Teacher Certification
UAB will only recommend students for certification if they have successfully completed a State-approved teacher education program and other University requirements. Each student is responsible for submitting a completed certification packet to the Office of Student Services during the semester they intend to finish their approved program. A student who does not apply for their Professional Educator Certificate within five years (60 months) after completing a state-approved program may be required to fulfill additional requirements (i.e., testing and/or coursework).
The Office of Student Services will verify that each student meets all degree and certification requirements after graduation and submit completed certification packets to the Alabama State Department of Education.
Timeline
Prepare
Check UAB e-mail during your final semester for announcement from certification specialist.
Submit
Submit your educator certification application and the supporting documentation to the Office of Student Services via UAB Box.
Process
Your application will be audited by the certification specialist to ensure you meet the current certification requirements.
Graduate
Upon conferral of your degree, you will receive an e-mail notification from the certification specialist once your application has been mailed to the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) for processing.
Watch
Watch for your mailed certificate.
When to Apply
The best time to apply for your Professional Educator certificate is during your last term of enrollment. This timeline will ensure that your paperwork will be submitted to the Alabama State Department of Education(ALSDE) on time.
Deadlines
Completed certification application packets are processed and mailed to the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE)in the order they are received.
| The term you plan to graduate: | The application is due: |
|---|---|
| Fall (December graduation) | November 1 |
| Spring (May graduation) | April 1 |
| Summer (August graduation) | August 1 |
Recertification of an Alabama Teaching Certificate
Please call the Alabama State Department of Education at 334-694-4557.
The level of courses you take (300, 400, 500, 600, etc.) will be dependent on your last certification, so communicating with one of our program directors is essential.
Important: You are responsible for sending the needed documentation to the state to complete the recertification process.