Title 016 | Chapter 002 | Regulation 010REG
PROPOSED
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PREVIOUS VERSION
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EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CABINET
Education Professional Standards Board
(Amendment)
16 KAR 2:010.Kentucky professional and provisional teacher certificates.
Section 1.
Definitions.(1)
"Approved program of preparation" means a program which has been approved by the board pursuant to 16 KAR 5:010 and 16 KAR 5:015 for a specific certification.(2)
"Base certificate" means a professional certificate that allows a teacher to teach introductory and interdisciplinary courses in related fields.(3)
"Certificate endorsement" means an addition to a base or restricted base certificate, which is limited in scope.(4)
(5)
"Major" means an academic area of concentration consisting of at least thirty (30) hours of coursework.(5)
Other Licensed School Professionals includes school counselors certified pursuant to 16 KAR 3:060, school social workers certified pursuant to 16 KAR 2:070 or 16 KAR 2:080, and school psychologists certified pursuant to 16 KAR 2:090.(6)
"Restricted base certificate" means a certificate that allows a teacher to teach in a specific limited content area.(7)
Section 2.
Types of Certificates Issued.(1)
Provisional certificate;(a)
Conditional certificate;(b)
(b)(c)
Temporary provisional certificate;(c)(d)
Probationary provisional certificate;(d)(e)
Proficiency provisional certificate;(e)(f)
Occupation-based career and technical education provisional certificate;(f)(g)
One (1) year provisional alternative certificate issued pursuant to KRS 161.048(2), (4), or (6);(g)(h)
Adjunct certificate;(h)(i)
Emergency certificate;(i)(j)
Temporary certificate for Instructional Leadership:1.
In-state; and2.
Out-of-state;(j)(k)
Temporary certificate; and(k)(l)
Provisional certificate for Other Licensed School Professionals(2)
Professional certificate.(a)
(b)
Initial certificate - five (5) year certificate;(b)(c)
Renewal certificate - five (5) year certificate;(c)(d)
Occupation-based career and technical education professional certificate; and(d)(e)
Professional certificate for Other Licensed School Professionals(3)
Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Certificate.(4)
Additional certificates and endorsements.(a)
(b)
(5)
Substitute teaching certificate.(a)
Certified substitute certificate - five (5) year certificate;(b)
Certified substitute certificate - ten (10) year certificate; and(c)
Emergency substitute certificate.(6)
All other existing certificates shall remain valid and the terms for renewal shall be determined by the laws and regulations in effect at the time the certificate was issued pursuant to KRS 161.020(3).Section 3.
Certificate Issuance.(1)
Prior to the issuance of a certificate(2)
The EPSB shall issue a professional certificate(a)
Has successfully completed a traditional initial preparation program that resulted in the issuance of a bachelor's degree or higher with either:1.
A cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale; or2.
A grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last thirty (30) hours of credit completed, including undergraduate and graduate coursework.3.
Grade point average (GPA) shall be calculated by beginning with the most recent course completed and proceeding backward for two (2) semesters in the order the grades fall on the transcript to accumulate the last thirty (30) hours completed for determining the GPA.4.
If it is necessary to go back further than two (2) semesters, then the courses in the third semester shall be chosen based on the highest grades earned during that third semester;(b)
Earns a passing score on all assessments required for the certification sought as established in 16 KAR Chapter 6.(3)
All certificates issued shall either be a base or restricted base certificate as established in Section 4 of this administrative regulation.(4)
Provisional Certificates.(a)
Conditional Certificate.1.
The EPSB may issue a conditional certificate to a teacher candidate who meets the requirements of 16 KAR 2:180 and who attempted2.
(b)
(c)
Temporary Provisional Certificate.1.
The EPSB shall issue a temporary provisional certificate pursuant to KRS 161.048 with a grade level and content area recommended by the institution that will be valid for employment in the area of certification sought.2.
The certificate shall be issued at the appropriate rank pursuant to the requirements established in 16 KAR 8:020.3.
Prior to issuance of the certificate, pursuant to 16 KAR Chapter 9:a.
The teacher candidate shall submit to the EPSB an official transcript from each college or university attended; andb.
The institution shall submit to the EPSB a mentoring collaboration agreement with the district if the teacher candidate is seeking certification through the enrollment of a university-based alternative certification program.4.
The EPSB shall renew the temporary provisional certificate yearly upon the recommendation of the institution. The institution shall base its recommendation pursuant to KRS 161.048 and 16 KAR Chapter 9.5.
(c)(d)
Probationary Provisional Certificate.1.
A probationary2.
The EPSB shall issue a probationary(d)(e)
Proficiency Provisional Certificate.1.
The EPSB shall issue a proficiency provisional certificate in accordance with a grade level and content area recommended by the university that will be valid for employment in the area of certification sought.2.
The certificate shall be issued at the appropriate rank pursuant to the requirements established in 16 KAR 8:020.3.
Prior to issuance of the certificate, pursuant to 16 KAR 5:030 the:a.
Teacher candidate shall submit to the EPSB an official transcript from each college or university attended; andb.
College or university shall submit to the EPSB an educator learning plan (ELP)c.
4.
The EPSB shall renew the proficiency provisional certificate yearly upon the recommendation of the college or university. The college or university shall base its recommendation on the ELP pursuant to 16 KAR 5:030.(e)(f)
Occupation-based Career and Technical Education Provisional Certificate. The EPSB shall issue an occupation-based career and technical education provisional certificate following the completion of the appropriate requirements established in 16 KAR 2:020.(f)(g)
One (1) year Provisional Alternative Certificate. The EPSB shall issue a one (1) year provisional alternative certificate to a teacher candidate who is enrolled in a local school district training program following the completion of the appropriate requirements established in KRS 161.048(3) and(g)(h)
Adjunct Certificate. The EPSB shall issue an adjunct instructor certificate following completion of the appropriate requirements established in KRS 161.048(5) (h)(i)
Emergency Certificate. The EPSB shall issue an emergency certificate pursuant to 16 KAR 2:120.(i)(j)
Temporary Certificate for Instructional Leadership.1.
In-state. The EPSB shall issue a temporary certificate for instructional leadership pursuant to KRS 161.027(6) and 16 KAR 3:0902.
Out-of-state. The EPSB shall issue a temporary certificate for institutional leadership pursuant to KRS 161.027(6).(j)(k)
Temporary Certificate.1.
Unless a candidate qualifies under the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact as adopted in KRS 161.135,2.
(k)(l)
Provisional Certificate for Other Licensed School Professionals (5)
Professional Certificates.(a)
(b)
Initial Five (5) Year Certificate.1.
The EPSB shall issue an initial five (5) year certificate to a teacher candidate who has met the requirements set forth in Section 3 of this regulation2.
(b)(c)
Renewal Five (5) Year Certificate. Requirements for renewal certificates are set forth in 16 KAR 4:060.1.
a.
b.
2.
a.
b.
3.
