Every public school teacher in Kentucky must hold a valid teaching certificate issued by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB). There are no exceptions: teaching in a Kentucky public K-12 school without proper certification is not only prohibited but can expose both the teacher and the employing district to legal and accreditation consequences.
Kentucky’s certification system is both rigorous and multi-tiered. It requires a bachelor’s degree, completion of an EPSB-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP), documented field experience, a supervised student teaching placement, passing scores on multiple standardized assessments, a background check, a first-year internship program (KTIP), and ongoing professional development for certificate renewal.
The certificate structure uses a Rank system (Rank III, II, and I) that ties both salary and professional standing to educational attainment throughout a teacher’s career.
This Prepsaret guide synthesizes all Kentucky teacher certification requirements from primary authoritative sources: the EPSB and KDE, Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS 161.028, 161.030, 161.048), the Kentucky Administrative Regulations (16 KAR Chapters 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7), the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Praxis Kentucky requirements page, and the Go Teach KY portal maintained by the Kentucky Department of Education.
| What Are the Core Requirements to Become a Kentucky Teacher? |
| 1. Bachelor’s degree with minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA (or 3.0 on last 30 hours) — 16 KAR 2:010 |
| 2. Completion of an EPSB-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP) — 16 KAR 5:010 |
| 3. 200 clock hours of pre-student-teaching field experience in diverse school settings |
| 4. At least one full semester (70 days) of supervised student teaching |
| 5. Passing scores: Praxis Core (admission), Praxis PLT (pedagogy), and Praxis Subject Assessment (content) |
| 6. Reading instruction knowledge assessment (new requirement: 2024-25 school year) |
| 7. State and federal criminal background check (required since January 1, 2015) |
| 8. Application through the KECS portal with official transcripts and character/fitness disclosure |
| 9. Completion of the Kentucky Teacher Internship Program (KTIP) in the first year of employment |
| Sources: 16 KAR 2:010; teachercertificationdegrees.com Kentucky 2026; Kentucky Teacher newsroom Dec. 2023; WKU background check guidance. |
Kentucky Teacher Certification: At a Glance
| 2.75
Minimum Cumulative GPA 16 KAR 2:010 (or 3.0 on last 30 hrs) |
70 days
Student Teaching Minimum 1 full semester; 200 hrs prior field exp. |
2 wks
KECS Processing Time Go Teach KY Certification FAQ |
5 yrs
Certificate Validity Period 16 KAR 4:080; renewed every 5 years |
| Rank III
Initial Certificate Rank Bachelor’s + EPP + KTIP + Praxis |
Rank II
Master’s Degree / NBCT Approx. 21% avg. salary increase |
Rank I
Master’s + 30 grad. hours Highest credential level |
KTIP
Internship Year Required KRS 161.030; 16 KAR 7:010 |
Sources: 16 KAR 2:010 (Justia Law, current through Vol. 51, No. 12, June 1, 2025); teachercertificationdegrees.com Kentucky 2026 (student teaching 70 days / 200 clock hours); Go Teach KY Certification FAQ (2-week processing); 16 KAR 4:080 (5-year certificate); teachercertification.com Kentucky 2026 (Rank I 21% salary increase); KRS 161.030 and 16 KAR 7:010 (KTIP).
Who Oversees Certification: The EPSB and KECS Portal
The Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) is the state agency responsible for establishing, maintaining, and enforcing teacher certification standards in Kentucky.
As defined in KRS 161.028(1), the EPSB holds authority to: establish standards for obtaining and maintaining teaching certificates; set standards for and approve educator preparation programs at colleges, universities, local school districts, and private contractors; select required assessments for teachers and administrators; administer Kentucky’s National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification; and process complaints of educator misconduct.
All certification applications, renewals, rank changes, and endorsements are now handled exclusively through the Kentucky Educator Credentialing System (KECS) — Kentucky’s official online platform for educator certification management. Paper applications are no longer accepted.
EPSB and KDE Contact Information
- Kentucky EPSB main site: education.ky.gov/epsb
- KECS portal (certification applications): kecs.education.ky.gov or apps.epsb.ky.gov
- Go Teach KY (official KDE resource hub): goteachky.com
- KDE Division of Educator Preparation and Certification: (502) 564-5846
- Go Teach KY email: [email protected]
- Go Teach KY address: 300 Sower Blvd., Frankfort, KY 40601
Sources: KDE EPSB page (education.ky.gov/epsb/Pages/default.aspx); Go Teach KY Certification FAQ (goteachky.com, last updated March 10, 2026).
KECS Processing Time
According to the Go Teach KY Certification FAQ, it takes approximately two weeks to process a complete application through the KECS portal.
Applicants with incomplete applications will receive correspondence from the KECS portal identifying missing materials. It is critical to submit all required documents before or at the time of application to avoid delays.
The Legal Foundation: KRS 161.028, KRS 161.030, and 16 KAR Chapter 2
Kentucky teacher certification requirements are established in two primary legal sources: the Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) and the Kentucky Administrative Regulations (KAR).
- KRS 161.028: Authorizes the EPSB to establish certification standards; governs educator preparation program approval; empowers the board to issue and renew certificates
- KRS 161.030: Establishes the specific requirements a teacher candidate must meet for certificate issuance, including the GPA requirements, program completion standards, assessment requirements, and KTIP obligations
- KRS 161.048: Establishes the nine alternative routes to teacher certification (the non-traditional pathways for career changers and others without traditional education degrees)
- 16 KAR 2:010: The primary administrative regulation governing the issuance of professional and provisional teacher certificates in Kentucky; current through Register Vol. 51, No. 12, June 1, 2025
- 16 KAR 5:010, 5:020, 5:040: Regulations governing educator preparation program approval, general requirements, and standards
- 16 KAR 6:010: Assessment requirements for teacher certification
- 16 KAR 7:010: The Kentucky Teacher Internship Program (KTIP) administrative regulation; governs the resource teacher observations, consultation time, and internship committee requirements
- 16 KAR 4:080: Renewal of professional certificates; 5-year validity and renewal requirements
Sources: Justia Law — 16 KAR 2:010 (current through June 1, 2025); Kentucky Legislative Research Commission — KAR Titles 16:002:010 and 16:007:010; Cornell LII — 16 KAR 7:010.
