Processing time for certification applications is approximately 3-4 months.

For all Educators Renewing Certification on or after 9/1/2010

The Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education approved on June 3, 2010 a transitional certification renewal process. Under this transitional process, educators renew their certifications with only appropriate fees and any necessary documentation as required by certification requirements - professional development requirements do not apply. RIDE is working to develop a new certification and certification renewal process that will integrate certification, certification renewal, and educator evaluation. Until the new system is implemented, the transitional certification process remains in effect. Please see the FAQs below for more detailed information.

 Certificates Expiring After August 31, 2010

Q: If I am due to renew my certificate on August 31, 2011 do I need to complete the I‐Plan process?
A: No. Educators renewing their certificate(s) in 2011 will not be required to complete their I‐Plan and will be issued a prorated 1‐year professional transitional certificate. The 1‐year professional transitional certificate will be renewed on a yearly basis until the new renewal regulations are developed and promulgated by the Board of Regents. The fee for the 1‐year professional transitional certificate is dependent on how many certificates and endorsements an educator is renewing.

Q: If I am due to renew my certificate on August 31, 2012 do I need to complete my I‐Plan?
A: No. Educators renewing their certificate(s) in 2012 will not be required to complete their I‐Plan and will be issued a prorated 1‐year professional transitional certificate. The 1‐year professional transitional certificate will be renewed on a yearly basis until the new renewal regulations are developed and promulgated by the Board of Regents. The fee for the 1‐year professional transitional certificate is dependent on how many certificates and endorsements an educator is renewing.

Q: If I am due to renew my certificate on August 31, 2013 do I need to complete my I‐Plan?
A: No. Educators renewing their certificate(s) in 2013 will not be required to complete their I‐Plan and will be issued a prorated 1‐year professional transitional certificate. The 1‐year professional transitional certificate will be renewed on a yearly basis until the new renewal regulations are developed and promulgated by the Board of Regents. The fee for the 1‐year professional transitional certificate is dependent on how many certificates and endorsements an educator is renewing.

Q: If I renewed my certificate in 2009 and it is due to be renewed on August 31, 2014 do I need to complete my I‐Plan?
A: No. Educators renewing their certificate(s) in 2014 will not be required to complete their I‐Plan and will be issued a prorated 1‐year professional transitional certificate. The 1‐year professional transitional certificate will be renewed on a yearly basis until the new renewal regulations are developed and promulgated by the Board of Regents. The fee for the 1‐year professional transitional certificate is dependent on how many certificates and endorsements an educator is renewing.

Q: If I am due to renew in 2011, 2012, 2013 and have already completed the I‐Plan criteria for renewal, can I renew now and be issued a five year professional certificate?
A: No. The earliest an educator can apply for recertification is January 1 of the calendar year that their certificate expires.

Q: What will I be required to do to renew my 1-year professional certificate?
A: Educators will renew their 1-year professional certificate with only necessary fees and documentation - professional develop requirements will not apply.