 September 2, 2026
“By all these lovely tokens, September days are here. With summer's best of weather and autumn's best of cheer."
– Helen Hunt Jackson
- Why Renew Your Certificate Early?
- Process Change: Approved Provider Clock Hour Transcripts
- Welcome! OSPI Director of Professional Certification
- New! E-Certification Resource Guide
- Accurate ESA Assignment and Reporting Matters
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Why Renew Your Certificate Early?
If you have already completed the clock hours needed for renewal, there is no disadvantage to renewing early.
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You do not lose any time on your certificate: Your renewed certificate will still expire five years after your current expiration date, not five years from the date you renew.
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You can make the most of your clock hours: Clock hours may only be used if they were completed between the certificate’s issuance and expiration dates. Renewing early starts your next renewal cycle sooner, allowing future clock hours to count toward your next renewal.
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You can avoid the renewal rush: Many Washington certificates have a uniform expiration date, and many educators wait until the renewal deadline to apply. This creates a high-volume period for our office and may result in longer processing and response times.
If you have met your renewal requirements, consider renewing early. It gives you more time for your next renewal cycle and helps you avoid the last-minute rush!
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Process Change: Approved Provider Clock Hour Transcripts
Background & Purpose
The OSPI Professional Certification Department currently accepts school district clock hour transcripts as documentation for certificate renewal. Because transcript formats vary and there are no standard content requirements, transcript reviews can be inconsistent and may delay the renewal process. As part of an ongoing effort to standardize the transcripts received, the department is asking districts to include the common requirements below in their transcripts to ease the review and renewal process.
Effective October 1, 2026
The Professional Certification Department will only accept transcripts that are OSPI-approved as clock hour documentation. Please note that the 1125 Form is still accepted.Transcripts only need to be approved for school districts who wish to use them in lieu of the 1125 Form.
Transcript Requirements
To be approved, a school district transcript must include:
- Educator's name
- Washington certificate number (if available)
- Course completion date
- Course title
- Number of clock hours earned
- Applicable hour designation(s):
- STEM
- Equity
- Leadership
- Fundamental Course of Study and Subject Matter
- School district or organization logo or official seal
- Signature of an authorized representative (such as an administrator, superintendent, clock hour manager, or human resources manager)
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If Your District's Transcript Does Not Meet the Requirements
School districts should update their transcript format to meet the requirements before October 1, 2026.
If a district does not issue transcripts, or its transcript has not been approved by OSPI, the Clock Hour Form (1125) may be used as clock hour documentation.
If Your District Was Previously Approved
If your district was previously listed as an approved transcript provider but is no longer on the approved list, please resubmit your transcript for review. As part of an ongoing effort to standardize the approval process, OSPI is reviewing all previously approved transcript formats.
Refer to the Pre-Approved Transcript Providers list on the Approved Providers webpage to verify your district's status.
How to Request Transcript Approval
If your district's transcript already meets the requirements above:
- Complete the Transcript Review Request Form.
- Submit only a copy of the school district transcript for review. Do not submit the Clock Hour Form (1125).
- OSPI will review the transcript and notify the district of the approval decision.
- Once approved, OSPI will maintain a copy of the transcript on file. If the district later revises its transcript, an updated copy must be submitted for review.
Welcome! OSPI Director of Professional Certification
Preferred Name: Katrina Tuggle
Pronouns: she/her
Brief Professional Background: 16 years of experience as an educator, school leader, and statewide systems leader. Most recently, she served with the Washington State Office of Equity, where she led complex cross-agency initiatives, helped translate policy and legislative direction into effective systems, and built strong partnerships across agencies and communities. Katrina's background as a teacher, dean of students, assistant principal, and principal also gave her a deep appreciation for the educator experience and the important role certification plays in supporting Washington’s educator workforce.
What Excited You About Joining OSPI?
I’m excited to serve educators and students on a broader scale. I’m looking forward to working alongside such a knowledgeable and dedicated team.
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New! E-Certification (eCert) Resource
This guide is a step-by-step reference for college/university candidates navigating eCert from account setup through certification application and accessing their certification records.
Additional eCert guides coming soon!
Accurate ESA Assignment and Reporting Matters
Educational Staff Associates (ESAs) must be assigned and reported in accordance with the role authorized by their certificate or permit. Ensuring staff are appropriately assigned helps districts remain compliant with state requirements and reduces the risk of staffing or reporting issues.
Resources:
WAC 181-82-125 states that no person may be assigned within the basic education program to serve in a specific ESA role unless they hold a certificate or permit endorsed for that role.
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Resources
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Questions?
If you or an educator has questions regarding information in this newsletter, reach out to our Professional Certification Customer Service team at 360-725-6400 or by email at cert@k12.wa.us, and one of our Program Specialists will assist you.
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The OSPI Professional Certification Department thanks you for your collaboration in support of Washington state educators!
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