Educational Requirements: Degree and GPA Standards
Bachelor’s Degree Requirement
All candidates for an initial Kentucky teaching certificate through the traditional route must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. The specific major or field of study depends on the grade level and subject area you wish to teach:
- Elementary Education candidates: Typically major in Elementary Education (P-5) or a related educational field
- Middle School candidates: Typically major in a middle-grade content area (one or two disciplines from English, math, science, or social studies)
- Secondary candidates: Typically major in the specific subject they wish to teach (e.g., mathematics, biology, English) with concurrent enrollment in teacher education coursework
- P-12 specialty areas (Art, Music, PE, Foreign Language, SpEd): Degree requirements vary by content area
GPA Requirements (16 KAR 2:010)
Per 16 KAR 2:010, to receive a Statement of Eligibility or initial certificate, a candidate must have completed a traditional initial preparation program resulting in a bachelor’s degree or higher with EITHER:
| Minimum GPA Standards — 16 KAR 2:010 (Current Through June 1, 2025) |
| Option A: Cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (all undergraduate coursework), OR |
| Option B: Grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last thirty (30) hours of credit completed (including both undergraduate and graduate coursework) |
| Important: Both options are taken from the same transcript. Meeting either threshold qualifies the candidate. |
| Note: Some alternative certification routes use the same GPA thresholds. Graduate programs (like the K-State MAT equivalent) may have higher institutional GPA requirements. |
| Source: 16 KAR 2:010, Section 2(2)(a)(1) and (2), Justia Law (current through Register Vol. 51, No. 12, June 1, 2025). |
What Happens If You Don’t Meet the GPA Requirement?
Candidates who do not meet the GPA requirement are not automatically disqualified from teaching in Kentucky. The EPSB may issue a Conditional Certificate to a teacher candidate unable to earn passing scores on all required assessments or who does not meet all standard requirements.
However, a candidate with only a Conditional Certificate is NOT eligible to participate in KTIP and cannot receive the Professional Certificate through this pathway alone. Conditional certification is governed by 16 KAR 2:180 and KRS 161.030(3)(b).
EPSB-Approved Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs)
Completion of an EPSB-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP) is a non-negotiable requirement for initial Kentucky teacher certification. The EPSB approves EPPs under 16 KAR 5:010 and maintains a searchable database of approved programs through the Go Teach KY portal.
Accreditation Standards for Kentucky EPPs
The EPSB has approved two national accreditors for Kentucky EPPs:
- CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation): The most widely recognized national accreditor for teacher preparation; CAEP accreditation requires evidence that graduates are competent educators and that programs demonstrate continuous improvement
- AAQEP (Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation): An alternative national accreditor recognized by the EPSB for Kentucky institutions
Kentucky is also a member of NC-SARA (National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements), which enables students to take online courses from out-of-state institutions. NC-SARA-approved institutions must still submit their programs to the EPSB for review and approval.
Source: Go Teach KY Accreditation page (goteachky.com/resources/educator-preparation/accreditation/, last updated March 28, 2025).
Major EPSB-Approved Kentucky Universities
| University | Location | National Accreditation | Notable Programs |
| University of Kentucky (UK) | Lexington | CAEP | Elementary, Secondary, SpEd, Counseling, Leadership |
| University of Louisville (UofL) | Louisville | CAEP | Elementary, Secondary, SpEd, IECE, Leadership |
| Western Kentucky University (WKU) | Bowling Green | CAEP | Multiple initial and advanced programs |
| Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) | Richmond | CAEP (2025 Frank Murray Award) | Initial and advanced; Rank I programs |
| Northern Kentucky University (NKU) | Highland Heights | CAEP | Multiple K-12 content areas; MAT Option 6 |
| Morehead State University (MSU) | Morehead | CAEP (through Spring 2026) | Initial undergraduate (CAEP+EPSB) |
| Murray State University | Murray | CAEP + EPSB | Multiple K-12 content areas |
| Kentucky State University (KSU) | Frankfort | EPSB-approved | Teacher education programs |
| Bellarmine University | Louisville | EPSB-approved | Education programs; MAT |
| Lindsey Wilson University | Columbia | CAEP (2025 Frank Murray Award) | Teacher education programs |
| Spalding University | Louisville | CAEP + EPSB | Education program |
| Campbellsville University | Campbellsville | EPSB-approved | Education programs |
Sources: EPSB program listing; Go Teach KY Approved Programs (April 14, 2025); Morehead State University Accreditation page; EKU Rank 1 Programs page; Kentucky Teacher newsroom Oct. 23, 2025 (Frank Murray Award — EKU and Lindsey Wilson); Spalding University Accreditation page.
How to Find a Specific Approved Program
The Go Teach KY portal provides a searchable database of all EPSB-approved programs, searchable by university, program name, program type, route, or degree/award level. This database was last updated April 14, 2025.
Field Experience and Student Teaching Requirements
Before candidates can serve as the teacher of record, Kentucky requires both pre-student-teaching field experience and a formal student teaching placement. These requirements are embedded within the EPP and must be completed as part of the approved program.
