Interim Certificate for Non-traditional Candidates

• Completed and signed Idaho Educator Certification Application packet
• Application fee of $100.00
  • Checks and money orders are to be made payable to the Idaho Department of Education
  • Credit cards are not accepted as payment
  • Payment is non-refundable
  • Cash in the exact amount will be accepted for walk-ins only
• Completed Background Investigation Check (BIC) packet and processing fee
• Official transcripts showing baccalaureate degree
  • Official transcripts must verify baccalaureate degree
  • Official transcripts may be opened and verified but the institution’s original security paper version must be submitted
  • Please include transcripts with your packet in order to expedite your application
  • If transcripts are not included with your packet, please note in your application whether you are sending them electronically or by mail
  • Transcripts will not be accepted until two weeks after the application is received as we cannot link them to your application until it is received
  • Official transcripts sent electronically directly from the university/college are acceptable
    • The university/college may send electronic transcripts directly to transcripts@sde.idaho.gov
• American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence
  • Copy of ABCTE Professional Teaching Certificate
• College of Southern Idaho/Lewis Clark State College – Program Qualification letter and content qualifier
  • Content Qualifier:
    • BA in the Content Area
    • Passage of the Praxis test in the subject area being applied
    • Uniform Standard for Evaluating Content Competency (rubric)
• Teach For America – Program letter and passing Praxis score report

To qualify for a five (5) year renewable Idaho certificate, the candidate must complete a state board approved mentor program (with a mentor assigned by the hiring school) and meet all conditions listed on the interim certificate for the specific certificate and endorsement areas within the 3-year interim certificate validity period.

Mentor Program Requirements

The candidate will need to teach and complete a two (2) year state board approved teacher mentoring program that is aligned with the State Board Approved Mentor Program and receive two (2) years of successful evaluations during the three (3) year interim certificate to qualify for the five (5) year renewable Idaho certificate. The signed District/Charter and Mentor Recommendation Form for Non-Traditional Completers form must be included with the application for the five (5) year renewable Idaho certificate.

Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Course/Assessment (All candidates)

The Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Course (ICLC) is offered through university providers at a variety of venues throughout Idaho. The Idaho Comprehensive Literacy requirement can be fulfilled by completing and passing an in-person or online course, or by successful completion of the Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Assessment. Please visit the English Language Arts/Literacy page for additional information on course providers.

MTI/TMT (All candidates with the All Subjects K-8, Special Education and/or Mathematics endorsements)

The Mathematical Thinking for Instruction (MTI)/Teaching Mathematical Thinking (TMT) is a three-credit course that gives Idaho teachers and administrators the best practices and teaching strategies they need to help all students succeed in math. Please visit the Mathematics page for additional information on the course and course providers.

• American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE)
• Idaho Mentor Standards
• Teach for America (TFA)

Q: What requirements will need to be completed prior to being issued a five-year certificate?

A: Applicants issued a three (3) year Idaho Interim Certificate must meet the Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Course (ICLC) and Mathematical Thinking for Instruction (MTI) coursework requirements prior to being issued a five (5) year renewable certificate, to be completed during the validity of the three (3) year Idaho Interim Certificate. Verification of the coursework should be submitted to the Idaho Department of Education upon application for the five (5) year renewable certificate in addition to completed Mentor and Evaluator Checklists.