Learn how to become an Education Administrator or School Principal in Kentucky.

The Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board issues administrative licensure to qualified candidates interested in becoming School principals or Superintendents.

Academic Obligations

Instructional Leadership – School principal

• Finish an authorized program of preparation
• Possess a master’s degree in education

Superintendent

• Finish an authorized program of preparation
• Possess a master’s degree

Assessments

Instructional Leadership – School principal

• You must pass 2 exams: 1 on your ability to apply knowledge and skills of instructional leadership, supervision, and management; and another on the Kentucky public education system’s current administrative and instructional practices.

Superintendent

• No additional Assessments are required for superintendent licensure 2.

Classroom Teaching Experience Requirements

Instructional Leadership – School principal

• 3 years of full-time teaching experience
• After fulfilling the above obligations, you will receive a Level I Statement of Eligibility. You must then become hired by a Kentucky school district, successfully complete 1 year practicum in the Kentucky School principal Internship Program; after successful completion, you will receive a Level II School principal Certificate valid for 5 years.

Superintendent

• Two years of full-time experience as an education administrator
• You must also hold a valid statement of eligibility for a Kentucky teaching certificate
• Finished Levels I and II of school principal preparation/licensure in Kentucky

Document and Application Requirements

To apply for School principal or Superintendent Certification, utilize the Application for Kentucky Certification form. Finish Section I, and have your school superintendent complete Section II to confirm your employment experience. The institution where you completed your education administrator preparation program must complete Section IV. Also:

• Ensure the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board has your Praxis I and II scores.
• Include official copies of your college transcripts
• Attach a check or money order for payment of application fees, payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer

Mail all of the above to the Division of Certification, Education Professional Standards Board
100 Airport Road, 3rd Floor, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601.

Background Check Requirements

The Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board does not mandate background checks to be performed for licensure purposes. However, once a Kentucky school district hires you, you must undergo this check. For additional info, contact the Administrative Office of the Courts at AOC Records Unit, 100 Millcreek Park, Frankfort, KY 40601 or by phone at 800-928-6381.

State Contacts

For additional info on education administrator licensure in Kentucky, contact the Division of Certification at 502-564-4606 or 888-598-7667.