Pre-Student-Teaching Field Experience
- Required: 200 clock hours of field experience in a variety of school settings, completed before the student teaching placement
- Purpose: Expose candidates to diverse classroom environments, student populations, grade levels, and teaching styles prior to assuming lead teaching responsibilities
- Examples: Classroom observations, co-teaching, tutoring, small-group instruction — all under supervision in accredited Kentucky schools
Student Teaching Requirement
- Minimum duration: At least one full semester, or 70 days, of supervised student teaching
- Placement: In a school accredited by the EPSB or an equivalent accrediting agency; in the specific grade level and content area of the candidate’s certification
- Supervision: Jointly supervised by a cooperating teacher (experienced school-based mentor) and a university supervisor from the EPP
- Status: During traditional student teaching, the candidate is NOT the teacher of record — they work under direct supervision of the cooperating teacher
- Alternative to student teaching: Alternative certification routes (Options 6, 7, and others under KRS 161.048) substitute on-the-job teaching experience for traditional student teaching. See Section 16.
Sources: teachercertificationdegrees.com Kentucky 2026 (‘at least one full semester (or 70 days) of student teaching’; ‘200 clock hours of field experience’); 16 KAR 2:010; KRS 161.030.
The Kentucky Teacher Internship Program (KTIP)
The Kentucky Teacher Internship Program (KTIP) is one of the most distinctive features of Kentucky teacher certification — and one of the most important for new teachers to understand. KTIP is a mandatory, year-long mentored internship that all new Kentucky teachers must complete in their first year of full-time teaching in order to receive their Professional Certificate.
Legal basis: KRS 161.030; 16 KAR 7:010. Current 16 KAR 7:010 text available at: law.cornell.edu/regulations/kentucky/16-KAR-7-010 and apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/016/007/010/
How KTIP Works
KTIP provides each new teacher intern with a three-member Beginning Teacher Committee (BTC):
- Resource Teacher: An experienced classroom teacher assigned from within the school or district who serves as the primary mentor. The resource teacher must conduct a minimum of three (3) official classroom observations of the intern (each lasting one hour or one class period) and spend required consultation time with the intern outside of class.
- Principal: The building principal (or designee) of the school where the internship is served. The principal organizes the committee’s administrative functions, tracks resource teacher time with the intern, and ensures all policies are followed.
- Teacher Educator: A representative from a state-approved teacher preparation program who serves as the link to pedagogical knowledge and research. The committee must meet as a group at least three times per year and conduct formal observations at least three times per year.
What KTIP Requires of the Intern
- Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA): Complete a comprehensive, year-long performance assessment demonstrating the ability to assess student performance, plan and implement effective instruction, and reflect on teaching practice
- Beginning Teacher Committee meetings: Attend the orientation and post-observation conferences with individual committee members and all group committee meetings
- Consultation time: Participate with the resource teacher in consultation time outside of instructional settings
- Professional growth plan: Develop and implement a professional growth plan with the resource teacher’s assistance, identifying areas for development throughout the internship year
KTIP Outcomes
- Successful completion: The intern’s provisional internship certificate is extended and the EPSB issues a five-year Professional Certificate (initial Rank III) upon successful completion of KTIP
- Below-standard performance: An intern whose skills are judged to be below an acceptable level may continue the internship for a second year in some circumstances
- Non-completion: Failure to complete KTIP results in the inability to receive the Professional Certificate and likely inability to continue in the teaching position
- Conditional Certificate holders: Not eligible to participate in KTIP
Sources: Kentucky State University KTIP page; 16 KAR 7:010 (Cornell LII; Kentucky LRC); NCTQ Kentucky yearbook; JCPS KTIP page; ERIC ED322131 (KTIP Handbook); ERIC ED313327.
Required Assessments: Praxis Core, Subject Assessment, and PLT
Passing standardized assessments is a central requirement of Kentucky teacher certification. All assessment requirements are established under 16 KAR 6:010 and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
EPSB receives scores automatically when candidates test in Kentucky or designate EPSB as a score recipient (EPSB recipient code: 7283). Candidates must include their Social Security Number in their ETS account — EPSB uses SSN to match scores to records.
Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Praxis Core)
The Praxis Core tests — covering Reading, Writing, and Mathematics — are typically required for admission to Kentucky EPPs. They are not technically a separate certification requirement from the EPSB, but since they are required for EPP admission, they are a practical prerequisite for Kentucky certification.
- Purpose: Demonstrates basic academic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics
- Timing: Required before or during EPP enrollment; scores must be sent to both the institution and EPSB
- Exemption: Some candidates may substitute qualifying ACT scores (check with your specific institution; scores cannot be superscored)
- Score validity: Must be less than 10 years old at the date of EPP admission
Praxis Subject Assessment (Content Test)
The Praxis Subject Assessment tests content knowledge in the specific subject and/or grade level the candidate wishes to teach. Kentucky requires at least one Subject Assessment for each certification area sought.
| Content Area | Praxis Test | Notes |
| Elementary Education (P-5) | Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (7001) | 4 hours 15 min; 4 subtests; computer-delivered |
| Middle School Mathematics | Middle School Mathematics (5169) | Content-specific |
| Secondary Mathematics (8-12) | Mathematics: Content Knowledge (5161) | Secondary level |
| Secondary English Language Arts | English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) | Secondary level |
| Secondary Biology | Biology: Content Knowledge (5235) | Secondary level |
| Secondary Chemistry | Chemistry: Content Knowledge (5245) | Secondary level |
| Secondary Physics | Physics: Content Knowledge (5265) | Secondary level |
| Secondary Social Studies | Social Studies: Content Knowledge (5081) | Secondary level |
| Foreign Languages | Various Praxis World Language tests by language | Varies by specific language |
| Early Childhood | Early Childhood Education (5025) | P-3 grade band |
| Special Education | Special Education: Core Knowledge and Mild to Moderate Applications (5543) | Varies by category |
| School Counseling | School Counselor (5421) | Specialist certificate |
Sources: ETS Praxis Kentucky state requirements page (praxis.ets.org/state-requirements/kentucky); Boyce College Praxis II guide; teachercertification.com Kentucky 2026.
Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT)
The PLT exam tests pedagogical knowledge — understanding of how to teach effectively — and is required for most Kentucky initial certificate pathways. It is grade-level specific:
- PLT: Early Childhood (5621) — for early childhood/P-3 programs
- PLT: K-6 (5622) — for elementary programs; Kentucky PLT K-6 passing score: 155
- PLT: 5-9 (5623) — for middle school grade band programs
- PLT: 7-12 (5624) — for secondary programs
Student teachers must take both the Subject Assessment and the PLT at least once to graduate through most Kentucky Teacher Education Programs. Both must be passed for EPSB certification. Note: if testing in Kentucky at an ETS test center, scores are automatically sent to the EPSB; if testing in another state, candidates must manually designate EPSB (code 7283) as a recipient.
Sources: Boyce College Praxis II guide; NKU Praxis Core page; teachercertification.com Kentucky PLT passing score 155; 16 KAR 6:010.
Extended Assessment Flexibility (2023-24 and Beyond)
The EPSB has approved two expanded assessment options that provide meaningful flexibility for certification candidates:
- -1 Standard Error of Measure (SEM) adjustment: Allows candidates who score within one SEM below the required Praxis passing score to still qualify. Scores typically need to be only 3-7 points below the cut score to benefit from this adjustment. First approved in 2022; extended through at least 2024-25.
- Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers (PPAT): A performance-based assessment alternative to standardized content and pedagogy testing, accepted under 16 KAR 6:010. First approved in December 2023; extended through at least 2024-25.
Source: Kentucky Teacher newsroom — ‘EPSB approves assessment options for educators’ (December 14, 2023).
New 2024-25 Requirement: Reading Instruction Assessment
Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, all new teachers seeking certification in Kentucky must pass an approved teacher preparation test that includes evaluation of reading instruction knowledge and skills.
This requirement was enacted under the Kentucky Read to Succeed Act, which amended KRS 164.306 to require the EPSB to develop and maintain a list of approved teacher preparation tests for reading instruction evaluation.
| Reading Instruction Assessment — What You Need to Know (2024-25 Onward) |
| Required for: ALL new teachers seeking initial certification in Kentucky, beginning with the 2024-25 school year. |
| Basis: Kentucky Read to Succeed Act amendment to KRS 164.306; EPSB approval December 11, 2023. |
| Elementary Education candidates: Starting in the 2024-2025 academic year, Elementary Education majors also need to take the ‘Teaching Reading’ component — check with your specific EPP for the approved assessment options in your content area. |
| Approved assessments: The EPSB maintains and updates the list of approved reading instruction assessments — verify the current approved list at education.ky.gov/epsb. |
| Timing: Required before final certification recommendation; typically administered near program completion. |
| Source: Kentucky Teacher newsroom (December 14, 2023); Boyce College Praxis II guide (2024-25 reference). |
Background Check and Character and Fitness Requirements
Criminal Background Check (Required Since January 1, 2015)
Since January 1, 2015, all candidates seeking initial teacher certification in Kentucky are required to provide a state and federal criminal background check to the EPSB before they are eligible for an initial certification recommendation. Key requirements:
- Who conducts it: The background check is typically obtained from the school district where the candidate completes student teaching. The district provides the check to EPSB.
- Validity: The background check must be less than one year old at the time of the EPSB certification recommendation
- New background check required if: The candidate is not recommended for certification within one year of completing the background check; they must obtain and submit a new one
- Practical implication: Complete Praxis exams as early as possible to avoid delays that would require a new background check
Source: WKU Teacher Certification New Requirements page (wku.edu/educatorservices/teacher_cert/new_requirements_epsb.php).
Character and Fitness Disclosure
Per 16 KAR 2:010, Section 8, all applicants must disclose certain background information before a certificate or statement of eligibility is issued. Candidates must answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to questions about criminal history, civil judgments related to professional conduct, and other character and fitness matters.
A ‘yes’ answer does not automatically disqualify a candidate — the EPSB retains final authority to evaluate each case individually and may still issue a certificate or statement of eligibility in appropriate circumstances. However, the EPSB also retains the authority to deny certification based on character and fitness findings.
The Character and Fitness review is also part of the renewal process in KECS, as noted by research.com’s 2026 Kentucky guide: ‘A Character and Fitness review is part of the application to make sure all educators meet the state’s standards.’
The Application Process: KECS Step-by-Step
All Kentucky teacher certification applications — initial, renewal, rank change, endorsement additions — are processed exclusively through the KECS portal. The process for initial certification follows these steps:
For Candidates Who Completed a Kentucky Program
- Complete your EPSB-approved EPP. Your university’s certification officer initiates the EPSB recommendation after you complete all program requirements (coursework, student teaching, field experience).
- Pass required Praxis assessments. Complete Praxis Core (for EPP admission), Subject Assessment, PLT, and the new Reading Instruction Assessment. If testing in Kentucky, scores are automatically forwarded to EPSB; if testing out-of-state, add EPSB (code 7283) as a recipient.
- Complete background check. Obtain a state and federal background check through your student teaching district. Ensure it is no older than one year at the time of your EPSB recommendation.
- Create or log in to KECS. Access the Kentucky Educator Credentialing System at kecs.education.ky.gov.
- Start a new application (CA-1 form). In KECS, select Applications > Start New Application > ‘Adding New KY Certification/Initial Certification (CA-1).’ If also applying for a rank change or substitute certificate simultaneously, check those boxes as well.
- Complete all application elements. The application requires: out-of-state license element (select ‘never held’ if applicable); degree element (official transcript from National Student Clearinghouse or equivalent); and character and fitness disclosure.
- Upload official transcripts. Official transcripts must come directly from the institution or through a verified third-party transcript provider (e.g., National Student Clearinghouse). Electronic transcripts must be digitally signed and certified by the institution.
