GoTeachKY Ambassador Kim Roberts interacts with one of her students.
The Kentucky General Assembly under KRS 161.048 has enacted alternative routes to teacher and administrator certification for persons who have demonstrated exceptional work and/or educational experiences. There are nine alternative options for pursuing teacher certification under state statute. In addition to these nine options, the proficiency evaluation and the Highly Qualified routes offer further opportunities to pursue a teaching certificate.
Unsure which option is best for you? Complete the interactive Alternate Pathway form to determine which pathway you should explore or contact the Office of Educator Licensure and Effectiveness at (502) 564-1479 for more information.
Option 1: Exceptional Work Experience
An individual who has exceptional work experience, a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of at least 2.75*, and either an academic major in the certification area or a passing score on the Praxis content assessment, may receive a one-year provisional certificate upon approval by the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB).
*or a GPA of 3.0 on the last 30 hours of credit
Option 2: Local District Training Program
A local school district or group of school districts may seek approval for a training program. The state-approved local school district training program is an alternative to the college teacher preparation program as a means of acquiring teacher certification for a teacher at any grade level. The training program may be offered for all teaching certificates approved by the Education Professional Standards Board, including interdisciplinary early childhood education, except for specific certificates for teachers of exceptional children.
There are no current Option 2 programs approved by the EPSB.
Option 3: College Faculty
Candidates who possess the following qualifications may receive a one year provisional certificate for teaching at any level:
- A master’s degree or doctoral degree in the academic content area for which certification is sought.
- A minimum of five years of full-time teaching experience, or its equivalent, in the academic content area for which certification is sought in a regionally or nationally accredited institution of higher education.
Option 4: Adjunct Instructor (P-12)
The Adjunct Instructor Certification does not lead to professional certification in Kentucky. This renewable, one-year certificate allows those who have expertise and a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with a major or minor in an academic content area and meet other qualifications to teach part-time.
Option 5: Armed Forces Veteran
This route is open to veterans of the Armed Forces who were honorably discharged from active duty or to members of the Armed Services currently serving with six (6) or more years of honorable service, including Reserves, National Guard, or active duty. In addition to the service requirement, candidates must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of at least 2.75*, and either an academic major in the certification area or a passing score on the Praxis content assessment.
*or a GPA of 3.0 on the last 30 hours of credit
Option 6: University-Based Alternative Route
This pathway enrolls students in a post baccalaureate teacher preparation program concurrently with employment as a teacher in a school district. Candidates must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of at least 2.75*, meet university admission requirements, and obtain an offer of employment from a Kentucky school district.
*or a GPA of 3.0 on the last 30 hours of credit
Option 7: Institute Alternative Route
In this option, candidates complete training through an approved institute that addresses multiple research-based teaching strategies and practices. Candidates with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in an academic content area and 2.75* GPA may be eligible for this pathway. Approved Option 7 providers can be viewed at Approved Option 7 Providers. Visit the Option 7 webpage for more information.
*or a GPA of 3.0 on the last 30 hours of credit
Option 8: Teach for America
A national nonprofit organization that recruits, trains and supports outstanding recent college graduates for career placement in participating school districts within the Appalachian Region of Kentucky.
Option 9: Expedited Route
This is an expedited route to certification that results in a bachelor’s degree and initial certification within three school years. The route requires a college or university to partner with a district or group of districts to develop a program that includes a paraprofessional/residency component and utilizes experienced teachers to provide coaching and mentoring. Though this route requires a candidate to be employed in a classified position while completing coursework, it does not allow the candidate to serve as a teacher while enrolled in the route. To serve as a teacher, an individual must possess a teaching certificate. The Option 9 alternative route only provides for initial certification once the candidate completes the bachelor’s degree and certification assessments. View the Option 9 Frequently Asked Questions document for additional information.
Proficiency Evaluation
16 KAR 5:030 outlines a process through which an Educator Preparation Provider at a college or university can evaluate and accept competency for educator certification purposes. This applies when a candidate demonstrates proficiency—due to prior education, experience, or proficiency exams—that meets or exceeds the usual curriculum requirements.
This option requires a thorough review by the university and is available only to candidates who petition the institution for a proficiency evaluation. Not all colleges and universities offer this option for certification recommendation. Candidates must seek proficiency evaluation through a college or university that provides EPSB-approved programs. Visit the Proficiency Evaluation webpage for more information.
Highly Qualified Route
16 KAR 2:010 provides increased flexibility for fully certified Kentucky teachers to obtain a new certification area without additional course work. Visit the Highly Qualified Route webpage for more information.
NOTE: Educators holding the following credentials may NOT apply for the Highly Qualified Route: emergency, adjunct, temporary, temporary provisional, conditional, probationary, or occupation-based.
Probationary Certificates and Endorsements
Candidates with an Kentucky teaching certificate may qualify for a probationary certificate for teaching Middle School (16 KAR 2:170) or Exceptional Children (16 KAR 2:140), upon enrollment in an EPSB approved preparation program for adding the area of certification. This one-year probationary certificate may be renewed two additional years while the candidate completes the preparation program to add the area of certification.
Additionally, a probationary endorsement may be available for English as a Second Language (16 KAR 2:200) or Gifted and Talented (16 KAR 2:110), when a candidate with a Kentucky teaching certificate enrolls in a preparation program to add the area of certification. The probationary endorsement is valid for two years, and the candidate must complete the required curriculum for recommendation for the endorsement within the two-year validity period.
For questions, please contact KDE Certification Specialist Beth Eddy at beth.eddy@education.ky.gov.
