Licensure Changes Effective 01/09/2009

• Processing fees for initial licensure and licensure renewal have increased to $50; the duplicate licensure fee to $20; and the substitute licensure fee will remain at $30.
• All licensure applicants must submit a criminal background check with the licensure application packet. 
• Limited Term Substitute licenses will no longer be issued or renewed. All applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree to be eligible for substitute licensure.
• The three-year Provisional license is now a two-year Regular I license. 
  To be eligible for this non-renewable license, applicants must be enrolled in a state-approved teacher preparation program; successfully pass the Praxis I and Praxis II Content exam (where applicable); and be employed by a local educational agency in the District of Columbia. 
• The five-year Standard license is now a four-year Regular II license. 
  To be eligible for this renewable license, applicants must have completed all education and testing requirements.  Holders of a Regular I license that upgrade to a Regular II license will receive a two-year Regular II license upon completion of their teacher education program and Praxis II requirements. Upon successful completion of renewal/upgrade requirements, a four-year license would be issued.
• The five-year Professional license is now a four-year renewable Regular II license.
  Professional licenses will no longer be issued or renewed. 
• Renewal requirements for Standard and Professional licenses have not changed, and will remain in effect for the renewal of a Regular II unless/until changed by the regulatory process.
  The current renewal requirements of six credit hours or 90 contact hours/professional learning units, with at least half being directly related to the subject area being renewed, are still in effect. Individuals with more than one license must meet renewal requirements for each licensure area separately (six credits or 90 contact hours per license).
• Licensure changes for current license holders will be effective upon application for licensure renewal or upgrade.
• Adding Additional Teaching Endorsements
• Individuals that currently hold a Standard, Professional or Regular II teaching license may obtain a Regular II endorsement license in additional teaching areas by successfully completing the required Praxis II Pedagogy exam (where applicable), AND:
  1. Successfully completing the Praxis II Content Exam; or
  2. Demonstrating evidence of completion of the content coursework required in the  DC Municipal Regulations from an accredited college/university; or
  3. Having a major or major equivalent (30 semester hours).
• One-year Transitional Teaching License
  This non-renewable license is only issued at the request of a District of Columbia local education agency. Eligible applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university and possess the following:

1. A major in the proposed licensure subject area and teaching assignment; or
2. A full license from another state in the proposed licensure subject area and teaching assignment (to permit time for outstanding DC licensure tests to be completed).
3. Verification of completion of a state-approved program in the proposed licensure subject area and teaching assignment (to permit time for outstanding DC licensure tests to be completed).