- Submit and pay online. Submit the completed application through KECS. Payment is made through the KECS online payment system — no other payment methods are accepted.
- University review. Your institution reviews and confirms your program completion and certification recommendation through EPSB’s system.
- EPSB processing. EPSB processes the complete application in approximately two weeks. If incomplete, you receive notification via KECS of missing items.
Required Documents Summary
| Document | Notes |
| Official college/university transcripts | Electronic transcripts: must come from institution’s third-party provider; paper also accepted |
| Passing Praxis scores | Automatically forwarded to EPSB if tested in Kentucky; code 7283 for manual submission |
| Background check results | From student teaching district; must be less than 1 year old at recommendation time |
| Character and Fitness disclosure | Completed as part of KECS application (answered ‘yes’ triggers EPSB review) |
| Program completion verification | Your university submits directly to EPSB through the certification system |
| Reading instruction assessment | New requirement for 2024-25 onward; approved test list at education.ky.gov/epsb |
| SSN in ETS account | Required for EPSB to match Praxis scores to your application |
Sources: teachercertification.com Kentucky 2026; Murray State University Teacher Certification page; University of Louisville OEE certification page; Go Teach KY Certification FAQ; WKU background check page.
Kentucky Certificate Types and Grade-Level Endorsements
Kentucky teaching certificates are issued for specific grade levels and content areas, called certificate types and endorsements. Understanding these designations ensures you are properly qualified for the positions you accept.
Base Teaching Certificates by Grade Level
| Certificate Type | Grade Range | Content Focus |
| Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE) | Birth to Primary | Serves children birth through age 5 (or primary grade); unified general+SpEd focus |
| Elementary School | Primary through Grade 5 | All academic subjects taught in elementary grades |
| Middle School | Grades 5 through 9 | One or two teaching fields from: English, Math, Science, or Social Studies |
| Secondary | Grades 8 through 12 | Single content area; major in subject; high school level |
| P-12 Content Areas | Grades P through 12 | Art, Music, Physical Education, Foreign Language, SpEd (various categories) |
| Vocational/CTE | Varies by program | Career and Technical Education content areas |
Source: Go Teach KY EPSB Approved Certificates page (goteachky.com/resources/certification/epsb-approved-certificates/, last updated June 20, 2025).
Adding Additional Endorsements
A Kentucky teacher who holds a Professional Certificate may add additional content area endorsements through one of these methods:
- Completing an EPSB-approved program for the new area: Form CA-1; includes coursework and assessment requirements
- Proficiency evaluation (not all universities offer this): An alternative pathway for fully certified Kentucky teachers to obtain a new certification area without additional coursework, where applicable; governed by 16 KAR 2:010 and the Highly Qualified Route
- Highly Qualified Route: Available for fully certified teachers to add a new content area; not available for holders of emergency, adjunct, temporary, temporary provisional, conditional, or probationary certificates
The Kentucky Rank System: Rank III, II, and I
Kentucky uses a unique Rank system that classifies teachers based on their level of educational attainment and, in some cases, National Board Certification. Ranks directly affect salary — and understanding the system is critical for long-term career planning.
Rank System Overview
| Rank | Requirements | How to Achieve | Salary Impact |
| Rank III | Bachelor’s degree + EPSB-approved EPP + KTIP completion | Entry-level; awarded upon issuance of initial Professional Certificate | Base salary; lowest tier on district salary schedules |
| Rank II (via Master’s) | Rank III + EPSB-approved master’s degree in a relevant subject area | Apply for rank change via KECS (CA-1 with Rank Change); submit official transcripts | Significant increase; typically 10-20% above Rank III depending on district |
| Rank II (via NBCT) | Rank III + Initial National Board Certification (NBCTS) | Submit NBCT certification letter and EPSB application + processing fee; also eligible for EPSB-administered NBCT stipend | Same salary tier as Rank II via master’s; plus possible NBCT stipend |
| Rank I | Rank II + master’s degree + 30 additional EPSB-approved graduate hours (OR second master’s/Ed.S + 15 hours) | Apply via KECS upon completion of required graduate hours through approved program | Average ~21% salary increase above Rank III; highest certification level |
| Rank I (via NBCT) | Rank II (by any method) + initial or additional NBCT during Rank II | Submit updated NBCT + EPSB application | Equivalent to standard Rank I salary |
Sources: teachercertification.com Kentucky 2026 (ranks; ‘21% increase for Rank I’); teachercertificationdegrees.com Kentucky 2026; EKU Rank 1 Programs page; University of Kentucky Online blog — Rank I and II details; Go Teach KY; Fayette County Public Schools 2024-25 Salary Schedule (KSBA portal); 16 KAR 8:020 (rank classification regulation).
How Rank Changes Work in KECS
Rank changes are processed through the KECS portal using the CA-1 form and selecting ‘Rank Change’ from the drop-down. The process requires:
- Completed graduate coursework at an EPSB-approved institution
- Official transcripts showing completion of the required program or credit hours
- Payment of the KECS rank change processing fee
- EPSB reviews and issues the updated certificate, effective September 15 of the applicable year
⚠ Important: Rank changes (and corresponding salary changes) effective after September 15 in a given year do not take effect on the salary schedule until the beginning of the next school year. Submit rank change applications BEFORE September 15 to receive the salary benefit in the current school year.
Certificate Renewal Requirements
Kentucky Professional Teaching Certificates are valid for five years and must be renewed before expiration. The renewal process is completed through KECS using the CA-2 (Renew Certifications) form.