(c)(d)
Occupation-based Career and Technical Education Professional Certificate. The EPSB shall issue an occupation-based career and technical education professional certificate pursuant to 16 KAR 2:020.(d)(e)
Professional Certificate (6)
Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Certificate. The EPSB shall issue a JROTC certificate pursuant to 16 KAR 2:100.(7)
Substitute Certificates. The EPSB shall issue a certified substitute teaching certificate or an emergency substitute certificate pursuant to 16 KAR 2:030 and 16 KAR 2:120, Section 2.Section 4.
Grade Levels and Specializations.(1)
Preparation for a teaching certificate shall be based on:(a)
The Kentucky teacher standards established in 16 KAR 1:010;(b)
The accreditation and program approval standards established in 16 KAR 5:010 and 16 KAR 5:015, including the content standards of the relevant national specialty program associations; and(c)
The goals for the schools of the Commonwealth established in KRS 158.6451 and the student academic expectations established in 703 KAR 4:060.(2)
A base certificate shall be issued specifying one (1) or more of the following grade levels and specialization authorizations:(a)
Interdisciplinary early childhood education birth to primary, as established in 16 KAR 2:040; and(b)
Elementary school: primary through grade 61.
2.
(c)
1.
Middle school option 1: grades 4a.
English and communications;b.
Mathematics;c.
Science; ord.
Social studies; or2.
Middle school option 2: grades 4a.
English and communications;b.
Mathematics;c.
Science; ord.
Social studies;(d)
Secondary school shall be valid for teaching students in: grades 71.
English;2.
Mathematics;3.
Social studies;4.
Biology;5.
Chemistry;6.
Physics;7.
Earth science; or8.
General science.(e)
Grades 41.
Agriculture;2.
Business and marketing education;3.
Family and consumer science;4.
Industrial education; or5.
Engineering and technology;(f)
All grade levels with one (1) or more of the following specialties:1.
Art;2.
A foreign language;3.
Health;4.
Physical education;5.
Integrated music;6.
Vocal music;7.
Instrumental music; or8.
School media librarian; or(g)
Grades primary through 12 for teaching exceptional children and for collaborating with teachers to design and deliver programs for preprimary children, for one (1) or more of the following disabilities:1.
Learning and behavior disorders;2.
Moderate and severe disabilities;3.
Hearing impaired;4.
Hearing impaired with sign proficiency;5.
Visually impaired;6.
Communication disorders, valid at all grade levels for the instruction of exceptional children and youth with communication disorders, which shall require a master's degree in communication or speech language pathology, pursuant to 16 KAR 2:050, Section 2; or7.
Communication disorders - SLPA only, valid at all grade levels for the instruction of exceptional children and youth with communication disorders, which shall require a baccalaureate degree in communication or speech language pathology, pursuant to 16 KAR 2:050, Section 3.(3)
(a)
The grades 4 (b)
(4)
A restricted base certificate shall be issued specifying one (1) or more of the following grade level and specialization authorizations:(a)
Psychology, grades 8 through 12;(b)
Sociology, grades 8 through 12;(c)
Journalism, grades 8 through 12;(d)
Speech or media communications, grades 8 through 12;(e)
Theater, primary through grade 12;(f)
Dance, primary through grade 12;(g)
Computer information systems, primary through grade 12; or(h)
English as a second language, primary through grade 12.(5)
An endorsement to a certificate identified in subsection (2) or (3) of this section shall be issued specifying one (1) or more of the following grade level and specialization authorizations:(a)
Computer science, grades 8 through 12;(b)
English as a second language, primary through grade 12;(c)
Gifted education, primary through grade 12;(d)
Driver education, grades 8 through 12;(e)
Literacy specialist, primary through grade 12;(f)
Reading, primary through grade 12;(g)
Instructional computer technology, primary through grade 12;(h)
Teacher Leader, all grades;(i)
(j)
Other instructional services - environmental education, primary through grade 12;(j)(k)
Other instructional services - elementary mathematics specialist, primary through grade 5;(l)
1.
2.
(k)(m)
American Sign Language, primary through grade 12(l)
Early grades, grades 1 through 3.Section 5.
Certification through Proficiency Evaluation.(1)
Proficiency evaluations shall be conducted pursuant to 16 KAR 5:030 by a Kentucky college or university with an approved educator preparation program.(2)
The EPSB may issue a proficiency provisional certificate to an individual upon request pursuant to this section provided that the individual meets the requirements established in Section 3 of this administrative regulation or any certificate area offered in Section 4 of this administrative regulation pursuant to 16 KAR 5:030.Section 6.
Additional Certification.(1)
An additional certificate(a)
An unexpired base or restricted base certificate(b)
Successful completion of the applicable assessments; and(c)
Recommendation from an approved preparation program upon the demonstration of competency in the relevant teaching methodology verified via coursework, field experience, portfolio, or proficiency evaluation performed by a Kentucky college or university in accordance with 16 KAR 5:030.(2)
A certificate endorsement may be issued for any area listed in Section 4(5) of this administrative regulation and shall require:(a)
An unexpired base or restricted base certificate(b)
Successful completion of the applicable assessments; and(c)
Recommendation from an approved program of preparation upon the demonstration of competency in the relevant teaching methodology verified via coursework, field experience, portfolio, or proficiency evaluation performed by a Kentucky college or university in accordance with 16 KAR 5:030.(3)
(a)
A certified teacher may add a certificate endorsement or additional certificate(b)
An additional certificate1.
Holds a valid Kentucky professional teaching certificate;2.
Submits proof that the educator has:a.
Current employment in a certified position; orb.
c.
Approval of the local district superintendent;3.
Successfully completed the applicable content assessments; and4.
Has either:a.
Completed at least fifteen (15) credit hours of post-secondary courseworkb.
A combination of education, experience, and professional development(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(4)
A certified teacher in secondary sciences may add additional secondary science credentials by:(a)
Before September 15, 2028:1.
Holding a valid professional certificate for teaching the secondary sciences, including biology, chemistry, earth science, or physics; and2.
Submitting proof of officially completing at least eight (8) credit hours, equivalent to two (2) courses with each including a laboratory component, in the credential content area; or(b)
On or after September 15, 2028, candidates shall complete the Highly Qualified pathway to certification outlined in subsection (3) of this section.(5)
If a teacher currently holds a professional certificate in the secondary grades 7(6)(5)
An additional certificate (a)
Elementary Education;(b)
Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education;(c)
Special Education;(d)
Learning Behavior Disorders;(e)
Moderate to Severe Disabilities;(f)
Hearing Impaired;(g)
Visually Impaired; and(h)
Communications Disorders.(7)(6)
The EPSB shall issue the proficiency provisional certificate and the professional certificate for the certificate endorsement or Section 7.
Alternative Routes to Certification.(1)
A candidate pursuing certification via an alternative route to certification shall receive the same certificates established in Section 4 of this administrative regulation following completion of the appropriate requirements specific to each alternative route.(2)
A candidate issued certification pursuant to KRS 161.048(2) to (6) and (9) for interdisciplinary early childhood through grade five (5) shall complete a science of reading professional learning program approved by the Kentucky Department of Education within two (2) years of initial employment in a district.Section 8.
