Washington Alternative Teacher Certification Process and Programs
In addition to traditional teacher certification, Washington also offers options for alternative teacher certification. Alternative teacher preparation programs, also known as non-traditional programs, are designed for those with a bachelor’s degree outside of education and typically lead to a certificate or master’s degree. These programs seek to recruit teaching candidates in high-need subject areas. If you don’t yet have your bachelor’s degree, see our guide to traditional certification in Washington. If you do have your bachelor’s degree, continue reading to learn more about becoming a teacher in Washington through alternative routes.
Table of Contents
- Washington Alternative Certification Requirements
- Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses
- Testing Requirements
- Licenses From Another State
- Schools With Alternative and Master’s Programs
- Best Alternative Certification Programs
- Fastest Alternative Certification Programs
- Additional Resources
Requirements for Alternative Certification
The minimum requirement to pursue Washington alternative certification is an associate degree, although most routes require at least a bachelor’s. Candidates may follow one of several paths, which typically require a post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program. These programs can usually be completed in one to two years and lead to a certificate or a master’s degree in education, teaching, or a core subject that includes an approved teacher preparation program.
Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses in Washington
To attract qualified teachers to the classroom, Washington offers multiple pathways to alternative teacher certification designed for diverse education and experience backgrounds. You must have at least an associate’s degree to begin an alternative route certification program in the state.
Route 1
Route 1 is a pathway to teacher certification for district staff (such as paraeducators) with an associate’s degree. This pathway is open to candidates who wish to become endorsed in a teacher shortage area such as bilingual education, early childhood education, English language learners, special education, mathematics, or elementary education. In addition to holding an associate’s degree, candidates for certification through this route must have at least one year of verifiable experience as an instructional employee and pass the state’s basic skills exam. Qualified candidates must complete an approved teacher preparation program to earn their bachelor’s degree and meet certification requirements, including a one-year residency in their school district. Candidates following this route typically meet the requirements for certification in two years or less.
Route 2
Similar to Route 1, the Route 2 pathway is for district staff, but for those with bachelor’s degrees. It is used primarily when schools have difficulty finding licensed teachers in shortage areas. Candidates must be employed at a school district, have at least one year of experience, and pass the state basic skills and the subject matter assessment before student teaching begins. You can find out more about this certificate through the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB).
Route 3
Route 3 is designed for career-changers with a bachelor’s degree who are not employed with a district. Route 3 candidates enroll in an educator preparation program for one or two years, including a one-year residency and student teaching. Candidates must submit reference letters and letters of support from previous employers, especially any demonstrated experience with students or children. They must also pass the basic skills and subject matter assessment before student teaching begins.
Route 4
Another option for alternative teacher certification in Washington is Route 4. This type of license is available to individuals with a bachelor’s degree who are currently employed in a school district on a limited certificate. Route 4 candidates enroll in an educator preparation program for approximately one year that includes a one-year residency in their school district. They must provide reference letters and documentation of experience with students or children. They must also pass the basic skills and subject matter assessment before student teaching begins.
Conditional Career and Technical Educator (CTE) Certificate
The Conditional Career and Technical Educator (CTE) Certificate is a provisional, two-year certificate available for those who wish to teach CTE subjects but who do not have a full teaching certificate. The candidate must be highly qualified and experienced in the career area to be taught. The hiring school district must apply for the certificate on the candidate’s behalf. The CTE Certificate is usually issued if a school district cannot fill a position with a certified educator. Candidates must complete a written training plan while working under this type of license and working towards an Initial CTE Certificate.
Conditional Teacher Certificate
In addition to the pathways to teacher licensure outlined above, school districts may request Conditional Teaching Certificates on behalf of candidates they would like to hire for teaching positions. These certificates are used when a district cannot find fully-licensed educators in specific subjects or areas of need. Certificates must be requested by the district on the candidate’s behalf. Conditional Certificates are good for two years. For more information, review the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) website.
Testing Requirements for Washington Alternative Certification
Washington alternative teacher candidates must pass the same assessments as traditional candidates. A basic skills test (typically the Washington Educator Skills Test-Basic (WEST-B), SAT, or ACT) and a content knowledge test (typically the Washington Educator Skills Test-Endorsement (WEST-E)) are required. For more information on testing requirements, visit the OSPI Teacher Assessments page.
Transferring Teaching Licenses From Another State
Out-of-state teachers may be eligible for reciprocity in Washington. Teachers with a Wisconsin Masters Educator License or the Ohio Professional Teaching License may apply directly for the Professional Teacher Certificate. Washington does not often recognize reciprocity through the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC). However, the state accepts out-of-state applications and determines whether a candidate’s qualifications meet Washington’s standards on a case-by-case basis. Candidates deemed eligible must pass the Washington state exams for educators. For further details, visit our guide to teaching license reciprocity.