Renewal Requirements by Certificate Stage
| Renewal Stage | Requirements | Application/Verification |
| Initial renewal (first 5-year renewal) | Show completion of 15 graduate hours OR fulfill half of the CEO (Continuing Education Option) requirements | Superintendent completes Section II verifying teaching experience OR college verifies graduate hours |
| Second 5-year renewal | Complete an approved master’s degree program (32 graduate hours) OR complete the full CEO requirements; Superintendent must verify at least 3 years of full-time teaching in the last 5 years (or provide 6 graduate semester hours) | KECS CA-2 application; superintendent/college verification |
| Subsequent 5-year renewals (Third and beyond) | At least 3 years of classroom teaching during the last 5-year certificate period OR 6 semester hours of additional graduate credit | KECS CA-2; school superintendent or college verification |
Sources: Go Teach KY Certification Renewal page (goteachky.com, May 1, 2025); teachercertification.com Kentucky renewal; renewateachinglicense.com Kentucky (May 5, 2025); teaching-certification.com Kentucky renewal; research.com Kentucky 2026 (KECS CA-2 process).
Continuing Education Option (CEO)
The Continuing Education Option (CEO) is an EPSB-approved alternative to graduate coursework for meeting renewal requirements. The CEO typically consists of structured professional development activities approved by the EPSB.
Check with the EPSB or Go Teach KY for the current CEO requirements and approved activities, as these are updated periodically.
Renewal Process in KECS
- Log into KECS and select ‘Renew Certification(s) (CA-2)’
- Verification Required: Your school superintendent must verify teaching experience, OR you submit official transcripts for the graduate hours
- Character and Fitness review: Included in every renewal application
- Background check: May be required if you have not been continuously employed in a Kentucky district
- One-Time Exception: If your certificate lapses, a one-time exception renewal is available in KECS if you meet certain experience and certification rank requirements
- Payment: Online only through KECS; no other payment methods accepted
Out-of-State and International Teacher Certification
Out-of-State Educators
Kentucky participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement and the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, facilitating reciprocity for educators licensed in other states.
- Standard reciprocity: Out-of-state applicants must have prepared as a teacher or completed 6 semester hours of graduate credit within the five years preceding the application (recency requirement per 16 KAR 4:080, Section 1(a))
- Waiver of recency: Out-of-state applicants who have completed a planned fifth-year program and have two years of successful teaching experience within the last ten years are exempt from the 6-hour recency requirement
- Assessment requirements: Must pass Kentucky-required Praxis assessments unless state-equivalent assessments have already been passed
- Full waiver: The full licensure requirements may be waived for out-of-state teachers who have two years of teaching experience in the same subject and grade level as the out-of-state certificate
- Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact: If your prior state is a member of the compact and your license meets compact eligibility criteria (requires a bachelor’s degree and completion of a state-approved program), you may be granted an equivalent Kentucky license through the compact process
Sources: 16 KAR 4:080 (Justia Law, current through March 1, 2024); research.com Kentucky 2026; NKyTribune (July 2023, compact reference).
Internationally Educated Teachers
- Submit all academic records and degrees to an EPSB-approved credential evaluation agency
- Must meet the same Praxis assessment requirements as out-of-state applicants
- Must demonstrate English language proficiency if English is not the primary language of instruction
- Must meet the same character and fitness requirements as all other applicants
Alternative Routes to Certification (Overview)
Kentucky has nine alternative certification pathways under KRS 161.048 for individuals who want to teach but did not complete a traditional teacher education degree.
These pathways allow qualified career changers, professionals, veterans, and others to become certified teachers without repeating a traditional four-year education program
| Option | Name | Key Requirement | Teaching Authority During Program |
| Option 6 | University-Based Alternative Route | Bachelor’s degree (any field); 2.75 GPA; concurrent EPP enrollment | Full teacher of record from day one (most common route) |
| Option 7 | Institute Alternative Route | Bachelor’s/graduate degree in content area; GRE or Praxis Core; content test | Full teacher of record after completing intensive institute |
| Option 1 | Exceptional Work Experience | Bachelor’s + 2.75 GPA + 10+ years relevant experience + portfolio | Teacher of record for 1 year under Provisional Cert while doing KTIP |
| Option 4 | Veterans of Armed Services | Bachelor’s + 2.75 GPA + 6+ years honorable military service + content test | Teacher of record for 1 year under Provisional Cert while doing KTIP |
| Option 5 | Statement of Eligibility | Bachelor’s + 2.75 GPA + content qualification | After securing employment; Provisional Cert issued |
| Option 3 | College Faculty | Master’s/doctoral degree + 5 years higher education teaching | 1-year provisional only; does NOT lead to Professional Cert |
| Option 8 | Out-of-State Educators | Valid out-of-state license; KY assessments | Direct certification; may be expedited with 2+ years experience |
| Option 9 | Expedited (No Degree) | NO degree required; must work in classified position in partner district | NOT a teacher of record during program — classified (support) role only |
| Option 2 | Local District Training | No active programs currently (check with KDE) | Check with EPSB for current status |
Sources: Go Teach KY Alternative Pathways (March 11, 2025); TTT.KY.GOV Option 6 (November 19, 2024); KRS 161.048; Kentucky Teacher newsroom (July 2022, July 2023); NKyTribune (July 2023); University of the Cumberlands Option 9 page.
Substitute Teacher Certification Requirements
Substitute teachers in Kentucky must either hold a valid Kentucky teaching certificate OR meet one of the following specific certification options for substitute teaching:
| Substitute Category | Education Required | Certificate / Authorization |
| Standard Substitute (holds valid teaching certificate) | Bachelor’s degree + EPP completion (standard Kentucky professional or provisional teaching certificate) | Valid Kentucky teaching certificate covers substitute teaching automatically |
| 5-Year Substitute Certificate | Bachelor’s degree (completed teacher preparation program outside Kentucky OR Kentucky EPP) | Apply in KECS via CA-1 form; separately issued from professional certificate |
| Emergency Substitute | 64+ college credit hours with minimum 2.5 GPA OR bachelor’s degree | One-year emergency certificate per district; must apply separately to each district |
Sources: praxisexam.org Kentucky; KDE Certification Guidance July 2024 PDF; Jefferson County Public Schools Personnel/Certification page; Murray State University Certification page (CA-1 for 5-year substitute).