Approval for Teaching Computer Science.(1)
The Approval for Teaching Computer Science (ACS) is a permission code that allows eligible teachers to teach all Computer Science courses in the course catalog.(2)
To be eligible for the ACS permission code, a teacher shall:(a)
Possess a base certificate, restricted base certificate, or endorsement as set forth in Section 4 of this administrative regulation that includes permissions for teaching in a secondary school, grades 7 through 12;(b)
Be scheduled to teach a minimum of one (1) Computer Science course during the fall semester of the upcoming academic year; and(c)
Enroll in a professional learning program approved by the Kentucky Department of Education.(3)
Once a teacher successfully completes an approved ACS professional learning program, the ACS permission code shall be added to that teacher's certification.Section 9.
Disclosure of Background Information.(1)
Teachers and teacher candidates shall disclose certain background information to the EPSB when applying for the issuance or renewal of the provisional certificate or the professional certificate by answering the following questions:(a)
Have you ever had a professional certificate, license, credential, or any document issued for practice denied, suspended, revoked, or voluntarily surrendered? If you have had a professional certificate, license, credential, or any other document issued for practice initially denied by a licensing body, but later issued, you shall answer "yes."(b)
Have you ever been suspended or discharged from any employment or military service because of allegations of misconduct?(c)
Have you ever resigned, entered into a settlement agreement, or otherwise left employment as a result of allegations of misconduct?(d)
Is any action now pending against you for alleged misconduct in any school district, court, or before any educator licensing agency?(e)
Have you ever been convicted of or entered a guilty plea, an "Alford" plea, or a plea of nolo contendere (no contest) to a felony or misdemeanor, even if adjudication of the sentence was withheld in Kentucky or any other state? Minor traffic violations should not be reported. Convictions for driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs (DUI) shall be reported.(f)
Do you have any criminal charges pending against you?(g)
If you answered affirmatively to any of the questions in this Section, has the EPSB previously reviewed the information?(2)
The EPSB shall provide teachers and teacher candidates with the opportunity to submit a narrative to the board to consider before the board approves the request for issuance or renewal of a provisional certificate or a professional certificate. The teacher or teacher candidate may include in his or her narrative any dates, locations, school systems, court records, or any other information he or she would like the board to consider.Section 9.
(1)
(2)
HISTORY: COMPILER'S NOTE: 2025 RS HB 6, enacted by the General Assembly on March 27, 2025, altered the information to be provided at the time an administrative regulation is filed. Aside from formatting changes necessary to upload the regulation into the LRC's publication application, this regulation has been published as submitted by the agency.
L. AMBER SNELL, Board Chair
APPROVED BY AGENCY: August 31, 2026
FILED WITH LRC: August 31, 2026 at 3:10 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on November 23, 2026, at 10 a.m. ET, in the State Board Room, Fifth Floor, 300 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601. Individuals interested in being heard at this hearing shall notify this agency in writing by five (5) workdays prior to the hearing, of their intent to attend. If no notification of intent to attend the hearing was received by that date, the hearing may be cancelled. A transcript of the public hearing will not be made unless a written request for a transcript is made. If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on the proposed administrative regulation. Written comments shall be accepted through November 30, 2026. Send written notification of intent to be heard at the public hearing or written comments on the proposed administrative regulation to the contact person.
CONTACT PERSON: Todd G. Allen, General Counsel, Kentucky Department of Education, 300 Sower Boulevard, 5th Floor, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, phone 502-564-4474, fax 502-564-9321, email regcomments@education.ky.gov.
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND TIERING STATEMENT
Contact Person:
Todd G. Allen Phone: 502-564-4474 Email: todd.allen@education.ky.gov
Subject Headings:
Education, Education: Elementary, Education: Secondary
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This administrative regulation implements the Kentucky certification requirements for teachers as set forth in KRS 161.030. This administrative regulation also identifies the types of Kentucky professional and provisional teacher certificates available as well as the content areas associated with each certification. It also sets forth the different procedures that may be used to obtain a Kentucky teaching certificate.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
This administrative regulation is necessary to provide notice to applicants, educator preparation providers, and administrators of Kentucky public school districts of the types of certificates issued by the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) as well as the content areas associated with each certificate. It also provides notice to applicants, educator preparation providers, and administrators of Kentucky public school districts of the different procedures that may be used to obtain a Kentucky teaching certificate.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
KRS 161.020 provides that "[n]o person shall be eligible to hold the position of teacher for which certificates may be issued, or receive salary for services rendered in the position, unless he or she holds a certificate of legal qualifications for the position." KRS 161.028 provides the EPSB with the authority and responsibility to establish standards and requirements for obtaining and maintaining a teaching certificate. KRS 161.030 provides that the EPSB alone has the authority to certify all teachers in public schools.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This administrative regulation implements the Kentucky certification requirements for teachers as set forth in KRS 161.030. This administrative regulation also identifies the types of Kentucky professional and provisional teacher certificates available as well as the content areas associated with each certification. It also sets forth the different procedures that may be used to obtain a Kentucky teaching certificate.
(2) If this is an amendment to an existing administrative regulation, provide a brief summary of:
(a) How the amendment will change this existing administrative regulation:
This amendment implements certification recommendations of the Certification Structure Workgroup, which were presented to and adopted by the EPSB at its meeting on April 21, 2026, aimed at providing Kentucky public school districts with additional flexibility to meet staffing needs while, simultaneously, continuing to enforce rigorous certification standards for Kentucky educators as well as ensure there is a high quality educator in every Kentucky classroom. Specifically, at the recommendation of the Certification Structure Workgroup, this amendment updates the grade bands for certification by adjusting elementary to cover Kindergarten through Grade 6, middle to cover Grade 4 through Grade 9, and secondary to cover Grade 7 through Grade 12. The amendment also expands permissions for middle school math certificates to be valid for teaching Algebra I and Geometry in Grades 10 through 12; adds a secondary General Science certificate; and, provides a pathway for a certified teacher in secondary sciences to add additional secondary science credentials. Overall, the amendment is intended
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
At the recommendation of the Certification Structure Workgroup, this amendment updates the grade bands for certification, specifically by adjusting elementary to cover Kindergarten through Grade 6, middle to cover Grade 4 through Grade 9, and secondary to cover Grade 7 through Grade 12. The amendment also expands permissions for middle school math certificates to be valid for teaching Algebra I and Geometry in Grades 10 through 12; adds a secondary General Science certificate; and, provides a pathway for a certified teacher in secondary sciences to add additional secondary science credentials. These amendments are intended to provide Kentucky public school districts with additional flexibility to meet staffing needs while, simultaneously, continuing to enforce rigorous certification standards for Kentucky educators as well as ensure there is a high-quality educator in every Kentucky classroom.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
KRS 161.020 provides that "[n]o person shall be eligible to hold the position of teacher for which certificates may be issued, or receive salary for services rendered in the position, unless he or she holds a certificate of legal qualifications for the position." KRS 161.028 provides the EPSB with the authority and responsibility to establish standards and requirements for obtaining and maintaining a teaching certificate. KRS 161.030 provides that the EPSB alone has the authority to certify all teachers in public schools. (d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statues: At the recommendation of the Certification Structure Workgroup, this amendment updates the grade bands for certification, specifically by adjusting elementary to cover Kindergarten through Grade 6, middle to cover Grade 4 through Grade 9, and secondary to cover Grade 7 through Grade 12. The amendment also expands permissions for middle school math certificates to be valid for teaching Algebra I and Geometry in Grades 10 through 12; adds a secondary General Science certificate; and, provides a pathway for a certified teacher in secondary sciences to add additional secondary science credentials. These amendments are intended to provide Kentucky public school districts with additional flexibility to meet staffing needs while, simultaneously, continuing to enforce rigorous certification standards for Kentucky educators as well as ensure there is a high-quality educator in every Kentucky classroom.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
(3) Does this administrative regulation or amendment implement legislation from the previous five years?
