5-Year Professional Educator Licenses

The Department issues professional educator licenses to teachers who have completed the Ohio Resident Educator Program, in accordance with Ohio law1, or who have met teaching experience requirements under a standard out-of-state teaching license.

educators who completed ohio's resident educator program

Educators who have completed Ohio’s Resident Educator Program and passed RESA may advance from their resident educator (or Alternative Resident Educator) license to the professional educator license. Educators should contact their Resident Educator Program Coordinator before completing the online application to advance. Educators must meet all current requirements for licensure before submitting their online application to receive the professional educator license. Educators who have any coursework or exam limitations listed on their license must successfully complete the requirements before they will be issued the professional educator license.

out-of-state applicants

Educators who have met either of the following requirements should review the Out-of-State Licensure webpage for information and application instructions:

  • completed a traditional teacher preparation program through an accredited college or university and have taught under a standard out-of-state teaching license for two full school years or more, OR
  • have taught under a standard out-of-state teaching license for three full school years.

advance 2-year provisional licenses

Educators who previously held a two-year provisional license in Ohio and have taught under a standard out-of-state teaching license in the same teaching field for two full school years or more should review the How to Transition or Advance a Two-Year Provisional License webpage for information and application instructions.

transition 4-year or 8-year provisional certificates

Educators who need to advance their previously issued Ohio four-year provisional or eight-year professional teaching certificates should review the How to Transition a Certificate to a License webpage for information and application instructions.

background checks

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

ohid account

Applicants who have not already set up their OHID account must do so before submitting their online application for licensure. Please see the OHID Portal Help webpage and the CORE User Manual for information.

1OAC 3301-24-05

Last Modified: 7/20/2023 9:35:36 AM