Proficiency Evaluation FAQ

The timeline depends on how quickly you submit all required documentation, including your digital portfolio of evidence. Once submitted, the review committee will take up to six weeks to evaluate your portfolio and make a certification decision.

To be considered, candidates must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.75 or 3.0 in the last 30 credit hours.
• Have significant, relevant experience in a school setting related to the certification area they are seeking.
  After reviewing your experience, WKU’s School of Teacher Education will determine if you are eligible to proceed with the Proficiency Evaluation.

• All initial certification candidates must complete at least one 3-hour practicum course.
• Other proficiency candidates (seeking additional or administrative certification) may be required to take additional coursework if deficiencies are identified during the digital portfolio review.
• If additional coursework or fieldwork is needed, an Educator Learning Plan (ELP) will outline these requirements. Once created, candidates may receive a temporary provisional certificate.

Candidates must complete all required coursework within two years from the date the ELP is approved and signed by both the candidate and the committee chairperson.

Yes, funding options are available:

• KY Teacher Tuition Discount: Available to candidates holding a KY teaching certificate (substitute, emergency, temporary provisional, or professional license). More info here.
• KY Traineeship Scholarship: For candidates pursuing special education or Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education. Apply here.
• Financial Aid: Some candidates may qualify for financial assistance through WKU’s Financial Aid Office.

• Kentucky requires candidates to pass the Praxis II Content Exam(s) and the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) Exam before earning a professional license. (PLT is not required for Special Education and Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education.)
• Some candidates may need to pass the Praxis II Content Exam(s) before submitting their digital portfolio, while others can take it afterward. This is determined during the initial application review.
• Core Praxis Entrance Exams are not required for graduate students (per an EPSB amendment in April 2021). Exam details here.

No, WKU cannot recommend a temporary provisional certificate for candidates still completing the application process. However, some school districts may hire candidates with an emergency certification during this period.

Yes, after your digital portfolio is reviewed and an Educator Learning Plan (ELP) is approved, you may apply for jobs using a one-year temporary provisional certificate, renewable for one additional year. WKU will provide you with a letter of eligibility for job applications.

• Candidates will receive a KY Professional Teaching License.
• Initial certification candidates will be at Rank 3 in the EPSB KY Salary Ranking System. More info here.
• Candidates seeking additional certifications through Proficiency Evaluation will not receive a salary rank change.

• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Leads to certification and a master’s degree. Many MAT programs qualify for Option 6 certification, allowing candidates to be hired while completing coursework. MAT graduates start at Rank 2 in the salary system. More info here.
• Traditional WKU Teacher Education Programs: View program options.
• Administrative Certification: For candidates pursuing leadership roles. More details here.