Yes, House Bill 253 (2026) mandated the EPSB to "require all interdisciplinary early childhood through grade five (5) educators who receive certification pursuant to KRS 161.048(2) to (6) and (9) to complete within two (2) years of initial employment a science of reading professional learning program approved by the department." This requirement has been codified in Section 7(2) of this amended regulation.
(4) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
Applicants for educator certification in Kentucky, Kentucky public school districts, Kentucky Department of Education, and educator preparation programs.
(5) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (4) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:
(a) List the actions that each of the regulated entities identified in question (4) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment:
Applicants for educator certification in Kentucky will have to meet applicable certification requirements in this regulation when seeking new certifications from the EPSB. Kentucky public school districts will have to ensure certified staff meet applicable certification requirements in this regulation. Kentucky Department of Education staff that support the work of EPSB will have to implement the requirements of this regulation. And, educator preparation programs may have to adjust programmatic components to ensure their students, as prospective applicants for educator certification in Kentucky, can meet applicable certification requirements in this regulation when seeking new certifications from the EPSB.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
Implementation of this amendment is not expected to substantially increase costs for any entity identified in question (4). Minimal administrative burdens may result to Kentucky Department of Education staff implementing the amended regulation as well as to educator preparation programs in the event adjustments to programmatic components are necessary to align with this amendment. Any costs or burdens to applicants for educator certification in Kentucky as well as to Kentucky public school districts are anticipated to be minimal, at most, and to be the same under this amendment as they were under the prior regulation.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
One of the EPSB’s goals is that every certified position in a Kentucky public school is staffed by a properly credentialed educator. In furtherance of this goal, the EPSB undertakes a continuous review of the certification structure to ensure that it aligns with the Kentucky academic standards and the workforce needs to best serve the students of the Commonwealth. All entities identified in question (4) will benefit from the adoption of the recommendations of the Certification Structure Workgroup, who consulted state and national data as well as sought feedback from Kentucky school districts and educator preparation providers to propose a grade band structure that meets current needs as well as alter teacher certifications in hard to fill positions such as the sciences and mathematics. (6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost to implement this administrative regulation:
(6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
There will be minimal, if any, cost to the EPSB and the Kentucky Department of Education to implement this administrative regulation.
(b) On a continuing basis:
There will be minimal, if any, cost to the EPSB and the Kentucky Department of Education to implement this administrative regulation.
(7) What is the source of the funding to be used for the implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation or this amendment:
General funds.
(8) Provide an assessment of whether an increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change if it is an amendment:
None.
(9) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
This administrative regulation neither establishes any fees nor directly or indirectly increases any fees.
(10) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
Tiering is not applied. The regulation applies uniformly.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(1) Identify each state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation:
KRS 161.030 and 161.028(1)(a).
(2) State whether this administrative regulation is expressly authorized by an act of the General Assembly, and if so, identify the act:
Yes, KRS 161.030 and 161.028(1)(a).
(3)(a) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:
Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board and Kentucky Department of Education.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (3)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
Any expenditures are expected to be minimal.
For subsequent years:
Any expenditures are expected to be minimal.
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
This regulation is not expected to generate revenue.
For subsequent years:
This regulation is not expected to generate revenue.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
No cost savings are anticipated.
For subsequent years:
No cost savings are anticipated.
(4)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts):
Kentucky public school districts.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected local entity identified in (4)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
No expenditures are expected.
For subsequent years:
No expenditures are expected.
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
This regulation is not expected to generate revenue.
For subsequent years:
This regulation is not expected to generate revenue.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
No significant cost savings are anticipated; however, there may be decreased administrative burdens when hiring for hard to fill certified positions (e.g., the sciences and mathematics).
For subsequent years:
No significant cost savings are anticipated; however, there may be decreased administrative burdens when hiring for hard to fill certified positions (e.g., the sciences and mathematics).
(5)(a) Identify any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
Applicants for educator certification in Kentucky and educator preparation programs.
(b) Estimate the following for each regulated entity identified in (5)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
For applicants for educator certification in Kentucky, no expenditures are expected. For educator preparation programs, any expenditures are expected to be minimal.
For subsequent years:
For applicants for educator certification in Kentucky, no expenditures are expected. For educator preparation programs, any expenditures are expected to be minimal.
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
This regulation is not expected to generate revenue.
For subsequent years:
This regulation is not expected to generate revenue.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
No cost savings are anticipated.
For subsequent years:
No cost savings are anticipated.
(6) Provide a narrative to explain the following for each entity identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a)
(a) Fiscal impact of this administrative regulation:
Minimal administrative burdens may result to Kentucky Department of Education staff implementing the amended regulation as well as to educator preparation programs in the event adjustments to programmatic components are necessary to align with this amendment. Any costs or burdens to applicants for educator certification in Kentucky as well as to Kentucky public school districts are anticipated to be minimal, at most, and to be the same under this amendment as they were under the prior regulation.
(b) Methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
The estimates herein are based on prior program operations.
(7) Explain, as it relates to the entities identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a):
(a) Whether this administrative regulation will have a "major economic impact", as defined by KRS 13A.010(14):
The administrative regulation is not expected to have a major economic impact.
(b) The methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
The estimates herein are based on prior program operations.
EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CABINET
Education Professional Standards Board
(Amendment)
16 KAR 2:010.Kentucky professional and provisional teacher certificates.
Section 1.
Definitions.(1)
"Approved program of preparation" means a program which has been approved by the board pursuant to 16 KAR 5:010 and 16 KAR 5:015 for a specific certification.(2)
"Base certificate" means a professional certificate that allows a teacher to teach introductory and interdisciplinary courses in related fields.(3)
"Certificate endorsement" means an addition to a base or restricted base certificate, which is limited in scope.(4)
"Major" means an academic area of concentration consisting of at least thirty (30) hours of coursework.(5)
Other Licensed School Professionals includes school counselors certified pursuant to 16 KAR 3:060, school social workers certified pursuant to 16 KAR 2:070 or 16 KAR 2:080, and school psychologists certified pursuant to 16 KAR 2:090.(6)
"Restricted base certificate" means a certificate that allows a teacher to teach in a specific limited content area.Section 2.
