Preparing for a Principal's License
Traditional Pathway
Educators who are interested in applying for a professional principal license must meet the qualifications outlined in Ohio law1:
- Earn a master’s degree from an accredited university;
- Complete an approved principal preparation program;
- Receive a recommendation from the dean or head of teacher education at the institution where the candidate completed the principal preparation program;
- Complete the Ohio Assessment for Educators licensure exam #015, Educational Leadership, prescribed by the State Board of Education; and
- Have two years of successful teaching experience under a standard or professional teaching license (or work experience under a professional pupil services license) for the ages and grade levels for which the principal license is sought.
Professional Principal License Areas
Applicants who have completed the requirements above may apply for a professional principal license in the areas in which they have two years of successful teaching experience under a standard or professional teaching license (or work experience under a professional pupil services license):
- Early Childhood, Middle Childhood, Multi-Age, or Intervention Specialist licenses – teaching experience with students who are ages 3-12 and pre-Kindergarten through Grade 6;
- Middle Childhood, Multi-Age, Adolescence to Young Adult, Intervention Specialist or Career-Technical licenses – teaching experience with students who are ages 8-14 and Grades 4-9;
- Middle Childhood, Multi-Age, Intervention Specialist, Adolescence to Young Adult or Career-Technical licenses – teaching experience with students who are ages 10-21 and Grades 5-12.
Alternative Pathway
Qualified candidates may choose to pursue a nontraditional pathway toward a career in education.
Related links
1OAC 3301-24-05
Last Modified: 3/2/2023 7:40:56 AM