Nebraska Department of Education Homepage

Teaching Certificates

Teaching certificates and permits allow you to teach in your own classroom in a Nebraska School System. Each certificate or permit has an endorsement tied to it. The endorsement is what you are allowed to teach in the classroom.

There are traditional pathways to teacher certification in Nebraska. There are also alternative pathways to teacher certification. All teachers in Nebraska who are teaching in an approved or otherwise legally operated Nebraska School System are required to hold valid certificates or permits to teach.

Please use the links below to learn more about the different types of certificates and permits.

Traditional Pathways

Initial Certificate-Must have completed a program for initial certification through a college/university’s educator preparation program

Standard Certificate-Must have completed at least 2 consecutive years teaching in the last five years OR already hold a standard certificate

Professional Certificate –Must have completed at least 2 consecutive years teaching in the last five years and have received a qualifying masters degree in the past ten years OR already hold a professional certificate

Other Pathways

Career Education Permit-Must qualify for one of Nebraska Career and Technical education Career Clusters

Postsecondary Permit-Must qualify to teach postsecondary credit to high school students

Alternative Pathways

Military Certificate– Must hold a valid out-of-state teaching certificate to qualify for this certificate type

Alternative Permit– Must have a BA degree, plan in place with a college and job offer. This permit type can be renewed and will lead to initial certification.

Alternative Certificates– Must have a BA degree and have completed an approved alternative program. This certificate can be renewed but does not lead to initial certification.

Temporary Teaching Certificates– Must have at least 48 credit hours, be a para for a school system and pass the appropriate content test. This certificate cannot be renewed.

Endorsements Offered in Nebraska

Nebraska Educator Preparation

Updated June 4, 2025 12:01pm