Eligibility

Candidates must meet one of the following requirements:

Renewing a Teaching Certificate

STEP 1: Log into the KECS Web Portal.
STEP 2: Follow the prompts in the application wizard to apply for Renew Certification(s) (CA-2).
STEP 3: Contact your district to verify your three (3) years of teaching experience OR submit an official transcript of the courses you have completed for renewal.
STEP 4: Complete the Character and Fitness review.
STEP 5: Make the appropriate payment for certification fees through the KECS online payment service. Please note that any other forms of payment are not accepted and will be returned to the applicant.
STEP 6: Submit the application.

One-Time Exception Renewal

The One-time Exception Renewal, established in KRS 161.030(6)(b) and 16 KAR 2:230, allows qualified educators to renew their certificate(s) one time for any reason. In order to qualify for the One-time Exception Renewal, the following requirements must be met:

• Completed the preparation program and received the professional certification for the area.
• Rank I or Rank II at time of expired certificate.
• At least three (3) years of classroom teaching experience BEFORE the certificate expired.

The application for the Exception Renewal can be submitted electronically by logging into your account in the KECS Web Portal. Once logged in, click on Start an Application and choose Exception Renewal on the application page then follow the renewal steps outlined above to complete the application.

Emeritus Certificate

The Emeritus Certificate, established in KRS 161.030(6)(a) and 16 KAR 2:220, allows qualified retired educators to receive a 10-year certificate at a reduced cost. This certificate can be renewed one time only. Retired applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Documentation from a state department of education or state agency indicating that the applicant is a retired teacher.
• Provide proof of a Kentucky teaching or administrative certificate that was valid at the time of the applicant’s retirement; OR an out-of-state teaching or administrative certificate that was valid at the time of the applicant’s retirement and aligns with the requirements for issuance of a corresponding Kentucky certificate.

The application for the Emeritus Certificate can be submitted electronically by logging into your account in the KECS Web Portal. Once logged in, click on Start an Application and choose Emeritus Certificate on the application page then follow the steps outlined above to complete the application.

Submitting Official Transcripts

Transcripts are only considered official if submitted one of the following ways:

• Electronic transcripts sent DIRECTLY from the institution’s third-party transcript provider to KDELicensure@education.ky.gov. Electronic transcripts are not accepted if printed by or forwarded by the applicant.
• Sent by mail from the institution on official transcript paper to:

KDE Certification
300 Sower Blvd., 5th Floor
Frankfort, KY 40601

Official transcripts that are mailed or dropped off at the office will NOT be returned to the applicant.