Types of Certificates Issued.(1)
Provisional certificate;(a)
Conditional certificate;(b)
Temporary provisional certificate;(c)
Probationary provisional certificate;(d)
Proficiency provisional certificate;(e)
Occupation-based career and technical education provisional certificate;(f)
One (1) year provisional alternative certificate issued pursuant to KRS 161.048(2), (4), or (6);(g)
Adjunct certificate;(h)
Emergency certificate;(i)
Temporary certificate for Instructional Leadership:1.
In-state; and2.
Out-of-state;(j)
Temporary certificate; and(k)
Provisional certificate for Other Licensed School Professionals.(2)
Professional certificate.(a)
Initial certificate - five (5) year certificate;(b)
Renewal certificate - five (5) year certificate;(c)
Occupation-based career and technical education professional certificate; and(d)
Professional certificate for Other Licensed School Professionals.(3)
Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Certificate.(4)
Additional certificates and endorsements.(5)
Substitute teaching certificate.(a)
Certified substitute certificate - five (5) year certificate;(b)
Certified substitute certificate - ten (10) year certificate; and(c)
Emergency substitute certificate.(6)
All other existing certificates shall remain valid and the terms for renewal shall be determined by the laws and regulations in effect at the time the certificate was issued pursuant to KRS 161.020(3).Section 3.
Certificate Issuance.(1)
Prior to the issuance of a certificate, the applicant shall disclose certain background information as established in Section 9 of this administrative regulation. If the applicant answers "yes" to any of the questions established in Section 9(1)(a)-(f) of this administrative regulation, the EPSB may still issue a certificate for that applicant, but the board shall retain final authority to deny a request for certification if the board so chooses.(2)
The EPSB shall issue a professional certificateto a teacher candidate who:(a)
Has successfully completed a traditional initial preparation program that resulted in the issuance of a bachelor's degree or higher with either:1.
A cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale; or2.
A grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last thirty (30) hours of credit completed, including undergraduate and graduate coursework.3.
Grade point average (GPA) shall be calculated by beginning with the most recent course completed and proceeding backward for two (2) semesters in the order the grades fall on the transcript to accumulate the last thirty (30) hours completed for determining the GPA.4.
If it is necessary to go back further than two (2) semesters, then the courses in the third semester shall be chosen based on the highest grades earned during that third semester;(b)
Earns a passing score on all assessments required for the certification sought as established in 16 KAR Chapter 6.(3)
All certificates issued shall either be a base or restricted base certificate as established in Section 4 of this administrative regulation.(4)
Provisional Certificates.(a)
Conditional Certificate.The EPSB may issue a conditional certificate to a teacher candidate who meets the requirements of 16 KAR 2:180 and who attempted all assessments required for the certification sought pursuant to KRS 161.030(3)(b) but was unable to earn a passing score on one or more such assessments.(b)
Temporary Provisional Certificate.1.
The EPSB shall issue a temporary provisional certificate pursuant to KRS 161.048 with a grade level and content area recommended by the institution that will be valid for employment in the area of certification sought.2.
The certificate shall be issued at the appropriate rank pursuant to the requirements established in 16 KAR 8:020.3.
Prior to issuance of the certificate, pursuant to 16 KAR Chapter 9:a.
The teacher candidate shall submit to the EPSB an official transcript from each college or university attended; andb.
The institution shall submit to the EPSB a mentoring collaboration agreement with the district if the teacher candidate is seeking certification through the enrollment of a university-based alternative certification program.4.
The EPSB shall renew the temporary provisional certificate yearly upon the recommendation of the institution. The institution shall base its recommendation pursuant to KRS 161.048 and 16 KAR Chapter 9.(c)
Probationary Provisional Certificate.1.
A probationary certificate shall be initiated by the school district to fill an area of need.2.
The EPSB shall issue a probationary certificate pursuant to 16 KAR 2:110, 16 KAR 2:130, 16 KAR 2:140, 16 KAR 2:170, and 16 KAR 2:200.(d)
Proficiency Provisional Certificate.1.
The EPSB shall issue a proficiency provisional certificate in accordance with a grade level and content area recommended by the university that will be valid for employment in the area of certification sought.2.
The certificate shall be issued at the appropriate rank pursuant to the requirements established in 16 KAR 8:020.3.
Prior to issuance of the certificate, pursuant to 16 KAR 5:030 the:a.
Teacher candidate shall submit to the EPSB an official transcript from each college or university attended; andb.
College or university shall submit to the EPSB an educator learning plan (ELP).4.
The EPSB shall renew the proficiency provisional certificate yearly upon the recommendation of the college or university. The college or university shall base its recommendation on the ELP pursuant to 16 KAR 5:030.(e)
Occupation-based Career and Technical Education Provisional Certificate. The EPSB shall issue an occupation-based career and technical education provisional certificate following the completion of the appropriate requirements established in 16 KAR 2:020.(f)
One (1) year Provisional Alternative Certificate. The EPSB shall issue a one (1) year provisional alternative certificate to a teacher candidate who is enrolled in a local school district training program following the completion of the appropriate requirements established in KRS 161.048(3) and 16 KAR 9:060.(g)
Adjunct Certificate. The EPSB shall issue an adjunct instructor certificate following completion of the appropriate requirements established in KRS 161.048(5) .(h)
Emergency Certificate. The EPSB shall issue an emergency certificate pursuant to 16 KAR 2:120.(i)
Temporary Certificate for Instructional Leadership.1.
In-state. The EPSB shall issue a temporary certificate for instructional leadership pursuant to KRS 161.027(6) and 16 KAR 3:090.2.
Out-of-state. The EPSB shall issue a temporary certificate for institutional leadership pursuant to KRS 161.027(6).(j)
Temporary Certificate.Unless a candidate qualifies under the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact as adopted in KRS 161.135, a temporary certificate may be issued for a period up to six (6) months, not to exceed the end of the semester in which the temporary certificate is issued, during which the teacher must successfully pass all required assessments pursuant to 16 KAR 6:010.(k)
Provisional Certificate for Other Licensed School Professionals . The EPSB shall issue a provisional certificate for Other Licensed School Professionals pursuant to 16 KAR 2:080, 16 KAR 2:090, or 16 KAR 3:060.(5)
Professional Certificates.(a)
Initial Five (5) Year Certificate.The EPSB shall issue an initial five (5) year certificate to a teacher candidate who has met the requirements set forth in Section 3 of this regulation.(b)
Renewal Five (5) Year Certificate. Requirements for renewal certificates are set forth in 16 KAR 4:060.(c)
Occupation-based Career and Technical Education Professional Certificate. The EPSB shall issue an occupation-based career and technical education professional certificate pursuant to 16 KAR 2:020.(d)
Professional Certificate for Other Licensed School Professionals . The EPSB shall issue a professional certificate for Other Licensed School Professionals pursuant to 16 KAR 2:070, 16 KAR 2:090, or 16 KAR 3:060.(6)
Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Certificate. The EPSB shall issue a JROTC certificate pursuant to 16 KAR 2:100.(7)
Substitute Certificates. The EPSB shall issue a certified substitute teaching certificate or an emergency substitute certificate pursuant to 16 KAR 2:030 and 16 KAR 2:120, Section 2.Section 4.
