HR—How to Pursue a Teacher Certification in Kentucky

Applying for Teacher Certification in Kentucky

There are numerous routes to initial teacher certification in Kentucky that include traditional and nontraditional pathways. Select one of the links below to find the best route for you and to understand the process.

Alternative Routes to Pursue a Teacher Certification in Kentucky 

There are currently eight options or alternative routes to teaching that permit individuals to pursue teacher certification in Kentucky:

  • Exceptional Work Experience (for teachers grades prekindergarten through grade 12): Candidates with exceptional work experience in an academic content area who have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with a 2.75 grade point average (GPA) may be eligible for this pathway.
  • College Faculty (for teachers grades 8 through 12): Candidates who have a minimum of a master’s degree in an academic content area and have at least five years of full-time teaching experience in the content area at the college level may apply for 8–12 certification for the specific content under this route.
  • Local District Training Program (P through grade 12): There are no current local district training programs approved by the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) at this time. The Alternative Certification Elementary and Secondary (ACES) Program is no longer available in JCPS. 
  • Adjunct Instructor (P through grade 12): The Adjunct Instructor Certification does not lead to professional certification in Kentucky. However, it does allow those who have expertise and a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with a major or minor in an academic content area and meet other qualifications to teach part-time on a contract basis.
  • Veterans of the Armed Forces: A pathway to certification for veterans with at least six years of eligible military service and an honorable discharge who have a GPA of at least 2.75 and a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in an academic content area or meet Praxis requirements
  • University-Based Alternative Route (P through grade 12): This option is for individuals who hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a nonteaching major and who are interested in attaining initial teacher certification, meet university admission requirements, and have a GPA of at least 2.75.
  • Institute Alternative Route: There are no current institute alternative routes approved by the EPSB at this time. 
  • Teach for America: A national nonprofit organization that recruits, trains, and supports outstanding recent college graduates for career placement in participating school districts within the Appalachian Region of Kentucky

Kentucky Division of Educator Licensure and Quality 

Please contact the Kentucky Division of Educator Licensure and Quality if you have further questions

Phone: (502) 564-5846
Fax: (502) 564-7092
Email: KDELIcensure@education.ky.gov