Oklahoma State Department of Education
1
SPECIAL EDUCATION CERTIFICATION PATHWAYS
SPECIAL EDUCATION - GUIDANCE BRIEF
1. Career Development Program Path for Paraprofessionals to Attain Teacher Certification
Prerequisites:
›
Bachelor’s degree with 2.5 or higher
›
One year experience in a public school as a paraprofessional in a special education setting
Next Steps:
1. Pass the OGET and Mild/Moderate or Severe/Profound OSAT
2. After passing these tests, complete a background check ($57.25)
3. Submit Application for Oklahoma Paraprofessional to Apply for Teaching Certificate ($30)
Converting to a Standard Certificate:
Over a three year period:
›
Complete 12 hours of college credit, including a minimum of 3 hours in reading
instruction, to be determined and approved by an institution of higher education which
has an accredited program related to the certificate area sought.
›
Successfully complete the PPAT
›
Complete at least one full school year of teaching service in a public or private school
accredited by the State Board of Education.
›
Submit Application for Oklahoma School Certificate, Official transcript reflecting
completion of the 12 hours, two favorable recommendations for a standard certificate, one
from the district board of education and one from the chair/director of education from the
program where the 12 hours were completed and $50
Adding Additional Certificates:
A certified teacher may take and pass specific additional subject area tests to add additional
areas to the teaching certificate. See examples below:
In order to teach in an elementary or early childhood setting, certified special education
teachers must demonstrate content mastery by passing the Elementary or Early Childhood
tests. This will allow for instruction ONLY in a special education setting. This cannot be used
for instruction in a general education setting.
At this time, under this pathway, there is not a way to add middle or secondary certifications.
Subsequently, para to teacher route cannot teach in a content area in the middle or
secondary setting.
However, other alternative routes may be layered with the para to teacher route, in order to
gain middle or secondary subject area certification.
Oklahoma State Department of Education
2
SPECIAL EDUCATION CERTIFICATION PATHWAYS
SPECIAL EDUCATION - GUIDANCE BRIEF
Above information is a summary only and is not meant to replace or supersede information
from the Oklahoma State Department of Education Teacher Certification Office. For
specific guidance click here https://sde.ok.gov/career-development-program-path-
paraprofessionals-attain-teacher-certification
2. Non-traditional Route to Special Education Certification (Boot Camp)
*Boot camp has three attendance options, state-level, district-level, and higher education
programs.
Prerequisites:
›
4 year degree with 2.75 or higher
Next Steps:
1. Recommendation from a representative at a school district or an institution of
higher education
2. Pass a national background check
3. Commit to continued education at a master’s degree level
4. Complete a 150 clock hour boot camp program that includes 120 hours of
training and 30 hours of field experience
5. Submit certificate of completion of an approved boot camp and Provisional Certificate
Application and $50, resulting in a one-year provisional certificate
6. Renew the one year provisional certificate after year one through submission of proof
from an accredited college of successful completion of at least 6 credit hours toward a
special education master’s degree.
7. Renew the one year provisional certificate after year two through submission of proof
from an accredited college of another successful completion of at least 6 credit hours
toward a special education master’s degree. No additional fee for these renewals.
Converting to a standard certificate:
Over a three year period:
›
Pass the OGET and Mild/Moderate or Severe/Profound
›
Complete a 18 hours toward a master’s degree in special education – college must verify
›
Successfully complete the PPAT
›
Submit application for a standard certificate and $50
Adding additional certificates:
A certified teacher may take and pass specific additional subject area tests to add additional
areas to the teaching certificate. See examples below:
Oklahoma State Department of Education
3
SPECIAL EDUCATION CERTIFICATION PATHWAYS
SPECIAL EDUCATION - GUIDANCE BRIEF
In order to teach in an elementary or early childhood setting, certified special education
teachers must demonstrate content mastery by passing the Elementary or Early Childhood
tests. This will allow for instruction ONLY in a special education setting. This cannot be used
for instruction in a general education setting.
In order to teach in a middle or secondary setting, a certified special education teacher must
pass a corresponding middle or secondary subject area test to teach that content area. This
certificate can be used in the general education or special education settings.
Above information is a summary only and is not meant to replace or supersede information
from the Oklahoma State Department of Education Teacher Certification Office. For specific
guidance click here https://sde.ok.gov/non-traditional-route-special-education-teacher-
certification
3. Alternative Placement Program
* Note: Special Education is NOT available for initial certification through this route. You
must be alternatively certified in a core area and then you may test to gain a special
education certificate.