Grade Levels and Specializations.(1)
Preparation for a teaching certificate shall be based on:(a)
The Kentucky teacher standards established in 16 KAR 1:010;(b)
The accreditation and program approval standards established in 16 KAR 5:010 and 16 KAR 5:015, including the content standards of the relevant national specialty program associations; and(c)
The goals for the schools of the Commonwealth established in KRS 158.6451 and the student academic expectations established in 703 KAR 4:060.(2)
A base certificate shall be issued specifying one (1) or more of the following grade levels and specialization authorizations:(a)
Interdisciplinary early childhood education birth to primary, as established in 16 KAR 2:040; and(b)
Elementary school: primary through grade 6 to include preparation in the academic disciplines taught in the elementary school.(c)
1.
Middle school option 1: grades 4 through 9 with the equivalent of one (1) major to be selected from:a.
English and communications;b.
Mathematics;c.
Science; ord.
Social studies; or2.
Middle school option 2: grades 4 through 9 with two (2) middle school teaching fields to be selected from:a.
English and communications;b.
Mathematics;c.
Science; ord.
Social studies;(d)
Secondary school shall be valid for teaching students in: grades 7 through 12 with one (1) or more of the following majors:1.
English;2.
Mathematics;3.
Social studies;4.
Biology;5.
Chemistry;6.
Physics;7.
Earth science; or8.
General science.(e)
Grades 4 through 12 with one (1) or more of the following majors:1.
Agriculture;2.
Business and marketing education;3.
Family and consumer science;4.
Industrial education; or5.
Engineering and technology;(f)
All grade levels with one (1) or more of the following specialties:1.
Art;2.
A foreign language;3.
Health;4.
Physical education;5.
Integrated music;6.
Vocal music;7.
Instrumental music; or8.
School media librarian; or(g)
Grades primary through 12 for teaching exceptional children and for collaborating with teachers to design and deliver programs for preprimary children, for one (1) or more of the following disabilities:1.
Learning and behavior disorders;2.
Moderate and severe disabilities;3.
Hearing impaired;4.
Hearing impaired with sign proficiency;5.
Visually impaired;6.
Communication disorders, valid at all grade levels for the instruction of exceptional children and youth with communication disorders, which shall require a master's degree in communication or speech language pathology, pursuant to 16 KAR 2:050, Section 2; or7.
Communication disorders - SLPA only, valid at all grade levels for the instruction of exceptional children and youth with communication disorders, which shall require a baccalaureate degree in communication or speech language pathology, pursuant to 16 KAR 2:050, Section 3.(3)
The grades 4 through 9 mathematics certificate issued under subsection (2)(c)1.b. or 2.b. of this section shall be valid for teaching Algebra I and Geometry for grades 10, 11, and 12.(4)
A restricted base certificate shall be issued specifying one (1) or more of the following grade level and specialization authorizations:(a)
Psychology, grades 8 through 12;(b)
Sociology, grades 8 through 12;(c)
Journalism, grades 8 through 12;(d)
Speech or media communications, grades 8 through 12;(e)
Theater, primary through grade 12;(f)
Dance, primary through grade 12;(g)
Computer information systems, primary through grade 12; or(h)
English as a second language, primary through grade 12.(5)
An endorsement to a certificate identified in subsection (2) or (3) of this section shall be issued specifying one (1) or more of the following grade level and specialization authorizations:(a)
Computer science, grades 8 through 12;(b)
English as a second language, primary through grade 12;(c)
Gifted education, primary through grade 12;(d)
Driver education, grades 8 through 12;(e)
Literacy specialist, primary through grade 12;(f)
Reading, primary through grade 12;(g)
Instructional computer technology, primary through grade 12;(h)
Teacher Leader, all grades;(i)
Other instructional services - environmental education, primary through grade 12;(j)
Other instructional services - elementary mathematics specialist, primary through grade 5;(k)
American Sign Language, primary through grade 12; or(l)
Early grades, grades 1 through 3.Section 5.
Certification through Proficiency Evaluation.(1)
Proficiency evaluations shall be conducted pursuant to 16 KAR 5:030 by a Kentucky college or university with an approved educator preparation program.(2)
The EPSB may issue a proficiency provisional certificate to an individual upon request pursuant to this section provided that the individual meets the requirements established in Section 3 of this administrative regulation or any certificate area offered in Section 4 of this administrative regulation pursuant to 16 KAR 5:030.Section 6.
Additional Certification.(1)
An additional certificate may be issued to a certified teacher for any base or restricted base certificate offered in Section 4(1) through (4) of this administrative regulation and shall require:(a)
An unexpired base or restricted base certificate;(b)
Successful completion of the applicable assessments; and(c)
Recommendation from an approved preparation program upon the demonstration of competency in the relevant teaching methodology verified via coursework, field experience, portfolio, or proficiency evaluation performed by a Kentucky college or university in accordance with 16 KAR 5:030.(2)
A certificate endorsement may be issued for any area listed in Section 4(5) of this administrative regulation and shall require:(a)
An unexpired base or restricted base certificate;(b)
Successful completion of the applicable assessments; and(c)
Recommendation from an approved program of preparation upon the demonstration of competency in the relevant teaching methodology verified via coursework, field experience, portfolio, or proficiency evaluation performed by a Kentucky college or university in accordance with 16 KAR 5:030.(3)
(a)
A certified teacher may add a certificate endorsement or additional certificate if the teacher applies for a certificate endorsement or additional certificate and meets the requirements established in paragraph (b) of this subsection.(b)
An additional certificate or certificate endorsement shall be issued if an educator:1.
Holds a valid Kentucky professional teaching certificate;2.
Submits proof that the educator has:a.
Current employment in a certified position; orb.
Approval of the local district superintendent;3.
Successfully completed the applicable content assessments; and4.
Has either:a.
Completed at least fifteen (15) credit hours of post-secondary coursework in the area of certification being sought; orb.
A combination of education, experience, and professional development in the area of certification being sought sufficient to demonstrate subject matter competency as evidenced by a score of ninety (90) points in Sections 3 and 4 within the application for the Highly Qualified route to certification. For scoring purposes, successful completion of the appropriate content assessment(s) for the certificate area being added shall count for forty-five (45) points. Additional points shall be granted only for experience, professional development, or coursework validated as prescribed by the EPSB and earned relative to the specific content area, student population taught, and grade range served.(4)
A certified teacher in secondary sciences may add additional secondary science credentials by:(a)
Before September 15, 2028:1.
Holding a valid professional certificate for teaching the secondary sciences, including biology, chemistry, earth science, or physics; and2.
