5-Year Associate License

The Ohio Department of Education issues five-year associate licenses under Ohio law1 to applicants who meet qualifications in the following areas:

  • Prekindergarten Associate
  • Educational Paraprofessional
  • Interpreter for the Hearing Impaired
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • Physical Therapy Assistant

Requirements for Licensure

PREKINDERGARTEN ASSOCIATES, EDUCATIONAL PARAPROFESSIONALS AND INTERPRETERS FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED

Applicants must complete an approved, traditional preparation program through an accredited college or university that culminates in the college or university’s recommendation for licensure in the following areas:

  • Prekindergarten Associate (see the Department's Educator License Exams webpage for exam requirements)
  • Educational Paraprofessional (no exam required for licensure)
  • Interpreter for the Hearing Impaired (no exam required for licensure)

Applicants may view the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s Program Finder for a list of accredited colleges or universities that offer approved programs leading to Ohio licensure.

Applicants completing a licensure program outside of Ohio should view requirements on the Department's Out-of-State webpage.

OCCUPATIONAL AND PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANTS

Applicants must hold an active Ohio board license in the following areas to be considered for the associate license (completion of an additional school licensure program is not required):

  • Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • Physical Therapy Assistant

Please note that applicants must submit their official university transcripts with the application for the license. Additionally, the Department must be able to verify the active Ohio board license of the applicant.

Background Checks

Applicants must have current background checks on file with the Department.

Individuals who live outside of Ohio may email the Office of Educator Licensure at the Ohio Department of Education to request fingerprint cards.

Instructions for Submitting Official Transcripts

Applicants must submit their official transcripts from an accredited college or university. Please review the Instructions for Submitting Transcripts and short video tutorial before scanning and uploading transcripts.

  • Applicants who prefer to mail their original, official transcripts must use the following address: 

    Ohio Department of Education
    Office of Educator Licensure
    25 S. Front Street
    Mail Stop 504
    Columbus, OH 43215

  • ​Coursework complete outside the United States. Educators who completed college coursework outside the United States must submit a course-by-course analysis from a Department approved international credential evaluation service. 

Application Instructions

  • Access your OH|ID account.
  • Click Educator Licensure and Records (CORE).
  • Complete the online application from your CORE Dashboard (click Teachers and then Associate License – 5 Year).
  • See the CORE User Manual for complete instructions.

Related Links

1OAC 3301-24-05

Last Modified: 11/1/2022 3:01:10 PM