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How to become a certified teacher in Washington. Bachelor's degree required. Primary exam: WEST-B (Washington Educator Skills Test - Basic). Government fees: $700–$900. Substitute requirements: Bachelor's degree (or 72 quarter hours/48 semester hours of college credit for limited substitute certificate). Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Washington
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Washington. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) / Washington Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB).
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Degree Required
Bachelor's degree
Primary Exam
WEST-B (Washington Educator Skills Test - Basic)
Total Gov Fees
$700–$900
Initial Cert
5 years
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree |
| Teacher Prep Program | Required |
| Student Teaching | Required (450 hours) |
| Background Check | Required |
| Fingerprinting | Required |
| GPA Requirement | 3.0 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. |
basic skills
Passing score: 240 per subtest
Three subtests: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. Required for admission to teacher preparation programs. May be waived with qualifying SAT or ACT scores.
content knowledge
Passing score: 240
Content knowledge exam specific to the endorsement area. Washington uses NES exams for many endorsement areas.
performance assessment
Passing score: Varies by subject (typically 35–42 total score)
Portfolio-based performance assessment completed during student teaching. Includes planning, instruction, and assessment tasks.
Initial certificate issued to new educators who complete an approved teacher preparation program and pass all required assessments. Must complete a ProTeach Portfolio or National Board Certification to advance.
Advanced certificate issued after completing the ProTeach Portfolio assessment or achieving National Board Certification. Requires a master's degree or equivalent.
Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree (or 72 quarter hours/48 semester hours of college credit for limited substitute certificate)
Certificate Required
Substitute Teaching Certificate
Background Check
Required
Permit Fee
$42
Validity
5 years
Washington issues a state-level Substitute Teaching Certificate. The standard substitute certificate requires a bachelor's degree. A Limited Substitute Certificate (for up to 30 days in a single assignment) requires 72 quarter hours or 48 semester hours. Emergency substitute certificates are available during teacher shortages.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application FeeInitial certification application fee | $62 |
| Fingerprint FeeOSPI fingerprinting fee; must be done in person at state offices or mailed in | $45.25 |
| Exam Fees (Total)WEST-B ($100–$130 x 3 subtests), WEST-E/NES ($105–$130), and edTPA ($300) | $500–$700 |
| Initial CertificateIncluded in the application fee | $62 |
| Renewal Fee | $62 |
| Substitute Permit | $42 |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, all exams (WEST-B, WEST-E, edTPA), and initial certificate fee | $700–$900 |
Graduate from a PESB-approved or regionally accredited teacher preparation program with a bachelor's degree.
Pass WEST-B, WEST-E/NES content exam, and edTPA performance assessment.
Fee: $500–$700
Submit fingerprints for WSP and FBI background checks.
Fee: $60
Submit your application through OSPI's E-Certification online system.
Fee: $62
Upon approval, receive a 5-year Residency Teacher Certificate.
Washington offers four Alternative Route pathways (Routes 1–4) designed for different candidate backgrounds: Route 1 is for paraprofessionals, Route 2 for classified staff, Route 3 for individuals with industry experience, and Route 4 for career changers with bachelor's degrees. These programs are offered through approved university partnerships and include coursework and clinical practice.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
150
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Washington requires 150 clock hours of professional development per 5-year renewal cycle for the Residency Certificate. For Professional Certificate holders, the requirement is also 150 clock hours per cycle. One quarter credit = 10 clock hours; one semester credit = 15 clock hours.
Reciprocity Type
Case-by-case review
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Washington evaluates out-of-state applicants individually. Educators with a valid out-of-state certificate may receive a Washington Residency Certificate. May need to complete WEST-E content exams if not previously assessed in the endorsement area.
Additional requirements: May need to pass WEST-E/NES content exams. Out-of-state applicants with 2+ years of experience may be eligible for a Residency Certificate without additional testing.
Unique to Washington: Washington is one of the states requiring the edTPA performance assessment in addition to content knowledge exams. The state's four Alternative Route pathways (Routes 1-4) are uniquely designed for different populations: paraprofessionals, classified staff, industry professionals, and career changers. Advancement from Residency to Professional Certificate requires either the ProTeach Portfolio or National Board Certification, along with a master's degree.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Washington.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#1 of 51
Cost
#50 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (SOC 25-2021)
Entry Level
$78,150
25th percentile
Median
$99,110
+59% vs. national avg ($62,340)Experienced
$108,470
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
30,790 employed in this state
Note: BLS category covers elementary school teachers only. Secondary, special education, and other teaching specializations have separate SOC codes with different wage data.
Source: BLS OEWS – Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
0%
Below AverageNew Jobs
-500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
103,200
per year (avg.)
1.4M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: Educator Certification - OSPI
Estimated total: 216–234 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Educator Certification - OSPI
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Educator Certification - OSPI
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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Washington requires completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program to earn your teaching certificate. Explore approved programs and alternative certification routes.
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