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Administrative Certificates and Permits

Administrative Certificates and Permits allow you to manage or direct offices, departments or services of a Nebraska school system. To obtain an Administrative Certificate or Permit in Nebraska, you have to have completed a master’s degree program for Educational Leadership, Educational Administration or a subject area master’s degree with a plan to complete additional coursework.

Traditional Pathways

Standard Certificate – Completion of a master’s degree in Educational Administration, Educational Leadership or a content area, plus any required additional coursework.

Professional Certificate – Completion of a minimum of 60 graduate hours in an approved Educational Administration or Educational Leadership program, earned an Education Specialist or doctoral degree, or completed a state-approved superintendent preparation program.

Alternative Pathways

Alternative Program Administrative Permit

  • Pathway One – Completion of at least 50% of an approved principal or curriculum supervisor preparation program, or 75% of an approved superintendent preparation program.
  • Pathway Two – Hold a previously expired regular administrative certificate or have completed an approved administrative preparation program more than five years prior to application.

Nebraska Entry Administrative Permit

Updated October 6, 2026 9:56am