Division of Educator Licensure and Quality

Congratulations on becoming a National Board Certified Teacher!  

You are now eligible for rank change to your Kentucky teacher certification.  Please note…beginning May 2022, our office launched the new KECS system and all applications are now submitted electronically.  We are no longer processing applications by mail.  You must log into your KECS account to begin the application process. Click here to log into your KECS account.

On the Dashboard screen, you will need to click Start an Application.  On the application menu screen, select Rank Change (CA-1) and click NEXT.  On the following page, please select National Board as the basis for the rank change request. Finally, click Start Application.

You must complete the following elements for your application:

• National Board:  Upload a copy of your National Board congratulatory letter or a copy of the issued certificate.
• Character and Fitness:  Complete the questions and electronically sign.

Lastly, you will be prompted to Proceed to Payment to make the $85 payment for rank change. Once payment is successful, your application will automatically submit to the certification work queue. Applications are worked in the order received.  Login to your KECS account to check the status or access the most current certificate.

If you have any questions about this process, you can email KDElicensure@education.ky.gov or call 502-564-5846  to speak with a certification specialist.

More information about National Board Certification can be found on the KDE website: Click her for National Board Certification info.