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Renewal of an Idaho Certificate

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Renewal of an Idaho Certificate is ONLY for individuals who hold a five-year renewable certificate that is expiring August 31st of the current year. This certificate must be renewed to maintain validity; failure to renew the certificate before it expires will require an application for reinstatement. Do not apply for renewal earlier than January 1st of the year your certificate expires as it will be returned to you. Renewal applications will be accepted until August 31 of the year the certification expires. You can check your certificate’s validity period using the Certification Lookup Tool.

You may apply for additional endorsement(s) and/or certificate(s) at the time of renewal for no additional fee. Appropriate documents must be included to verify the endorsement requirements have been completed. For a list of appropriate documents visit the Revision of an Idaho Certificate webpage.

Dyslexia Professional Development

Lifetime Certificate

How to Apply

To apply for Renewal of an Idaho Certificate, you must submit an application packet with all required documents and fees.

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Required documents and Fees

Completed and signed Idaho Educator Certification Application packet
Application fee of $75.00
- 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

Professional Development – Six (6) Semester Credits

Credits taken for renewal must be related to the applicant’s content area/area of endorsement or professional practice/pedagogy and must be completed during the validity period of the certificate:
- Three (3) credits must be completed through an accredited college/university and be placed on a college/university transcript.
- Graduate or undergraduate credit will be accepted for renewal.
Idaho district/charter school/private school in-service hours or Continuing Education Units (CEU) may be applied toward up to three (3) credits:
- Fifteen (15) hours are equivalent to one semester credit.
- An Idaho Approved In-service form signed by an authorized individual at the Idaho district/charter school/private school for the hours to be counted.
- Idaho district/charter school/private school may approve Continuing Education Units (CEU) using the Idaho Approved In-service form
Transcripts for semester credit can be official or unofficial.
- Please include transcripts with the renewal application for expedited processing.
- Electronic copies of transcripts and/or in-service forms can be emailed to transcripts@sde.idaho.gov as a PDF.
Three (3) quarter credit hours are equal to two (2) semester credit hours.

Specific Requirements

Administrator Certification

All administrators in Idaho are required to complete a three (3) credit course in the Idaho framework for teachers’ evaluation during the five (5) year validity period of the credential being renewed. IMPORTANT: The teachers’ evaluation course is only required if you have held the administrator certificate for the full five years of the credential period.
Transcripts with the course listed should be included with the packet.
For more information including a list of approved courses, see the Idaho State Board of Education’s Administrative Certificate Renewal Requirement webpage or call the Office of the State Board of Education’s Educator Effectiveness Program Manager at (208) 332-1593.

Pupil Service Staff

All Pupil Service Staff in Idaho are required to complete six credits for renewal (see Professional Development dropdown above) or provide a current occupational license issued by the appropriate Idaho state licensing board.

Application Mailing Address

Idaho Department of Education
Teacher Certification
PO Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0027

Online Renewal

A credit or debit card is required to renew your certificate online.

Online Certificate Renewal

Do not use the online renewal process if you currently hold a 3-year certificate. Please visit the Interim Certificate Completer page and submit a paper application.
If you hold an Occupational Specialist certificate, do not use the online renewal process. Please visit the Career & Technical Education (CTE) Certification renewal page for the appropriate forms and instructions.
If you need to make changes to your personal information or credential, do NOT use the online renewal process. You will need to mail us a completed application packet
There is a convenience fee of $3.25 added to each online renewal transaction
You will need to submit verification of six professional development credits as described above. Electronic copies of transcripts and/or in-service forms can be emailed to transcripts@sde.idaho.gov as a PDF.

Helpful Information

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Frequently Asked Questions

Did you receive my application?

You may use the Certification Lookup Tool to verify if we have received your application. Alternatively, you can contact certappstatus@sde.idaho.gov for an update on your application

Can there be extensions if I cannot get my six (6) credits done before I need to renew?

No, extensions cannot be granted. However, you may apply for reinstatement of your certificate.

Will I get a renewal notice?

No, renewal notices are not provided by the Idaho Department of Education. Some Idaho school districts do provide renewal notices.

I already have a five (5) year renewable certificate. How can I add a new certificate/endorsement?

Do I need to take dyslexia training for renewal?

Please review our guidance document to see if the dyslexia training requirement applies to you.