Teaching Initial Certificate

The Initial Teaching Certificate is valid for teaching in all Nebraska schools unless someone applies for a nonpublic certificate only. Once issued, an Initial Teaching Certificate expires August 31 in the fifth year following the year of issuance.

The requirements for an Initial Teaching Certificate include the following:

1. An application and fee in the TEACH system  (Please note that registration for TEACH is required first; then an application can be submitted.)
2. Fingerprints (required only if someone has lived outside of Nebraska in the past five years)
3. Official Transcript(s)
4. Institutional Verification – This form is used to show that a program was completed. The form is sent electronically to Nebraska colleges and universities.
5. Educator Certificate – A certificate is required only for those who have not been certified in Nebraska.
6. Employment Verification – This form is required for those who have employment experience in a school district/system outside of Nebraska.
7. Basic Skills Test – In Nebraska, this requirement is met by taking the Praxis Core test before being admitted to a teacher preparation program. It can be waived with two years of teaching experience from outside of the state, along with a valid teaching certificate from that state. Other basic skills tests used by other states can also be accepted, as long as they assess reading, writing and math. For the most up-to-date list of tests accepted by Nebraska and for information on registration, visit the ETS website.
8. Content Test – Nebraska accepts only the Praxis Content test and is required for each new endorsement added to a certificate after September 1, 2015.  For the most up-to-date list of tests accepted by Nebraska and for information on how to register for a test, visit the ETS website.
9. Human Relations Training
10. Special Education Training

More information on how to send supporting documents can be found in the FAQ section of this website.