License Application Information

Initial License
The ”Initial License“ is the license that an individual holds to begin working in the area while preparing for the professional license.

For an Initial Teaching License you must complete a teacher education program, the PLT and Subject Assessment tests, and apply for a license. You will not automatically get a license just because you complete the program.

The application can be completed online.
Download the Instructions for the Initial License (PDF)

When you submit the online application, it will come to our office. The Licensing Officer then verifies that you have completed K-STATE’s program requirements and passed the tests. The application is then submitted to the KSDE to process and issue the license. At that time, you will get an email explaining payment to KSDE.

The Initial License is a two-year license. More information will be forthcoming.

For a Conditional Specialist or Leadership License you will complete a two-semester internship in your area instead of completing the KPA. Rules for applying are the same as stated above.


Professional License
The Kansas State Department of Education defines the Professional License as: “a license issued to an individual based on successful completion of a performance assessment and maintained by professional development.”

You will apply for your Professional Teaching License after you successfully complete the KPA. You can apply for your Professional Specialist or Leadership License after you complete the supervised internship. It is current for five years.

Download the Instructions to upgrade to Professional School Specialist or School Leadership. (PDF)

To renew the Professional License, you must go through the Professional Development Council (PDC) in your local school district. They will work with you to set up a plan for your renewal. You do not go through K-STATE to renew your Professional License. You may take coursework from K-STATE as part of the plan, but it must be approved by the PDC. You may contact Di Murphy at 785-532-5524 to get enrollment information for the classes.


Provisional License
A Provisional License is given in an area where you have completed part of the course work, but not all of it. It is added to your Conditional or Professional License. It will allow you to teach the subject while you complete the coursework. Visit the KSDE web page to find additional information.

To qualify for the Provisional License, you must have a teaching license, complete 50% of the required coursework in the area, and have a job in the area. You must request a paper application from our office. A section of the form asks your administrator to verify that you are employed to teach in that area. After the administrator signs, you send the form to the Licensing Office at K-STATE. The Licensing Officer verifies that you have 50% of the coursework done. The application is then forwarded to the KSDE to issue the license. Special Education has an exception to the 50% rule. Contact Dr. Warren White for more information.

The Provisional License expires in two years. If you have completed 50% of the remaining coursework, you can apply for a second Provisional license, following the same directions as for the first. When you complete all of the coursework and the PRAXIS Subject Assessment test, you can apply to add the endorsement to your license.

Download the Instructions to Add a Provisional License. (PDF)

KSDE has recently made changes to the rules for adding endorsements. The following will go into effect in August 2007 through August 2012.
• Secondary licensed science teachers can add an additional science endorsement by passing the PRAXIS Subject Assessment in the appropriate science.
• Any Secondary or Middle Level licensed teacher can add any new secondary endorsement by completing 50% of the program, including the methods, and passing the PRAXIS Content Assessment test.


Emergency Substitute License
You can apply for an Emergency Substitute License if you have completed 60 hours of college credit. This application does not go through our office. You can find information and applications at the KSDE web page.


Substitute License
A Substitute License is available for people that have completed a teacher education program, but do not have the all the other requirements. Typically this is the PRAXIS tests or recent college credit. The KSDE website has more information about Substitute Licenses.


One Year Non-Renewable License
If you have completed a Teacher Education program, but have not passed the required tests, you can apply for this license. It will expire in one year, and cannot be renewed.


Renewal
Renewing your teaching license is something that must be done through the KSDE. If you wish to add an endorsement at the same time, please see these instructions.


Adding Endorsements
To add another endorsement to your Conditional or Professional teaching license, you must complete the coursework with a 2.5 or higher GPA, take and pass the PRAXIS test in the area, and apply to add the endorsement to your existing license. Adding the endorsement to your license does not affect the expiration date of your license. You may be able to use the addition of an endorsement as part of your renewal plan, but you must fill out separate forms to renew. If you wish to renew your license while adding an endorsement, please see the Instructions to Add an Endorsement and Renew a Conditional License at the Same Time (PDF).

Additional endorsements are available for many areas for teachers with a Secondary Education license. See the Secondary Education Program Description page to see the endorsements available and the coursework needed. Elementary teachers can add additional endorsements in ESL and Special Education. For a list of the coursework needed to add the endorsements contact Di Murphy at 785-532-5524.

If you have completed part of the coursework required for the license (50% in all areas except Special Education) and have a job in the area, you can apply for a Provisional License.

KSDE has recently made changes to the rules for adding endorsements. The following will go into effect in August 2007 through August 2012:

1. Secondary licensed science teacher can add an additional science endorsement by verifying a score on the appropriate science content assessment.

2. Any licensed teacher can add a middle level content endorsement (math, science, history/government, English language arts) by verifying the following:

a. Verification through teacher education institutions that they have 15 semester credit hours in the content

b. A middle level pedagogy course OR recent accredited experience of one year of more in grades 5-8

c. Passing score on the appropriate middle level content assessment

3. Any secondary licensed teacher can add any new secondary endorsement

OR

Any teacher with a middle level content endorsement (math, science, history/government, English language arts) can add the secondary level to that content endorsement by verifying the following:

a. Completion of 50% or more of the approved content area program including the methods course

b. A passing score on the appropriate secondary content assessment

If you just want to add an additional endorsement, please see Instructions to Add an Additional Endorsement (PDF). After you submit the application, it comes to K-State for approval from the Licensing office, stating that all coursework and tests are complete.


Subject Assessment Tests
KSDE requires that everyone pass a pedagogy test – the PLT. They must also pass a test in each subject they teach. A list of the required tests and required scores can be found on the KSDE Testing Information web page.


Instructions to Add Initial License (PDF)

Instructions to Add Additional Endorsement (PDF)