternative routes, candidates must pass: (1) Praxis Core Academic Skills (Reading, Writing, Mathematics) — typically required for program admission; (2) Praxis Subject Assessment for their specific content area — required before the Professional Certificate is issued; and (3) the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam for their grade level — required before the Professional Certificate. Beginning in 2024-25, all new teachers must also pass an approved reading instruction knowledge assessment. The EPSB has extended -1 SEM flexibility and PPAT as alternative assessment options through at least 2024-25.

How does Option 9 work in practice?

Under Option 9, you must first secure a classified (non-teaching) position at a school district that has an EPSB-approved partnership with a participating university. You work in that role — as a paraprofessional, instructional assistant, or similar position — while taking university courses during evenings and online. Experienced teachers in the district provide mentoring and coaching. After three school years, you earn both a bachelor’s degree and initial teacher certification. You then apply for a teaching position and complete KTIP in your first year of full teaching. Contact universities like the University of the Cumberlands, EKU, or NKU to see if their Option 9 partners include districts in your area.

Kentucky Emergency Teacher Certification Requirements: Conclusion

Kentucky’s alternative teacher certification system is one of the most comprehensive in the nation. With nine statutory options under KRS 161.048, plus the Proficiency Evaluation and Highly Qualified routes for existing teachers, the EPSB has created genuine pathways for almost every conceivable candidate profile — from the working professional with a decade of industry experience (Option 1), to the career changer with a bachelor’s degree in any field (Option 6), to the school paraprofessional who never completed a bachelor’s degree (Option 9). 

The system has been continuously strengthened, with SB 49 (2023) extending the provisional certificate period and HB 277 (2022) creating the no-degree Option 9 pathway that has since expanded to dozens of university-district partnerships across the Commonwealth.

The choice of route depends fundamentally on your education, experience, and how quickly you want to be in a classroom. For most career changers, Option 6 remains the fastest, most flexible, and most widely supported path — you can be teaching within weeks. 

For paraprofessionals without a bachelor’s degree, Option 9 represents an unprecedented opportunity to earn both a degree and a license in three years while being paid to work in a school. 

For content-area experts with substantial professional experience, Option 1’s portfolio pathway offers a more direct route that honors existing expertise. And for the brave and condensed, Option 7 compresses certification into a 6-8 week intensive institute.

Whatever route you choose, all pathways lead to the same destination: a state-issued Professional Teaching Certificate, full standing on your district’s salary schedule, and a rewarding career in a Commonwealth that urgently needs qualified educators in every classroom. 

Kentucky EPSB  |  education.ky.gov/epsb  |  Go Teach KY: goteachky.com  |  KECS: kecs.education.ky.gov  |  KDE: (502) 564-5846  |  Data current as of June