°µÍø½ûÇø

Applying for an initial license?

Create an OHID SAFE Account and Apply for Your Educator State ID Number

Before accessing the online licensure applications, you must first create an OHID account. Opening an OHID account requires an Ohio driver's license or an Ohio state ID.  Those who do not hold this identification may apply for an OHID account, but it may take approximately 2 weeks to complete the identification process and successfully create an account.

Next, apply for your Educator State ID number. Instructions can be found on the CORE Applicant User Manual. 

Pre-application for Licensure

Once all final grades are posted for your licensure program and all licensure exams are passed, you are now ready to complete the online  for licensure on the  which, once complete, will link to the online licensure application on the State Board of Education's website. The Pre-application MUST be completed for processing and review of the licensure application. 

Please review this chart to figure out what license to apply for and the cost:

What needs to be on file in 304 White Hall before applying for licensure?

•  for licensure on the  which, once complete, will link to the online licensure application on the State Board of Education's website.
• Passing test scores (Praxis II, OAE, ACTFL) required for licensure.
• Copy of prospectus or plan of study (not a transcript) listing licensure course requirements for graduate and non-degree students.
• Principal applicants must provide a letter from your school district verifying a minimum 2 years of employment and indicating the specific grade levels in which you have taught.
• Superintendent applicants must provide a letter from your school district verifying 3 years of employment.

NOTE: Any of the above items can be uploaded through the online Pre-application for licensure during that process.

NOTE: If any of the above is incomplete or missing, the licensure application will be denied.

When to apply for a license

The State Board of Education and the Vacca Office of Student Services always recommends that students apply for licensure immediately following graduation regardless of whether they have secured a job in Ohio. Students who fail to apply for licensure within 12 months of program completion may be subject to additional requirements.

Has it been more than 12 months since program completion? 

If so, the applicant must complete the Applying for Licensure 12 Months or Later After Program Completion  and forward it to the program coordinator (undergraduate or graduate) prior to applying for licensure. 

Add an Endorsement or Teaching Field to an existing license

If coursework is completed to add an endorsement to an existing license (examples: Reading K-12, Transition to Work, Middle Childhood Generalist, etc.) or a teaching field within the same licensure area and grade levels as a current license (examples: already hold a Mild/Moderate Intervention Specialist License and want to add Moderate/Intensive, or want to add a third and/or fourth concentration area to a Middle Childhood License), then complete the online  for licensure on the  which, once complete, will link to the online licensure application on the State Board of Education's website. The Pre-application MUST be completed for processing and review of the licensure application. On the State Board of Education's web site, click on My Credentials (not My Applications).  Then, click the check box on the right under "add an area."  Choose the endorsement you are applying to add. The cost is $20 and the effective year matches the current license.

Apply for a second license

A second license application is required if the applicant is already licensed and applying for licensure in a different teaching area and/or grade level(s) from a current license.
Complete the online  for licensure on the  which, once complete, will link to the online licensure application on the State Board of Education's website. The Pre-application MUST be completed for processing and review of the licensure application.

Fingerprinting Information

FIRST OHIO LICENSE

When an individual submits an application for their very first license issued by the State Board of Education, a BCI and FBI background check report, completed within 365 days of the date the application is received, must be on file at the State Board of Education.

Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) Electronic Fingerprinting (for the state of ohio)

• This can be done in the Instructional Resource Center (IRC) in 221 White Hall by appointment only during regular business hours.
• The cost is $25.00 and can be paid with cash or credit card.
• You must bring current, state issued identification (driver's license or ID card).

BCI electronic fingerprinting can also be done at any WebCheck location in Ohio. 

FBI Electronic Fingerprinting (Federal)

• This can be done in the Instructional Resource Center (IRC) in room 221 White Hall by appointment only during regular business hours. 
• The cost is $30.00 and can be paid with cash or credit card.
• You must bring current, state issued identification (driver's license or i.d. card).

The State Board of Education does not accept BCI or FBI paper and ink fingerprints. All BCI and FBI fingerprint information must be submitted electronically.

Obtain Alternative Licensure

The Vacca Office of Student Services does not provide advising or support for this option. Information can be found on the State Board of Education's  web page.