⚠ 2024 Update: Kentucky will no longer issue emergency certificates for teaching exceptional children (Special Education) or interdisciplinary early childhood education (IECE) due to federal IDEA requirements. Emergency certificates do not meet IDEA requirements for special education teachers. — KDE Certification Guidance July 2024 PDF.
Special Education Certification Requirements
Special Education teacher certification in Kentucky has additional considerations beyond the standard requirements, due in part to federal law (IDEA) and in part to the categorical nature of Kentucky’s SpEd endorsement structure.
Standard Route to SpEd Certification
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in Special Education (or a content area with an SpEd EPP component) from an EPSB-approved institution
- Complete 200 clock hours of field experience in special education settings
- Complete at least one full semester (70 days) of student teaching in special education
- Pass required Praxis assessments for the specific SpEd category (e.g., Special Education: Core Knowledge and Mild to Moderate Applications)
- Complete KTIP during the first year of employment in a SpEd position
IDEA Restrictions on Alternative Certification for SpEd
Under Section 612(a)(14) of the IDEA and 34 C.F.R. § 300.156, special education teachers must have obtained full state certification as a special education teacher OR be participating in a qualifying alternative route to certification.
Kentucky will no longer issue emergency certificates for teaching exceptional children or IECE. For alternative route candidates in SpEd:
- Alternative route candidates (Options 6 and 7) are limited to three total years (two renewals) of temporary provisional certification — not the five years available to general education alternative route candidates
- No emergency certificates are available for SpEd positions as of 2024
- Candidates must be making demonstrable progress toward full SpEd certification throughout the alternative certification period
Sources: KDE Certification Guidance July 2024 PDF; NKyTribune (July 2023); TTT.KY.GOV Option 6 (‘IMPORTANT NOTE: The temporary provisional certificates for teaching exceptional children or interdisciplinary early childhood education are limited to two renewals to comply with federal IDEA requirements’).
Administrator and School Specialist Certification
In addition to classroom teacher certificates, the EPSB issues certificates for educational administrators and school specialists.
School Administrator Certificates
- Instructional Leadership (Building-Level) — required for principals and assistant principals
- Instructional Leadership (District-Level) — required for district-level administrators
- Director of Pupil Personnel — specialized administrative role
All administrative certificates require a valid Kentucky teaching certificate, professional teaching experience, a master’s or higher degree, completion of an EPSB-approved leadership preparation program, and passing the appropriate administrator assessment (School Leaders Licensure Assessment or Superintendent Assessment via ETS).
School Specialist Certificates
School Specialists include school counselors, school psychologists, library media specialists, instructional leaders, and other non-classroom professional roles. These certificates require completion of appropriate graduate-level preparation programs and relevant Praxis assessments:
- School Counselor: Graduate counseling program + Praxis School Counselor (5421)
- School Psychologist: Graduate school psychology program + relevant assessment
- Library Media Specialist: Graduate program + Praxis Library Media Specialist
- Director of Special Education: Administrative experience + specialized program
Sources: teachercertificationdegrees.com Kentucky 2026; Go Teach KY EPSB Approved Certificates page (June 20, 2025); EPSB certificate type listings.
Teacher Salary Structure and How Ranks Affect Pay
Kentucky teacher compensation is governed by the SEEK (Support Education Excellence in Kentucky) formula and set by individual school districts within state guidelines. The Rank system is the primary driver of salary differentiation within a district’s salary schedule.
Statewide Salary Data (2024-25 and 2025-26)
| Metric | 2024-25 Figure | National Standing | Source |
| Average public school teacher salary | $58,325 | Ranks 42nd nationally | NEA 2025 / WBKO April 2025 |
| Average beginning teacher salary | $40,161 | Ranks 48th nationally | NEA 2025 / K Country 105.7 |
| Average beginning teacher salary (2025-26) | $41,901 (+4.2%) | Ranks 47th nationally | NEA 2026 / WBKO May 2026 |
| National average teacher salary | $72,030 | — | NEA 2025 |
| Kentucky teacher pay gap | 75 cents per dollar vs. college-educated peers | — | Economic Policy Institute, Sept 2024 |
| No statewide across-the-board raise | Since 2008 | 17-year gap in state-funded raises | NEA reports; WBKO 2026 |
Sources: NEA Rankings and Estimates 2025 (WBKO/KEA April 30, 2025); WBKO May 4, 2026; Kentucky Lantern May 23, 2025; Economic Policy Institute September 2024.
How Ranks Affect District Salary Schedules
Every Kentucky school district maintains a salary schedule with separate columns for each rank and rows for years of experience. The salary difference between Rank III and Rank I is substantial over a career.
Using Fayette County Public Schools (Lexington) as an illustrative example: their salary schedule provides columns for Rank III (AB), AB+15, Rank II (Master’s), MA+15 (early Rank I track), and Rank I (MA+30 or Doctorate). Each column adds a salary premium at every experience step.
National Board Certification typically results in an EPSB rank upgrade PLUS an additional annual stipend in many districts (for example, Fayette County’s schedule provides a $2,000 NBCT stipend). These benefits are cumulative and compound significantly over a 30-year career.
✔ Career Planning Insight: A teacher who pursues a master’s degree (Rank II) early in their career receives the salary premium for more years. The difference between Rank III and Rank I over a 30-year career can exceed $200,000-$400,000 in cumulative earnings, depending on the district.
Kentucky Teacher Certification Requirements: FAQs
What are the basic requirements to get a Kentucky teaching certificate?
