Frequently Asked Questions

Certification

• How do I pay the fee for my certificate?

  After your recommendation for certification is submitted you will be sent a link to set up your account with the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE). You will be able to pay your fee online through your account. The fee is $50 for an initial certificate.

• My Single Sign-On (SSO) says there are no roles associated with my account. How can I fix this?

  Go to your SSO account settings and re-enter your social security number at the bottom. Ensure that you did not use a nickname, as your first name, last name, and social security number must match exactly what the OSDE has on file. If this does not link you to the Oklahoma Educator Credentialing System (OECS), then email a copy of your signed social security card and your SSO username to a Customer Service Specialist listed here:https://sde.ok.gov/sde-divisions/teacher-certification and tell them you need help linking your SSO account.

• I set up my account with the OSDE and it says my certification is pending review and some of the reasons they list for this are concerning. Is this normal and should I be worried?

  It should only be pending review for advanced programs that require master's degrees (ex. Principal, School Counselor, Reading Specialist, SLP, etc.). You can call the OSDE at 405-521-3337 to make sure they have everything.

  For graduates of classroom teacher programs (ex. Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Early Childhood, Music, AGED, etc.), a teacher number should be assigned right away if everything is on file. If it is not:

  • • Check the background check tab for a cleared certification background check. If your fingerprinting appointment was more than three weeks ago, contact Brandi.Jennings@sde.ok.gov with a copy of your receipt and then call OSDE at (405)521-3337 once it is on file.
    • Check the test tab for your subject area test and the PPAT. If a test is missing, contact OEQA at (405)522-5399 and then call OSDE at (405)521-3337 once it is on file.
• How long will it take for the OSDE to issue my certificate after the recommendation from OSU is complete?

  OSDE will post on their website the anticipated time it could take for them to issue your certificate. During peak times it can take as long as 8-9 weeks for your certificate to be issued.

• My name has changed or will be changing. What do I need to do?

  Email a copy of your signed social security card to a Customer Service Specialist listed here:https://sde.ok.gov/sde-divisions/teacher-certification and ask for your name to be updated. If you do not have your updated social security card yet, you can send a copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court documents verifying the name change along with the last four of your social. Wait for them to confirm the name change before you apply online.

• I have not yet passed the OSAT. What does this mean for my certification?

  It is okay if you graduate before you pass the OSAT. While we cannot recommend you for certification without passing OSAT scores it does not mean we will never be able to recommend you. Try taking it again and when you pass the OSAT email the Certification Coordinator so they can submit your recommendation. Do keep in mind though that as time passes there is a chance additional requirements could be added. Study guides and practice tests are available on the CEOE website.https://www.ceoe.nesinc.com/PageView.aspx?f=GEN_PreparationMaterials.html

• I have one more class to take before I earn my degree. Should I go ahead and have my e-transcript sent to the Certification Coordinator?

  No. Please wait until all required courses and degrees have been posted to your transcript before having it sent to the Certification Coordinator.

• Do I need to send the receipt for my federal background check to someone at OSU?

  No. Keep the receipt for your records. You may need to provide it to the OSDE. OSU does not need you to provide anything that proves you completed it since this is a state requirement and not an OSU requirement.

• I recently completed a federal background check for my new job, activity, etc. Do I have to do another one for certification?

  Yes. The federal background check must be submitted with the “Teacher Certification” service code so that it is sent directly to the Certification Office at the OSDE. If you do not enter this code when completing your federal background check then the OSDE will not receive the results and will not issue your certificate.

• I have to do a federal background check for my school but have not done so yet. Is there a way to have the federal background check sent to both my new school and the OSDE Certification Office?

  Yes. You can use the “Dual Processing” code to have the results from your federal background check sent to both your new school and the OSDE Certification Office.

Field Placements

• Why do we have to drive so far to observe?

  For accreditation purposes, we must ensure that you get diverse experiences in your placements. For the first field placement, all candidates are placed in a school that has a high non-white population or a higher percentage of students at risk. This requirement often means students must travel to more populated areas.

• I plan to teach in a rural school. Can I do all my placements in rural or suburban schools?

  See above

• Can I be placed with a coach since I plan to coach?
  Since you will be certified in a particular content area, you must complete all of your field work with a qualified mentor in that content area.
• I am interested in getting my master’s in x. Can I observe someone in that position now?
  You may spend extra hours in schools observing librarians, counselors, principals, etc., but your required observation hours for your undergraduate degree must be completed with the mentor to which you were assigned.
• Can I observe/student teach in a private school?

  The Oklahoma State Department of Education requires that you be placed in public schools only.

• Can I student teach before I finish my coursework and get it out of the way?
  No. It is important that you be fully prepared to teach before you intern. You must complete coursework and fieldwork prior to interning.
• Background checks

  We require an OSBI name check with both the criminal and sex offender scans included. We may require an additional background check, if it is deemed necessary for any reason. You must send us the results before we can place you in any school.

  Can I use the one I got for my job last summer?

  No. Background checks are typically not transferable from one entity to another.

  Can I send the receipt instead of the results?

  No, we must have a copy of the results.

  What happens if I have a record?

  You are required to provide proof of dispensation of the charges before you can be placed in a school.

  Can you send me a copy of my results?

  No, we cannot transfer results to you. We can only send them to a school where you are placed for fieldwork or internship.