KRS 161.1211 sets forth a rank system to be used by the Education Professional Standards Board. For the purposes of the state salary schedule, rank shall be determined by September 15 of each year. This means that a rank change that has been issued on an educator’s certificate as of September 15, entitles the educator to that salary rank for the current school year. Some school districts may honor rank changes that are obtained after September 15, but that is up to individual district board policy.
Pathways to obtain a rank change include:
- Continuing Education Option (16 KAR 8:030)
- Approved rank change program at a Kentucky college or university
- Approved master’s degree program that results in additional certification (administrator, counselor, etc.)
- Master’s degree or equivalent in the content area that the educator holds certification
- National Board Certification
Applying for a Rank Change
STEP 1: Log into the KECS Web Portal.
STEP 2: Follow the prompts in the application wizard to apply for Rank Change (CA-1).
STEP 3: Indicate the type of rank change.
STEP 4: Submit the required documentation.
STEP 5: Complete the Character and Fitness review.
STEP 6: Make the appropriate payment through the online payment service in the KECS Portal for certification fees. Please note that any other forms of payment are not accepted and will be returned to the applicant.
STEP 7: Submit the application.