Prerequisites:
›
Bachelor’s degree with 2.5 or higher
Next Steps:
1. Submit Alternative Placement Application, transcript, resume and $50 for admission to
the program
2. Based on review of your transcript and resume, you will be assigned the subject area
where you may test
3. Take and pass the OGET and OSAT in the area you have been approved to seek
4. Complete a background check ($57.25)
5. Submit a final Alternative Placement Application and $50
Converting to an alternative standard certificate:
Over a three year period:
›
Complete 6-18 hours of college credit or 90-270 hours of professional development to be
approved by the school district
›
Successfully complete the PPAT
›
Submit documentation of above items, Alternative Placement Renewal Application,
and $50
Adding additional certificates:
A certified teacher may take and pass additional subject area tests to add specific additional
areas to the teaching certificate. See examples below:
Oklahoma State Department of Education
4
SPECIAL EDUCATION CERTIFICATION PATHWAYS
SPECIAL EDUCATION - GUIDANCE BRIEF
In order to teach in a special education setting, a certified teachers must pass the mild/
moderate or severe/profound OSAT.
In order to teach in a middle or secondary setting, a certified special education teachers must
pass a corresponding middle or secondary subject area test to teach that content area. This
certificate can be used in the general education or special education settings.
In order to teach in an elementary or early childhood setting, certified special education
teachers must demonstrate content mastery by passing the Elementary or Early Childhood
tests. This will allow for instruction ONLY in a special education setting. This cannot be used
for instruction in a general education setting.
Above information is a summary only and is not meant to replace or supersede information
from the Oklahoma State Department of Education Teacher Certification Office. For specific
guidance click here https://sde.ok.gov/oklahoma-alternative-placement-program-teacher-
certification
4. Troops to Teachers Oklahoma
* Note: Special Education is NOT available for initial certification through this route. You must
be alternatively certified in a core area and then you may test to gain a special education
certificate.
Prerequisites:
›
Current, separated and retired members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps,
Coast Guard, Reserve components and National Guard are eligible for Troops to Teachers
program services.
›
A member selected to participate in the program before separation or retirement
may continue to participate after separation or retirement as long as the discharge is
characterized as honorable.
›
See https://www.proudtoserveagain.com/About/Eligibility for more information
Next Steps:
1. Upload DD-214 (member copy 4, Approved Voluntary Retirement Document, NGB22
(National Guard ONLY), Reserve Yearly Point Summary)
2. Apply for Troops to Teachers https://www.proudtoserveagain.com/
3. Upload Submit Alternative Placement Application, transcript, resume and $50 for
admission to the program
4. Based on review of your transcript and resume, you will be assigned the subject area
where you may test
5. Take and pass the OGET and OSAT in the area you have been approved to seek
6. After passing these tests, complete a background check $57.25
7. Submit documentation of the above items, a final Alternative Placement Application,
and $50
Oklahoma State Department of Education
5
SPECIAL EDUCATION CERTIFICATION PATHWAYS
SPECIAL EDUCATION - GUIDANCE BRIEF
Converting to an alternative standard certificate:
Over a three year period:
›
Complete required college credit courses, including Classroom Management and General
or Specific Pedagogical principals (Teaching Methods)
›
Successfully complete the PPAT
›
Submit documentation of above items, Alternative Placement Renewal Application, $50
Adding additional certificates:
A certified teacher may take and pass specific additional subject area tests to add additional
areas to the teaching certificate. See examples below:
In order to teach in a special education setting, a certified teacher must pass the mild/
moderate or severe/profound OSAT.
In order to teach in a middle or secondary setting, a certified special education teachers must
pass a corresponding middle or secondary subject area test to teach that content area. This
certificate can be used in the general education or special education settings.
In order to teach in an elementary or early childhood setting, certified special education
teachers must demonstrate content mastery by passing the Elementary or Early Childhood
tests. This will allow for instruction ONLY in a special education setting. This cannot be used for
instruction in a general education setting.
Above information is a summary only and is not meant to replace or supersede information
from the Oklahoma State Department of Education Teacher Certification Office. For specific
guidance click here https://sde.ok.gov/troops-to-teachers/apply
5. Earn a Master’s Degree in Special Education
Prerequisites:
›
Earn a master’s degree in special education from an accredited college or university
Next Steps:
1. Apply for Oklahoma Mild/Moderate or Severe/Profound teaching certificate
2. Include official transcript, $50 fee and background check
Adding additional certificates:
A certified teacher may take and pass specific additional subject area tests to add additional
areas to their teaching certificate. See examples below:
In order to teach in a middle or secondary setting, a certified special education teachers must
pass a corresponding middle or secondary subject area test to teach that content area.
In order to teach in an elementary or early childhood setting, certified special education
teachers must demonstrate content mastery by passing the Elementary or Early Childhood
tests. This will allow for instruction ONLY in a special education setting. This cannot be used
for instruction in a general education setting.
