Special Services Standard Certificate
First Time Applicant
Who applies?
- A standard special services certificate is for applicants who are looking to be a school nurse or school audiologist in a Nebraska school system.
Where is it valid?
- A standard special services certificate is valid for providing special services as a nurse or audiologist in all Nebraska school systems.
When does it expire?
- A standard special services certificate is a 5-year certificate and expires September 30th in the fifth year following the year of issuance.
What are the requirements for this certificate?
- An application and fee in the TEACH system (Please note that registration for TEACH is required first; then an application can be submitted.)
- Submit official transcripts from college or universities that show completion of an audiologist or nursing program. See submitting transcripts for more information.
- Fingerprints (required only if someone has lived outside of Nebraska in the past five years)
- Submit evidence of a current Nebraska license as a Registered Nurse or Registered Audiologist from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
- Human Relations Training– If you do not meet this requirement, you may qualify for a temporary or conditional while you complete this requirement.
Renewals
In order to renew a Standard Special Services Certificate, an applicant must meet the requirements of the initial standard special services certificate. New transcripts will not be required if you are renewing. We will need an updated valid license from DHHS.
FAQs
Do I need to hold an active RN or Audiologist license in Nebraska?
- Yes in order to qualify for this certificate, an applicant needs to hold an active Nebraska RN or Audiologist license from DHHS OR hold a multi-state nursing license. Nebraska is now a member of the Compact Nursing States. Additional information on that can be found here: Compact Nursing States List 2025 | Licensure Map | Nurse.Org More information on DHHS licenses can be found here: Nurse Licensing.
Will I need to take a test for this certificate?
- No there is no additional testing requirements for this certificate.
Can I substitute teach with this certificate?
- This certificate will not allow you to substitute teach. You will need to qualify and hold a substitute permit in order to substitute teach. You may hold both at the same time.
Do I need to meet the Human Relations Training Requirement (HRT)?
- Yes, all certificate and permit holders are required to meet the HRT requirement per state law.