The NASDTEC Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact allows Kentucky to recognize eligible out-of-state teaching licenses, giving experienced teachers a streamlined path into Kentucky classrooms. While educators are still required to meet Kentucky’s certification and character and fitness standards, the process for transferring a license from another member state is straightforward and streamlined.
Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact States
Alabama
Colorado
Delaware
Florida
Kansas
Nebraska
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Utah
Washington
Applying for Certification Through the Compact
As Kentucky transitions and adapts to the new process, candidates that completed an educator preparation program and hold a current certificate in one of the participating states should complete the following steps:
STEP 1: Create an account on the Kentucky Educators Credentialing System (KECS).
STEP 2: Through an email to kdelicensure@education.ky.gov, request a review to determine eligibility for Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact certificate/license.
STEP 3: Follow the prompts in the application wizard to apply for Initial Kentucky Certification (CA-1).
STEP 4: Upload current Out-of-State Teaching Certificate or License.*
STEP 5: Complete the Character and Fitness review.
STEP 6: 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.
*Please note, the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact certificate qualifies for Rank III certificate in Kentucky. If a candidate has advanced degrees and wishes to have a review for determining higher rank, transcripts must be uploaded in 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.
