Rank System

Career pathway advancement for Kentucky educators can be attained through a three-tier rank system. KRS 161.1211 defines the classification of educators as well as establishes the Kentucky educator rank system.

Rank III

Those holding regular certificates and who have an approved four (4) year college degree or the equivalent.

Rank II

Those holding regular teaching certificates and who have a master’s degree in a subject field approved by the Education Professional Standards Board, earned initial National Board Certification (NBCT)*, or completed equivalent continuing education such as the Continuing Education Option (CEO).

Rank I

Those holding regular certificates who have met the requirements for Rank II and have additionally earned a master’s degree in a subject field approved by the Education Professional Standards Board, initial NBCT* certification, thirty (30) additional semester hours of approved graduate work, or equivalent continuing education such as the CEO.

*The board shall not allow a teacher who qualified for Rank I or II status on the basis of his or her National Board Certification to maintain that classification if the National Board certificate is revoked for misconduct or voided for other reasons.

Ranks for Emergency Certification

Rank IV

Those holding emergency certificates and who have ninety-six (96) to one hundred twenty-eight (128) semester hours of approved college training or the equivalent.

Rank V

Those holding emergency certificates and who have sixty-four (64) to ninety-five (95) semester hours of approved college training or the equivalent.

For more information, please contact KDELicensure@education.ky.gov.