A) Follow this link and fill out the Teacher Certification Request Form. Check the box next to Application for Initial Certification Form EF-C-300-1. If you are an Out of State Resident check to receive the Fingerprint Package also (for Out of State Residents only). Be sure to fill out all fields on the form and click Submit. Any fields left undone will not complete your request and you will not receive the certification application materials requested.

B) The application materials will be sent to you within a week. Once you have received the materials, complete both sides of the application.

C) Attach an official undergraduate graduate transcript(s) if completed. Transcripts must show bachelor's degree received and date conferred. If you have a Master's Degree, also attach an official transcript.

D) You must show proof of passing scores on PPST.

E) List the certificate or endorsement code and the grade level on the bottom of the application.

F) Submit appropriate Fee required by check, money order, or credit card.

G) Complete explanations for all questions on application answered with "Yes".

2) Can I become certified if I am not a resident of Maine but plan to teach in Maine?

Yes, but certification is not automatic. If you are in another state and filling out the application materials for Initial Certification, you must also submit a copy of your teaching certificate from the state where you received it.

3) What is the application fee to become Certified?

There is a non-refundable fee (Statute Title 20-A Section 130007) for certification in Maine. If you are not eligible for certification your fee will not be returned. The codes apply below...

A) One Teacher endorsement........... $100.00 and 35.00 for EACH additional

B) Educational Specialist...................................$100.00 each

C) Administrator Certificate............................$200.00 each

If you currently hold a teaching certification in Maine, you do have to submit a $35.00 fee for another teacher evaluation.

Please make checks or money orders payable to: Treasurer State of Maine.

4) How may I check the status of my application?

To check the status of your application, use the On-line Status Check.

5) Are there other ways to request application materials besides filling out the Application Request Form?

Yes. If you choose not to fill out the automated application request form, you may write to:

State of Maine Department of Education

Certification Office

23 State House Station

Augusta ME 04333-0023

You may also call (207) 624-6603. We will need your full name, address, and the certification subject area to send materials to you.

6) Must I have my fingerprints done before applying for my certification?

It is required to have your fingerprints done prior to being issued any type of Maine certification. You MUST have your fingerprints taken through a process approved by the Maine Department of Education. Information regarding fingerprinting sites in Maine is available at: http://www.informe.org/cgi-bin/doe/fingerprint.pl. Finger print packages (for out of state residents only) may be received by filling out the application request form or by calling the Certification Office directly. There is a $55.00 fee for the finger printing.

7) Are transcripts required to become certified in the State of Maine?

Official college transcripts are required. The transcript must show:

A) Your Name and social security number

B) all courses for which you received credit for

C) The date you were awarded your degree and where it was received.

D) The courses and credits you earned.

E) If you graduated from NCATE or state approved program, please submit an official transcript, a recommendation for certification.

If you have a transcript from outside the United States, you will need to submit a foreign transcript evaluation completed by a company recognized by this office. Forms can be obtained from the automated request application or by calling (207) 624-6603.

8) What is the PPST Examination?

The PPST is the Pre-Professional Skills Test.

9) Must I pass this exam to become certified?

Yes, as well as others. See Chapter 13.

10) What scores must I achieve to become certified?

There are three categories for the PPST. Reading, Writing, and Math.

For the PPST you must achieve a composite score of 526 with no single score on any section being more than three points lower than the required score. The required scores to become eligible are:

Reading Score of 176

Writing Score of 175

Math Score 175

11) What if I am applying for Vocational Certification? What scores must I achieve then?

PPST is required. Following scores adhere to eligibility.

a) Composite score 513.

b) Praxis II Test Code 0890, Score 540.

c) PLT test code 0524: no required score has been set yet, but you would need to take the test.

12) Will my scores need to be included with my transcript?

If you have already had your scores reported to this office then the answer is NO.

13) What if I did not pass the CBT or PPST exams?

If you did not pass either examination or you did not take either examination prior to applying, you may still be eligible for a ONE-YEAR conditional certificate and should submit all other materials for an evaluation to determine eligibility.

14) If I want to take the CBT or PPST how do I sign up?

To register for the exams you will need to contact the Educational Testing Service at

(609) 771-7395 for an application booklet. More information about these exams can be found at http://www.ets.org/ or http://www.teachingandlearning.org/licnsure/praxis/ as well.

15) On the Initial Certification application I received I answered yes to Question #1. What do I do now?

If you answered "YES" to question #1 on the Initial Certification application you must attach a brief explanation stating when and what the conviction was for each conviction you have on record.

16) Will attested court documents be required?

We ask that applicants answer these questions honestly. In all likelihood, if the conviction is more than three years older than the final discharge from the Criminal Justice system (end of all incarceration, completion of parole, completion of probation, community service, and payment of fines), attested court documents will not be requested. Exceptions to this time limit include convictions relating to harm of any child. If further information is requested, you will need to provide attested copied of the Judgment and Commitment papers (including probation conditions). These documents may be obtained from the Clerk of Courts where you were convicted.

17) On the Initial Certification application I received, I answered "YES" to question 2 and 3. What do I do now?

If you answered "YES" on questions #2 and #3 on the Initial Certification application you must attach a detailed explanation for each situation involved and return with your completed application materials.

18) What should my materials package look like before I return it?

The materials package you send back should include:

a) A completed and signed application. Be sure to have listed the code and grade level at the bottom of the application.

b) Graduate and undergraduate transcripts showing degree and date conferred.

c) Foreign transcript evaluation (if applicable).

d) PPST or CBT scores if they were not already reported directly to this office.

e) Where applicable, a copy of out-of-state teaching certificate, RN license (524), driver's license and driver education license issued by the Secretary of State (530), or NCSP or Maine psychologist license (093).

f) Appropriate fee.

g) All explanations on separate paper, court documents, etc if you answered YES to Questions #1, 2, or 3 on the applications.

PLEASE send all materials in one package.

Questions???

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Certification Information

Index of Questions: (click question for direct access)

State of Maine Department of Education

Certification Office

23 State House Station

Augusta ME 04333-0023

(207) 624-6603

(207) 624-6604 (Fax)