Adding Endorsements (Areas of Specialization)

Additional endorsement can be added to a certificate or permit upon completion of a program from a standard institution of higher education.

The requirements for an additional endorsement include:

1. An application and fee in the TEACH system
2. Official Transcript(s)– If you are completing your program at a NEBRASKA institution, transcripts are not required
3. Institutional Verification – This form is used to show that a program was completed. If you completed a program through a NEBRASKA institution, this form will be sent electronically by NDE.

Endorsements may be added to an initial, standard or professional certificate by taking and passing a subject specific content examination (Praxis Content Test). The full list of endorsements that may be added can be found here: Adding Endorsement by Content Test Updated Oct. 2025

The requirements for an additional endorsement through a content test include:

1. An application and fee in the TEACH system
2. Official Test Scores– Test scores may be automatically sent to the department. Please note, we are unable to issue anything until we have an official passing test score from ETS.

To Add a Provisional Endorsement, Fifty percent (50%) or more of the program must have already been completed in order to place the provisional endorsement on a valid regular Nebraska certificate; AND OFFICIAL transcripts of the coursework completed thus far, are also required. Provisional endorsements can only be added if completing a program through a Nebraska institution. 

• To apply:
  1. Complete the application and pay fee.
  2. The Added PROVISIONAL Endorsement Form MUST be completed and signed by an authorized certification official of the teacher training institution where the program is being completed. Programs must be completed at a Nebraska Institution.
• The Provisional Endorsement is valid for three years expiring on August 31st of the third year following issuance. This endorsement is not renewable.

To be eligible for a Interim Special Education Endorsement, you must have completed 6 semester hours of Special Education coursework from a higher education institution. Interim Special Education endorsements can only be added if completing the program through a Nebraska institution. 

• To apply
  1. Complete the application and pay fee.
  2. The Added PROVISIONAL Endorsement Form MUST be completed and signed by an authorized certification official of the teacher training institution where the program is being completed.
  3. Submit official transcripts showing 6 semester credit hours of special education coursework.
  4. Submit Affirmation of Eligibility form requesting the issuance of the provisional special education endorsement.
• The Provisional Special Education Endorsement will expire August 31 in the year following the year of issuance and may be renewed up to two (2) times. In order to renew, you must submit official transcripts verifying completion of at least nine (9) semester hours of course work from your established plan.

How many credit hour are required for the endorsement? 

• Each endorsement has different requirements. To know the specific requirements, you will need to reach out to your institution.

If I am completing an endorsement by taking courses, do I need to also complete a content test? 

• No, a Praxis content test is no longer required if you complete a program through an educator preparation program.

Can I hold multiple endorsements?

• You may hold any endorsement that you qualify for and we have here in Nebraska.

Can I attend an out-of-state institution for a provisional endorsement? 

• Unfortunately at this time, applicants may only attend Nebraska institutions to add provisional endorsements.

Can I get a conditional while I wait for my praxis results? 

• No, we do not issue conditionals for added endorsements if we are waiting on Praxis results.

What is the benefit of adding an endorsement? 

• Endorsements verify what you are allowed to teach in Nebraska. An applicant might want to add an endorsement so they are compliant with Rule 10 regulations or if they are looking at additional opportunities at a school.