License Application Information

Initial License »
The ”Initial License“ is the first license that is issued. It can be a teaching license, a specialist license, or a leadership license.

For an Initial Teaching License you must have a Bachelor's degree, complete a teacher education program, have recent college credits, and pass the PLT and Subject Assessment tests. You must then apply for a license. You will not automatically get a license just because you complete our program.

The application can be completed online. Download the Instructions for the Initial License (PDF). You will also need to have a background check.

Your online application will be submitted to K-State. You will get an e-mail message at that time telling you that it was sent to KSU. The Licensing Officer then verifies that you have completed K-State's program requirements and passed the PRAXIS II tests. The application is then submitted to the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) to process and issue the license. At that time, you will get an e-mail from the Licensing Officer explaining payment to KSDE.

The Initial License is a two-year license. KSDE is currently making changes to the process of upgrading your license to a Professional License. There will be a one-year mentorship monitored by the school district required. Check the KSDE website or contact them for more information.

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Professional License »
The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) defines the Professional License as: “a license issued to an individual based on successful completion of a performance assessment and maintained by professional development.” A Professional License is available at the Teaching, Specialist, and Leadership levels. KSDE is currently making changes to the process of upgrading your license to a Professional License. They no longer require the KPA or Internship, but are requiring a mentorship. Check their website or contact them for more information. This process is no longer handled through the University, but directly through your school district and KSDE. It is current for five years.

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Provisional License »
A Provisional License is given in an area where you have completed part of the course work for an approved program, but not all of it. It is added to your Initial or Professional License. It will allow you to teach the subject while you complete the coursework.

To qualify for the Provisional License, you must have a teaching license, complete 50% of the required coursework in the area, and have a job in the area. You must request a paper application from our office. A section of the form asks your administrator to verify that you are employed to teach in that area. After the administrator signs, you send the form to the Licensing Office at K-State, along with your official transcript(s). The Licensing Officer verifies that you have 50% of the coursework done. The application is then forwarded to the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) to issue the license. Special Education has an exception to the 50% rule. Contact Dr. Warren White for more information.

The Provisional License expires in two years. If you have completed 50% of the remaining coursework, you can apply for a second Provisional license, following the same directions as for the first. When you complete all of the coursework and the PRAXIS Subject Assessment test(s), you can apply to add the endorsement to your license.

Download the Instructions to Add a Provisional License. (PDF)

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Adding Endorsements »
Teachers often teach more than one area, so they need endorsements in each area they teach. Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) no longer requires you to complete an approved program of study to add another endorsement to a current teaching license. You can add teaching endorsements in all areas except Elementary, Early Childhood, and Special Education, by taking and passing the PRAXIS content test. After you pass the content test, send your scores to KSDE to have the endorsement added to your license. Applications can be found oin the KSDE website. Since this is a Kansas rule, it does not assure that you will be licensed in the area if you go to another state.

If you are interested in completing an approved program for the endorsement, not just passing the test, you can find the requirements on the Secondary Education Program Description page. Elementary teachers can add additional endorsements in ESL and Special Education. For a list of the coursework needed to add the endorsements contact Di Murphy at 785-532-5524. Doing the approved program is very important if you are planning to move to a state that requires more than a test for an endorsement. To add an Endorsement for an approved program, you submit Form 1. Download the Instructions for Adding an Additional Endorsement (PDF).

Note: Adding an endorsement will not renew your license. It requires another application to renew. The Renewal application can be found on the KSDE website. Adding an endorsement by passing the test and renewing your license do not require any action from the University.

→ Download the Instructions for Adding an Endorsement and Renewing Your License at the Same Time (PDF).

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Emergency Substitute License »
You can apply for an Emergency Substitute License if you have completed 60 hours of college credit. This application does not go through our office. You can find information and applications at the KSDE web page.

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Substitute License »
A Substitute License is available for people who have completed a teacher education program, but do not have the all the other requirements. Typically, the missing requirements are the PRAXIS II tests or recent college credit. The KSDE website has more information about Substitute Licenses.

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One Year Non-Renewable License »
If you have completed a Teacher Education program, but have not passed the required tests, you can apply for this license. It is in effect from July 1 to June 30 of the year you apply, and cannot be renewed. You apply for this license using the same Form 1 application for the Initial License, but mark the option of the One Year Non-Renewable.

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Renewal »
To renew your teaching license, you must work with the Professional Development Council (PDC) in the local school district. They work with you to set up a plan including professional development workshops and college credit. K-State cannot approve the coursework, but we can work with you if you are working towards additional endorsements as part of your Professional Development plan. K-State Continuing Education offers a variety of courses that are aimed towards Educators. The application and instructions for renewing are found on the Kansas State Department of Education website.

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