Submitting proof of officially completing at least eight (8) credit hours, equivalent to two (2) courses with each including a laboratory component, in the credential content area; or(b)
On or after September 15, 2028, candidates shall complete the Highly Qualified pathway to certification outlined in subsection (3) of this section.(5)
If a teacher currently holds a professional certificate in the secondary grades 7 through 12, and applies for an additional certificate or endorsement in the same content area for middle school grades 4 through 9, the teacher shall not be required to complete the content assessment.(6)
An additional certificate or endorsement issued pursuant to the requirements established in subsection (3) of this section shall be permitted in all content areas with the exception of the following:(a)
Elementary Education;(b)
Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education;(c)
Special Education;(d)
Learning Behavior Disorders;(e)
Moderate to Severe Disabilities;(f)
Hearing Impaired;(g)
Visually Impaired; and(h)
Communications Disorders..(7)
The EPSB shall issue the proficiency provisional certificate and the professional certificate for the certificate endorsement or the additional certificate upon request provided that the certified teacher meets the requirements established in Section 3 of this administrative regulation.Section 7.
Alternative Routes to Certification.(1)
A candidate pursuing certification via an alternative route to certification shall receive the same certificates established in Section 4 of this administrative regulation following completion of the appropriate requirements specific to each alternative route.(2)
A candidate issued certification pursuant to KRS 161.048(2) to (6) and (9) for interdisciplinary early childhood through grade five (5) shall complete a science of reading professional learning program approved by the Kentucky Department of Education within two (2) years of initial employment in a district.Section 8.
Approval for Teaching Computer Science.(1)
The Approval for Teaching Computer Science (ACS) is a permission code that allows eligible teachers to teach all Computer Science courses in the course catalog.(2)
To be eligible for the ACS permission code, a teacher shall:(a)
Possess a base certificate, restricted base certificate, or endorsement as set forth in Section 4 of this administrative regulation that includes permissions for teaching in a secondary school, grades 7 through 12;(b)
Be scheduled to teach a minimum of one (1) Computer Science course during the fall semester of the upcoming academic year; and(c)
Enroll in a professional learning program approved by the Kentucky Department of Education.(3)
Once a teacher successfully completes an approved ACS professional learning program, the ACS permission code shall be added to that teacher's certification.Section 9.
Disclosure of Background Information.(1)
Teachers and teacher candidates shall disclose certain background information to the EPSB when applying for the issuance or renewal of the provisional certificate or the professional certificate by answering the following questions:(a)
Have you ever had a professional certificate, license, credential, or any document issued for practice denied, suspended, revoked, or voluntarily surrendered? If you have had a professional certificate, license, credential, or any other document issued for practice initially denied by a licensing body, but later issued, you shall answer "yes."(b)
Have you ever been suspended or discharged from any employment or military service because of allegations of misconduct?(c)
Have you ever resigned, entered into a settlement agreement, or otherwise left employment as a result of allegations of misconduct?(d)
Is any action now pending against you for alleged misconduct in any school district, court, or before any educator licensing agency?(e)
Have you ever been convicted of or entered a guilty plea, an "Alford" plea, or a plea of nolo contendere (no contest) to a felony or misdemeanor, even if adjudication of the sentence was withheld in Kentucky or any other state? Minor traffic violations should not be reported. Convictions for driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs (DUI) shall be reported.(f)
Do you have any criminal charges pending against you?(g)
If you answered affirmatively to any of the questions in this Section, has the EPSB previously reviewed the information?(2)
The EPSB shall provide teachers and teacher candidates with the opportunity to submit a narrative to the board to consider before the board approves the request for issuance or renewal of a provisional certificate or a professional certificate. The teacher or teacher candidate may include in his or her narrative any dates, locations, school systems, court records, or any other information he or she would like the board to consider.HISTORY: COMPILER'S NOTE: 2025 RS HB 6, enacted by the General Assembly on March 27, 2025, altered the information to be provided at the time an administrative regulation is filed. Aside from formatting changes necessary to upload the regulation into the LRC's publication application, this regulation has been published as submitted by the agency.
L. AMBER SNELL, Board Chair
APPROVED BY AGENCY: August 31, 2026
FILED WITH LRC: August 31, 2026 at 3:10 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on November 23, 2026, at 10 a.m. ET, in the State Board Room, Fifth Floor, 300 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601. Individuals interested in being heard at this hearing shall notify this agency in writing by five (5) workdays prior to the hearing, of their intent to attend. If no notification of intent to attend the hearing was received by that date, the hearing may be cancelled. A transcript of the public hearing will not be made unless a written request for a transcript is made. If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on the proposed administrative regulation. Written comments shall be accepted through November 30, 2026. Send written notification of intent to be heard at the public hearing or written comments on the proposed administrative regulation to the contact person.
CONTACT PERSON: Todd G. Allen, General Counsel, Kentucky Department of Education, 300 Sower Boulevard, 5th Floor, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, phone 502-564-4474, fax 502-564-9321, email regcomments@education.ky.gov.
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND TIERING STATEMENT
Contact Person:
Todd G. Allen Phone: 502-564-4474 Email: todd.allen@education.ky.gov
Subject Headings:
Education, Education: Elementary, Education: Secondary
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This administrative regulation implements the Kentucky certification requirements for teachers as set forth in KRS 161.030. This administrative regulation also identifies the types of Kentucky professional and provisional teacher certificates available as well as the content areas associated with each certification. It also sets forth the different procedures that may be used to obtain a Kentucky teaching certificate.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
This administrative regulation is necessary to provide notice to applicants, educator preparation providers, and administrators of Kentucky public school districts of the types of certificates issued by the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) as well as the content areas associated with each certificate. It also provides notice to applicants, educator preparation providers, and administrators of Kentucky public school districts of the different procedures that may be used to obtain a Kentucky teaching certificate.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
KRS 161.020 provides that "[n]o person shall be eligible to hold the position of teacher for which certificates may be issued, or receive salary for services rendered in the position, unless he or she holds a certificate of legal qualifications for the position." KRS 161.028 provides the EPSB with the authority and responsibility to establish standards and requirements for obtaining and maintaining a teaching certificate. KRS 161.030 provides that the EPSB alone has the authority to certify all teachers in public schools.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This administrative regulation implements the Kentucky certification requirements for teachers as set forth in KRS 161.030. This administrative regulation also identifies the types of Kentucky professional and provisional teacher certificates available as well as the content areas associated with each certification. It also sets forth the different procedures that may be used to obtain a Kentucky teaching certificate.
