Educator Certification
How long is the processing time during the summer months?
Due to fluctuations in the volume of online applications and inquiries received during the summer months in anticipation for the upcoming school year, it is often difficult to estimate processing time of an application/certificate. Processing time may be six weeks or longer from the date of the last piece of information received (application, transcript, background clearance, etc.) .
Do I have to complete a Missouri background check if I have recently completed one in another state?
Yes. You are required to complete a Missouri fingerprint background check for the department.
Where should I mail my correspondence?
Please mail correspondence to Educator Certification, PO Box 480, Jefferson City MO 65102. Include your Educator ID number on all correspondence.
What is the fee for a background check?
The fee for this process is currently $41.75.
Will my degree and/or coursework be accepted for certification?
For your degree and/or coursework to be accepted to meet certification requirements, they must be completed at a regionally accredited college or university. The regional accrediting agencies accepted by our department include the following:
What classes can I teach with my certificate?
Appropriate certification for teaching assignments is determined and monitored by the Office of Quality Schools. You can also consult the department’s Core Data and Missouri Student Information System Reference Manual (see Exhibit 10).