Schools With Alternative and Master’s Programs in Washington
To qualify for teacher certification, you must complete an approved teacher preparation program. Alternative route teacher licensing programs typically lead to a certificate or master’s degree. The not-for-profit, school-based alternative certification programs below have been approved by PESB for the preparation of teachers.
| State-Approved School | Accreditation | Program Type(s) | Alt. Teacher Program Enrollment4 | Alt. Teacher Prep Prog. Completers4 | Alt. Licensing Exams Pass Rate4 | Net Price5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antioch University* | — | Alternative, Master’s | 22 | 3 | N.Av. | N.Av. |
| Bates Technical College* | — | Alternative CTE only | — | — | — | N.Av. |
| Central Washington University* | — | Alternative, Master’s | 40 | 8 | N.Av. | $16,441 |
| City University of Seattle* | — | Alternative, Master’s | 361 | 75 | 97% | N.Av. |
| Eastern Washington University* | — | Alternative, Master’s | 86 | 46 | 93% | $12,322 |
| Evergreen State College | — | Master’s | — | — | — | $14,723 |
| Gonzaga University | — | Master’s | — | — | — | $36,880 |
| Grays Harbor College* | — | Alternative | — | — | — | $6,954 |
| Heritage University* | — | Alternative, Master’s | 82 | 39 | 88% | $7,356 |
| Northwest University* | — | Alternative, Master’s | 12 | 5 | 100% | $21,825 |
| Pacific Lutheran University* | — | Alternative, Master’s | 64 | 34 | 96% | $25,368 |
| Pierce College* | — | Alternative | — | — | — | $8,147 |
| Saint Martin’s University* | — | Alternative, Master’s | 23 | 16 | N.Av. | $23,824 |
| Seattle Pacific University* | — | Alternative, Master’s | 74 | 74 | 90% | $28,367 |
| Seattle University | — | Master’s | 27 | 13 | N.Av. | $36,843 |
| South Seattle College* | — | Alternative CTE only | — | — | — | N.Av. |
| University of Puget Sound | — | Master’s | — | — | — | $38,127 |
| University of Washington-Bothell* | — | Alternative | — | — | — | $8,841 |
| University of Washington-Seattle* | — | Alternative, Master’s | 81 | 28 | N.Av. | $9,661 |
| University of Washington-Tacoma* | — | Alternative, Master’s | — | — | — | $10,113 |
| Walla Walla University | — | Master’s | — | — | — | $23,598 |
| Washington State University-Pullman* | — | Alternative, Master’s | 32 | 11 | N.Av. | $17,931 |
| Washington State University-Tri-Cities | — | Master’s | — | — | — | N.Av. |
| Western Governors University | — | Master’s | — | — | — | N.Av. |
| Western Washington University* | — | Alternative, Master’s | 42 | 26 | 100% | $18,398 |
| Whitworth University | — | Certificate, Master’s | — | — | — | $25,785 |
| Yakima Valley College* | — | Alternative | — | — | — | $7,265 |
- — indicates none or not applicable.
- N.Av. indicates data was not available or pass rates were omitted for confidentiality.
- *Schools with an asterisk offer programs that can include paid classroom placements, subject to qualifications and experience. Students may be responsible for securing their own placement. Contact programs for further information.
Best Alternative Teacher Certification Programs in Washington
We used overall pass rates on the teacher licensing exams to identify the best alternative teacher certification programs in Washington. The following schools reported 90% or higher pass rates for alternative and master’s program graduates.
- Northwest University (Alternative, Master’s; 100%)
- Western Washington University (Alternative, Master’s; 100%)
- City University of Seattle (Alternative, Master’s; 97%)
- Pacific Lutheran University (Alternative, Master’s; 97%)
- Eastern Washington University (Alternative, Master’s; 93%)
- Seattle Pacific University (Alternative, Master’s; 90%)4
Fastest Alternative Certification Programs
The following schools have the fastest programs to qualify for teacher certification in Washington based on the shortest possible time to completion. Shorter alternative certification programs are often more affordable since they require fewer credit hours. Check with programs to verify program costs and funding opportunities.
- City University of Seattle (9 months)
- Heritage University (11 months)
- Antioch University (12 months)
- Bates Technical College (12 months)
- Eastern Washington University (12 months)
- Evergreen State College (12 months)
- Gonzaga University (12 months)
- Northwest University (12 months)
- Pacific Lutheran University (12 months)
- Seattle Pacific University (12 months)
- Seattle University (12 months)
- University of Puget Sound (12 months)
- University of Washington-Bothell (12 months)
- University of Washington-Seattle (12 months)
- University of Washington-Tacoma (12 months)
- Washington State University-Pullman (12 months)
- Whitworth University (12 months)
Additional Resources
- Washington OSPI, Career and Technical Education Applicants: Provides requirements for certification in CTE.
- Washington PESB Alternate Routes to Certification Pathway: Overview of available routes for alternative certification in the state, with links to detailed requirements.
Related Articles
- Alternative Teacher Certification Guide
- Washington Traditional Teacher Certification Guide
- Teacher Certification Reciprocity Guide
References:
1. Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction: https://ospi.k12.wa.us/
2. Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP): https://caepnet.org/provider-search
3. Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP): https://aaqep.org/accredited-programs
4. US Department of Education 2021 Title II Report: https://title2.ed.gov/Public/Home.aspx
5. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/