University of North Alabama

Seeking Alabama Class B Certification

Candidates seeking a recommendation for Alabama Class B Professional Educator certification must complete all requirements set forth by the Alabama State Board of Education (ASBE) at the time the application is submitted.

Certification regulations are established by the ASBE and are subject to change without prior notification. Candidate eligibility must be verified at the time the application is submitted. Currently, eligibility for recommendation for an Alabama Professional Educator certificate includes successful completion of:

(1) state approved certification program

(2) review of ABI/FBI fingerprint background clearance

(3) acceptable test score results on the Alabama Prospective Teacher Testing Program (both Basic Skills test and PRAXIS II test)

(4) proof of graduation from a regionally accredited institution with the required GPA and graduation date posted on the official transcript.

Candidates who hold a bachelor's degree and are seeking initial certification or certification in a second teaching field must meet all current program requirements including an additional internship and testing requirements. All transferred coursework and UNA coursework will be reviewed to ensure compliance with institutional, state, federal and accreditation regulations. Candidates may be required to repeat coursework or provide additional evidence that all regulations are met. Only candidates who have met all current regulations will be eligible for a recommendation for a professional certificate.

Seeking Alabama Class A Certification

The issuance of professional certificates for teachers and other public school personnel is a function of the Alabama State Department of Education under the authority of and according to regulations and procedures approved by the Alabama State Board of Education and contained in the Administrative Code. The University of North Alabama cannot assume responsibility for changes in certification requirements due to the changes in the State Board of Education policy.

Students successfully completing the approved programs must also meet all Alabama State Department of Education regulations for the appropriate certificate including experience, background clearance and testing requirements.

Graduates are encouraged to apply for certification upon program completion. If graduates apply for certification at a later date, all certification requirements in place AT THE TIME THE APPLICATION IS FILED must be met, even if they are different from those in place at the time of program completion.

Application for certification is made through the Certification Office and must be accompanied by a cashier's check or money order made payable to the State Department of Education in the amount of $30.00. Students who intend to use graduate work at the University of North Alabama to apply for certification in another state should apprise themselves in advance of the requirements and procedures of the particular state.

If an individual admitted to a Class A program based on a bachelor's level professional educator certification from another state completes a Class A program and subsequently applies for Alabama certification at the Class A level, then the individual must earn Alabama Class B certification before applying for Class A certification.

Certification in Other States

Candidates who seek certification in states other than Alabama should contact the appropriate State Department of Education to determine specific certification requirements in that state.