Recommending Educator Certification Based on Proficiency Evaluation

Alternative Pathways to Certification

Start Your Teaching Journey Today!

Western Kentucky University provides an alternate way to recognize competency and proficiency for individuals with a bachelor’s degree and relevant school-based experience, this program lets you earn your teaching license faster by showcasing your existing skills.

Talk to a Certification Advisor

This process aligns with 16 KAR 5:030 on Proficiency Evaluation and offers an option beyond academic credit to demonstrate professional readiness.

See Available Certification Areas

View Application Deadlines & Decision Dates

Learn Procedures for Teacher Certification

Candidates pursuing their first teaching certification at the graduate level can apply in the following subjects:

Science & Mathematics

Biological Science
Chemistry
Mathematics
Physics

English & Social Studies

English
Middle School English
Middle School Social Studies
Social Studies

Elementary & Early Childhood

Elementary Education
Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education

Specialized Education

Learning & Behavior Disorders
Middle School Mathematics
Middle School Science
Middle School Social Studies

Language & Physical Education

Chinese
Spanish
Physical Education

School Administrator Certifications

School Principal (Grades P-12)

For candidates already holding a teaching certificate, the following additional certifications are available:

Core Subjects & Language

Biological Science
Chemistry
Elementary Education
English
ESL Endorsement (P-12)
Mathematics
Middle School English
Middle School Mathematics
Middle School Science
Middle School Social Studies
Social Studies
Spanish

Specialized & Advanced Areas

Gifted Education (P-12)
Instructional Computer Technology (P-12)
Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education
Learning & Behavior Disorders
Moderate & Severe Disabilities
Literacy Specialist
Library, Informatics, and Technology in Education (LITE)
Physical Education
Reading (P-12)

School Administrator Certifications

Career and Technical Education Principal
Director of Pupil Personnel Services
Director of Special Education
Supervisor of Instruction

Application Deadlines & Decision Dates

To be considered for Proficiency Evaluation, candidates must submit all application documents, fees, and portfolio evidence by the submission deadline below. Late applications will need to wait for the next review cycle.

Semester	Submission Deadline	Committee Decision
Fall	October 1st	December 15th
Spring	March 1st	May 15th
Summer	June 1st	August 1st

Learn the Key Procedures for Teacher Certification

Select the procedure that applies to your certification path to learn more about the requirements and steps involved. Whether you're seeking Initial Certification, adding an Additional Certification Area, or pursuing School Administrator Certification, each pathway has specific guidelines to help you navigate the process smoothly. Click on the appropriate link to get started.

Initial Certification

Additional Certification Area

School Administrator Certifications