Certification Fee

During the 2011 legislative special session, the Legislature found that “the current economic environment requires that the state, when appropriate, charge for some of the services provided directly to the users of those services.” As a result, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1449 (ESHB 1449) was enacted requiring the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to establish and charge a fee for processing educator certificates and subsequent administrative actions that result in the issuance, renewal, or reissuance of educator certificates and permits.

In addition, the Legislature found that the processing of educator certificates should be moved to an electronic certification (e-Cert) system. This system will enable educators to access and manage their own certificates, reduce certificate processing time, and provide enhanced services to school districts regarding obtaining individual educators’ certificate information.

Beginning October 1, 2011, OSPI will assess a thirty-three dollar ($33) processing fee for certification actions. This processing fee will be used to develop and maintain the
e-Cert system and provide educators with enhanced access to their certificates.

The state Legislature and OSPI are very aware of the economic constraints and hardships all educators are experiencing at this time, and OSPI will continue to assess this processing fee to ensure that it is set at a level that meets legislative intent and does not put an undue burden on educators.

For questions regarding this new processing fee, please contact David Kinnunen at (360) 725-6406 or via e-mail at David.Kinnunen@k12.wa.us.

Due to budget reductions, the NWESD cannot continue to absorb the cost associated with processing credit card payments for certification fees. Effective October 1, 2011, payment methods accepted for certification actions will be limited to:

• Cash
• Personal Check
• Cashier’s Check
• Money Order