Applying for a New Certification in Kentucky

Candidates for new certification who have completed an approved educator preparation program in Kentucky, or who are seeking a rank change based on an approved Kentucky program, please complete the process below.


Applying for Certification: 

Beginning May 2, 2022, the application for certification can be submitted electronically by creating/logging into your account in the new KECS Web Portal. Once logged in, click on “Start an Application” on the Dashboard page and follow the prompts in the application wizard to apply for Initial certification and submit the required documentation.  A certification fee of $85 will be required as the final step before submitting your electronic application.


Submitting Official Transcripts:

Official Bachelor’s and Master’s/graduate (if applicable) transcripts must be submitted in addition to the application.
Transcripts are only considered official if submitted the one of the following ways:  

  • Sent by mail on official transcript paper to:

KDE Certification,
300 Sower Blvd., 5th Floor
Frankfort, KY 40601.  

*Official transcripts that are mailed or dropped off at the office are NOT returned to the applicant.  

  • Electronic transcripts sent DIRECTLY from the institution's third-party transcript provider to KDELicensure@education.ky.gov.. Electronic transcripts are not accepted if printed by or forwarded by the applicant. 


PRAXIS Tests:

The Kentucky PRAXIS requirements can be found on the ETS website.  If you have tested outside of Kentucky, select the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (code 7283) to have ETS electronically submit your scores to our office. Tests taken in Kentucky should automatically be reported to the Education Professional Standards Board.

Last modified: Monday, May 2, 2022, 9:32 AM