The core requirements are: a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA (or 3.0 on the last 30 hours); completion of an EPSB-approved Educator Preparation Program including 200 hours of pre-student-teaching field experience and at least one full semester (70 days) of student teaching; passing scores on Praxis Core (for EPP admission), a Praxis Subject Assessment for your content area, and the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam; a state and federal criminal background check; and application through the KECS portal. Beginning in 2024-25, a reading instruction knowledge assessment is also required.
How long does it take to get a Kentucky teaching certificate?
For a traditional route, the timeline is the full duration of your teacher education program (typically 4 years of undergraduate study) plus approximately 2 weeks for EPSB to process your complete KECS application after program completion. Your professional certificate is then issued upon successful completion of KTIP in your first year of teaching. For alternative route candidates (particularly Option 6), you can begin teaching with a Temporary Provisional Certificate within weeks of being admitted to an approved program, while working toward full certification over 1-5 years.
What Praxis exams are required for Kentucky teacher certification?
Kentucky requires three categories of Praxis assessments: (1) Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Reading, Writing, Mathematics) — typically required for EPP admission; (2) Praxis Subject Assessment — content knowledge test specific to your teaching area (e.g., Elementary Education 7001, Mathematics Content Knowledge 5161, Biology 5235); and (3) Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) — grade-band-specific pedagogy exam (Early Childhood 5621; K-6 5622; 5-9 5623; 7-12 5624). Beginning in 2024-25, an approved reading instruction knowledge assessment is also required.
What is KTIP and why is it required?
KTIP (Kentucky Teacher Internship Program) is a mandatory first-year mentoring and evaluation program that all new Kentucky teachers must complete to receive their Professional Certificate. It provides each new teacher with a Beginning Teacher Committee consisting of a resource teacher (mentor), the principal, and a teacher educator from an EPP. The committee conducts formal observations (at least 3 per year), provides consultation outside class, and evaluates the intern’s Teacher Performance Assessment. Successful KTIP completion leads to the Professional Certificate; failure means the intern cannot receive the Professional Certificate and may not continue in the position.
What GPA is required for Kentucky teacher certification?
Per 16 KAR 2:010 (current through June 1, 2025), a candidate must meet ONE of two GPA standards: a cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale across all undergraduate coursework, OR a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last 30 hours of credit completed (including both undergraduate and graduate coursework). Meeting either threshold qualifies the candidate.
How does the Kentucky Rank system work?
Kentucky has three main teaching ranks that affect both certification and salary. Rank III is the entry-level professional certificate awarded upon completing a bachelor’s degree, an EPP, and KTIP. Rank II requires completing an EPSB-approved master’s degree OR achieving initial National Board Certification (NBCT) and results in significant salary increases. Rank I requires Rank II status plus 30 additional EPSB-approved graduate hours (or a second master’s/Ed.S. plus 15 hours) or additional NBCT and represents the highest certification level — averaging approximately 21% higher salary than Rank III.
How do I renew my Kentucky teaching certificate?
Kentucky teaching certificates are valid for five years and renewed through the KECS portal using the CA-2 form. Renewal requirements vary by cycle: the first renewal requires 15 graduate hours or half of the CEO requirements; the second requires a full master’s degree (32 hours) or the full CEO; subsequent renewals require 3 years of classroom teaching in the last 5 years OR 6 semester hours of graduate credit. Your superintendent verifies teaching experience; colleges verify graduate hours. Payment is online-only through KECS.
Can I teach in Kentucky with an out-of-state license?
Yes, through reciprocity. Kentucky participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement and the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact. Out-of-state applicants must meet a recency requirement (teaching experience or 6 graduate hours within the last 5 years), pass Kentucky-required Praxis assessments, and apply through KECS. The full certification requirements may be waived for applicants with 2+ years of teaching experience in the same subject and grade as their out-of-state certificate. The Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact may provide even more streamlined certification for qualifying licenses from member states.
What is the KECS portal and how do I use it?
KECS (Kentucky Educator Credentialing System) is Kentucky’s official online platform for all educator certification matters — initial applications, renewals, rank changes, endorsement additions, and more. All applications are submitted exclusively through KECS (paper applications are no longer accepted). Access KECS at kecs.education.ky.gov. The Go Teach KY FAQ confirms that complete applications are processed in approximately two weeks. Payment is made online through the KECS system only.
Kentucky Teacher Certification Requirements: Conclusion
Kentucky teacher certification is a multi-stage, rigorously structured process governed by the EPSB under KRS 161.028, KRS 161.030, and the Kentucky Administrative Regulations (16 KAR Chapters 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7).
At its core, the traditional pathway requires a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.75 GPA, completion of an EPSB-approved Educator Preparation Program with 200 hours of field experience and a full semester of student teaching, passing scores on Praxis Core, Subject Assessment, PLT, and (beginning 2024-25) a reading instruction assessment, a criminal background check, and successful completion of the first-year Kentucky Teacher Internship Program.
The Rank system — Rank III (entry), Rank II (master’s or NBCT), and Rank I (master’s + 30 graduate hours) — ties educational attainment directly to salary, making graduate education a practical financial investment for Kentucky teachers.
The KECS portal streamlines all certification transactions, and the approximately two-week processing time for complete applications means that well-prepared candidates can move quickly from program completion to certification.
For those who do not follow the traditional path, Kentucky’s nine alternative routes under KRS 161.048 — from the Option 6 university-based route for career changers with bachelor’s degrees, to Option 9 for those without any degree — provide accessible entry points into the profession.
With over 2,000 teacher vacancies statewide and a documented shortage in special education, math, science, IECE, and ESL, Kentucky schools are actively seeking new educators from all backgrounds and preparation pathways.
Kentucky EPSB | education.ky.gov/epsb | Go Teach KY: goteachky.com | KECS: kecs.education.ky.gov | KDE Division of Educator Preparation: (502) 564-5846 | Data current as of June