Educator Certification

Processing Times 

At this time, application processing times are 8-10 weeks. The certification office sincerely thanks you for your patience. 

For technical issues with the My eCert portal, please submit a ticket. 

Certification Areas & Requirements

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Full text of the Certification Regulations promulgated on August 18, 2020 

For additional information, please watch this informational video on the certification regulations.

This guidance aims to clarify the interaction of state law and regulations on educator certification and state law and regulations on charter schools and assist charter school leadership in determining staffing and certification requirements.

Background:

Rhode Island General Laws § 28-5.1-14 as amended by 2020 PL, ch. 071 enacted 7/22/2020 Fair Chance prohibits a state agency from disqualifying a license/registration/permit applicant from occupation, trade, vocation, profession and business licensing, solely or in part, based upon a criminal conviction absent a determination that the conviction substantially relates to the occupation for which the applicant applied. The Fair Chance disqualification prohibition is broad in that it applies to persons and any occupation, trade, vocation, profession, or business for which an occupational license, permit, certificate, or registration is required. See RIGL § 28-5.1-14(d). Fair Chance also requires annual reporting by state agencies with respect to every occupational license, permit, or certificate under their jurisdiction. See RIGL § 28-5.1-14(l)

Reporting Period: January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021

Verify the credentials of Rhode Island teachers, administrators, and support professionals here.