(2) If this is an amendment to an existing administrative regulation, provide a brief summary of:
(a) How the amendment will change this existing administrative regulation:
This amendment implements certification recommendations of the Certification Structure Workgroup, which were presented to and adopted by the EPSB at its meeting on April 21, 2026, aimed at providing Kentucky public school districts with additional flexibility to meet staffing needs while, simultaneously, continuing to enforce rigorous certification standards for Kentucky educators as well as ensure there is a high quality educator in every Kentucky classroom. Specifically, at the recommendation of the Certification Structure Workgroup, this amendment updates the grade bands for certification by adjusting elementary to cover Kindergarten through Grade 6, middle to cover Grade 4 through Grade 9, and secondary to cover Grade 7 through Grade 12. The amendment also expands permissions for middle school math certificates to be valid for teaching Algebra I and Geometry in Grades 10 through 12; adds a secondary General Science certificate; and, provides a pathway for a certified teacher in secondary sciences to add additional secondary science credentials. Overall, the amendment is intended
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
At the recommendation of the Certification Structure Workgroup, this amendment updates the grade bands for certification, specifically by adjusting elementary to cover Kindergarten through Grade 6, middle to cover Grade 4 through Grade 9, and secondary to cover Grade 7 through Grade 12. The amendment also expands permissions for middle school math certificates to be valid for teaching Algebra I and Geometry in Grades 10 through 12; adds a secondary General Science certificate; and, provides a pathway for a certified teacher in secondary sciences to add additional secondary science credentials. These amendments are intended to provide Kentucky public school districts with additional flexibility to meet staffing needs while, simultaneously, continuing to enforce rigorous certification standards for Kentucky educators as well as ensure there is a high-quality educator in every Kentucky classroom.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
KRS 161.020 provides that "[n]o person shall be eligible to hold the position of teacher for which certificates may be issued, or receive salary for services rendered in the position, unless he or she holds a certificate of legal qualifications for the position." KRS 161.028 provides the EPSB with the authority and responsibility to establish standards and requirements for obtaining and maintaining a teaching certificate. KRS 161.030 provides that the EPSB alone has the authority to certify all teachers in public schools. (d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statues: At the recommendation of the Certification Structure Workgroup, this amendment updates the grade bands for certification, specifically by adjusting elementary to cover Kindergarten through Grade 6, middle to cover Grade 4 through Grade 9, and secondary to cover Grade 7 through Grade 12. The amendment also expands permissions for middle school math certificates to be valid for teaching Algebra I and Geometry in Grades 10 through 12; adds a secondary General Science certificate; and, provides a pathway for a certified teacher in secondary sciences to add additional secondary science credentials. These amendments are intended to provide Kentucky public school districts with additional flexibility to meet staffing needs while, simultaneously, continuing to enforce rigorous certification standards for Kentucky educators as well as ensure there is a high-quality educator in every Kentucky classroom.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
(3) Does this administrative regulation or amendment implement legislation from the previous five years?
Yes, House Bill 253 (2026) mandated the EPSB to "require all interdisciplinary early childhood through grade five (5) educators who receive certification pursuant to KRS 161.048(2) to (6) and (9) to complete within two (2) years of initial employment a science of reading professional learning program approved by the department." This requirement has been codified in Section 7(2) of this amended regulation.
(4) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
Applicants for educator certification in Kentucky, Kentucky public school districts, Kentucky Department of Education, and educator preparation programs.
(5) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (4) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:
(a) List the actions that each of the regulated entities identified in question (4) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment:
Applicants for educator certification in Kentucky will have to meet applicable certification requirements in this regulation when seeking new certifications from the EPSB. Kentucky public school districts will have to ensure certified staff meet applicable certification requirements in this regulation. Kentucky Department of Education staff that support the work of EPSB will have to implement the requirements of this regulation. And, educator preparation programs may have to adjust programmatic components to ensure their students, as prospective applicants for educator certification in Kentucky, can meet applicable certification requirements in this regulation when seeking new certifications from the EPSB.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
Implementation of this amendment is not expected to substantially increase costs for any entity identified in question (4). Minimal administrative burdens may result to Kentucky Department of Education staff implementing the amended regulation as well as to educator preparation programs in the event adjustments to programmatic components are necessary to align with this amendment. Any costs or burdens to applicants for educator certification in Kentucky as well as to Kentucky public school districts are anticipated to be minimal, at most, and to be the same under this amendment as they were under the prior regulation.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
One of the EPSB’s goals is that every certified position in a Kentucky public school is staffed by a properly credentialed educator. In furtherance of this goal, the EPSB undertakes a continuous review of the certification structure to ensure that it aligns with the Kentucky academic standards and the workforce needs to best serve the students of the Commonwealth. All entities identified in question (4) will benefit from the adoption of the recommendations of the Certification Structure Workgroup, who consulted state and national data as well as sought feedback from Kentucky school districts and educator preparation providers to propose a grade band structure that meets current needs as well as alter teacher certifications in hard to fill positions such as the sciences and mathematics. (6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost to implement this administrative regulation:
(6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
There will be minimal, if any, cost to the EPSB and the Kentucky Department of Education to implement this administrative regulation.
(b) On a continuing basis:
There will be minimal, if any, cost to the EPSB and the Kentucky Department of Education to implement this administrative regulation.
(7) What is the source of the funding to be used for the implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation or this amendment:
General funds.
(8) Provide an assessment of whether an increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change if it is an amendment:
None.
(9) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
This administrative regulation neither establishes any fees nor directly or indirectly increases any fees.
(10) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
Tiering is not applied. The regulation applies uniformly.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(1) Identify each state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation:
KRS 161.030 and 161.028(1)(a).
(2) State whether this administrative regulation is expressly authorized by an act of the General Assembly, and if so, identify the act:
Yes, KRS 161.030 and 161.028(1)(a).
(3)(a) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:
Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board and Kentucky Department of Education.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (3)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
Any expenditures are expected to be minimal.
For subsequent years:
Any expenditures are expected to be minimal.
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
This regulation is not expected to generate revenue.
For subsequent years:
This regulation is not expected to generate revenue.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
No cost savings are anticipated.
For subsequent years:
No cost savings are anticipated.
(4)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts):
Kentucky public school districts.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected local entity identified in (4)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
No expenditures are expected.
For subsequent years:
No expenditures are expected.
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
This regulation is not expected to generate revenue.
For subsequent years:
This regulation is not expected to generate revenue.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
No significant cost savings are anticipated; however, there may be decreased administrative burdens when hiring for hard to fill certified positions (e.g., the sciences and mathematics).
For subsequent years:
No significant cost savings are anticipated; however, there may be decreased administrative burdens when hiring for hard to fill certified positions (e.g., the sciences and mathematics).
(5)(a) Identify any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
Applicants for educator certification in Kentucky and educator preparation programs.
(b) Estimate the following for each regulated entity identified in (5)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
For applicants for educator certification in Kentucky, no expenditures are expected. For educator preparation programs, any expenditures are expected to be minimal.
For subsequent years:
For applicants for educator certification in Kentucky, no expenditures are expected. For educator preparation programs, any expenditures are expected to be minimal.
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
This regulation is not expected to generate revenue.
For subsequent years:
This regulation is not expected to generate revenue.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
No cost savings are anticipated.
For subsequent years:
No cost savings are anticipated.
(6) Provide a narrative to explain the following for each entity identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a)
(a) Fiscal impact of this administrative regulation:
Minimal administrative burdens may result to Kentucky Department of Education staff implementing the amended regulation as well as to educator preparation programs in the event adjustments to programmatic components are necessary to align with this amendment. Any costs or burdens to applicants for educator certification in Kentucky as well as to Kentucky public school districts are anticipated to be minimal, at most, and to be the same under this amendment as they were under the prior regulation.
(b) Methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
The estimates herein are based on prior program operations.
(7) Explain, as it relates to the entities identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a):
(a) Whether this administrative regulation will have a "major economic impact", as defined by KRS 13A.010(14):
The administrative regulation is not expected to have a major economic impact.
(b) The methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
The estimates herein are based on prior program operations.