Teacher Certification

The Office of Teacher Certification ensures that educators are properly credentialed and provides technical assistance to school districts, teachers, and college administrators regarding certification.

To check the status of your application, log into your OECS account via Single SignOn. There will be a notice informing you of what date we are currently processing. Then click on the option to view your credentials to see when your application was received.

IMPORTANT ANNOUCEMENT- Change in Walk-In policy

Beginning Monday, July 22nd: In an effort to deliver top-notch customer service, ALL visitors to the Teacher Certification Section must have a scheduled appointment.

1. Those needing a fingerprint appointment, click here: HERE
2. *** Appointments to speak with a certification specialist will only be accepted if the matter cannot be resolved via email or phone. This allows us to better serve you when processing certificate requests. To determine if your situation qualifies for an appointment, this form must be electronically submitted Certification Specialist Appointment Request

Click here to find the list of approved exams for Oklahoma certification. The corresponding Oklahoma certification area/s will be noted on the left-hand side.

ATTENTION: As of September 18, 2023, the OSDE has gone digital with teaching certificates and advisement letters.

What this means:

Hard copies of teaching certificates and most advisement letters will not automatically be mailed to people’s homes or school districts. Applicants will be able to view their digital certificates on a link via their dashboard (see the screenshot below) on the Oklahoma Educator Credentialing System (OECS). There will be no increase in the processing fee. You can view your advisement letters on the tab marked “letters” on the left side of your credential screen to see what additional requirements you may have to advance or renew your certificate. You will still be able to purchase a duplicate hard copy for an additional $25 online, as is the current process. However, Oklahoma schools districts will not need a hard copy for their records. They only need to reference the Single Sign-On system.

Additionally, all certification types will now be listed on the same digital certificate. For example, if you have a standard certificate but also have a provisional certificate via the career path for paraprofessionals, they will all be listed on one digital certificate. The different certificate types and expiration date of each certification area will be listed as well. So, be careful to not let individual areas lapse.

NOTE : Our phone line at (405) 521-3337 offers an automatic call-back feature. However, in order for that feature to work effectively, you must call from a phone that will dial you directly.

Table of Contents

• Emergency Certification Guidance (OK school district use only)
• Announcements
• Teacher Certification Quick Links
• Background Checks & Fingerprinting
• Guidance
• Important News & Updates
• Additional Resources

Why teach?

Here are some reasons why teachers say they choose this noblest of professions:

• Make a difference in the life of a child
• Ability to give endless possibilities for success
• Reap daily rewards of joy
• Opportunities to lead
• Build stronger communities
• Share a passion for learning

Take it from one of Oklahoma's best teachers:

"Teaching is one of the most challenging careers, yet it is one of the most important professions. Being a teacher is about making positive, lasting impressions and indelible marks. Creating the foundation for my students that will build the rest of their lives upon is an honor. Without teachers, there would be no other profession."

- Mara Richards
Durant Middle School
2014 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalist

Announcements

July 1, 2023