Oklahoma State Department of Education
6
SPECIAL EDUCATION CERTIFICATION PATHWAYS
SPECIAL EDUCATION - GUIDANCE BRIEF
Above information is a summary only and is not meant to replace or supersede information
from the Oklahoma State Department of Education Certification Office.
6. Adding Special Education Certification to my Existing Standard Early Childhood or
Elementary Teaching Certificate
Prerequisites:
›
Completion of a traditional teacher education program at a 4 year university which
included student teaching in Elementary or Early Childhood Education
›
Hold a current teaching certificate in Elementary or Early Childhood Education
Next Steps:
1. Take and pass the Mild/Moderate and/or Severe/Profound OSAT
2. Complete the Application for Adding Areas to Existing Certificate form
3. Apply through single sign on or mail form and $25 processing fee to OSDE
Above information is a summary only and is not meant to replace or supersede information
from the Oklahoma State Department of Education Teacher Certification Office. For specific
guidance click here https://sde.ok.gov/education-profession-enhancements
7. Adding Special Education Certification to my Existing Standard Middle/Secondary
subject area Teaching Certificate
Prerequisites:
›
Completion of a traditional teacher education program at a 4 year university which
included student teaching in Middle or Secondary Education
›
Hold a current teaching certificate in a Middle or Secondary subject area
Next Steps:
1. Take and pass the Mild/Moderate and/or Severe/Profound OSAT
2. Complete the Application for Adding Areas to Existing Certificate form
3. Apply through single sign on or mail form and $25 processing fee to OSDE
Above information is a summary only and is not meant to replace or supersede information
from the Oklahoma State Department of Education Teacher Certification Office. For specific
guidance click here https://sde.ok.gov/education-profession-enhancements
8. Micro-Credential Route to Severe-Profound Certification (two-year provisional
certificate)
Prerequisites:
›
Hold a current Oklahoma Mild/Moderate Teaching Certificate
Oklahoma State Department of Education
7
SPECIAL EDUCATION CERTIFICATION PATHWAYS
SPECIAL EDUCATION - GUIDANCE BRIEF
Next Steps:
1. Commit to completing a state-approved micro-credential program to Severe-Profound
endorsement within two years
2. Complete the Application to the Micro-Credential Severe-Profound Endorsement
Program
3. Submit the OSDE program application for review
4. Submit the OSDE Special Education Provisional License Application to the Office of
Certification
Converting to an alternative standard certificate:
Over a two year period:
›
Complete the micro-credential program (this program is self-paced online modules)
›
Apply for standard certification in the endorsement area of severe-profound
The state content area assessment (OSAT) is not required.
Above information is a summary only and is not meant to replace or supersede information
from the Oklahoma State Department of Education Teacher Certification Office. For specific
guidance click here https://sde.ok.gov/micro-credential-route-severe-profound-certification
Long-Term Substitute Teacher:
In the event that a suitable special education certified candidate is not available, the
district may choose to utilize a non-certified candidate as a long-term substitute. Some
circumstances may apply a limit for the number of days a long-term substitute may serve
(see link below). If a district elects to fill a vacant special education position in this way, the
candidate must complete the long-term sub modules, as assigned by the State Department
of Education-Special Education Services. Completion of these modules will allow the
candidate to provide instruction and assign grades for any subject area in a special education
setting. However, this will not allow the candidate to serve as the Special Education Teacher of
Record, carry a special education caseload, write an IEP or sign an IEP as the special education
teacher. These functions must be carried out by a certified special education teacher.
Above information is a summary only and is not meant to replace or supersede information
from the Oklahoma State Department of Education Office of Teacher Certification. For
specific guidance click here https://sde.ok.gov/long-term-substitues-special-education
Emergency Certification in content areas:
In order to be certified in a content area, superintendents may request an emergency
certification under certain conditions;
›
A suitable certificate candidate cannot be located
›
The district has supporting documentation of a job posting
›
Teacher candidate must apply for the emergency request
Oklahoma State Department of Education
8
SPECIAL EDUCATION CERTIFICATION PATHWAYS
SPECIAL EDUCATION - GUIDANCE BRIEF
›
Submit a request to the Oklahoma School Board of Education at least 14 days prior to that
month’s State Board of Education Meeting
›
Have a cleared certification background check on file at the OSDE at least 7 days prior to
that month’s State Board of Education Meeting
Above information is a summary only and is not meant to replace or supersede information
from the Oklahoma State Department of Education Office of Certification. For specific
guidance click here https://sde.ok.gov/emergency-certification-administrator-use-only
NOTE: There are NO emergency certificates for special education. It is expressly prohibited
under IDEA.
For additional information regarding certificate use, please see Guidance Brief -
Certificate Use
The contents of this handout were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
However, the content does not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education,
and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government. Oklahoma State Department of
Education, Special Education Services (405) 521-3351 | http://sde.ok.gov/sde/special-education
DECEMBER 2021
