Part II: Licensure Information
Candidates are encouraged to learn about the licensure process by interacting with the following certification media: https://cdn-media.waldenu.edu/2dett4d/Walden/MSED/2023_LIC/LIC/index.html
State-Required Exams
A candidate’s state may have specific exam requirements to become a licensed principal. Candidates will need to complete any additional tests their state may require. Refer to the individual state’s department of education to determine the testing requirements.
Applying for Principal Licensure
Summary of Ohio Requirements
This section is for candidates who would like to obtain licensure in Ohio. An educator who is interested in applying for a professional administrator license in Ohio must meet the qualifications outlined in Ohio administrative rule:
- Earn a master’s degree from an accredited university.
- Complete an approved preparation program.
- Receive a recommendation from the dean or head of teacher education at the institution where they completed the preparation program.
- Complete the Ohio Assessment for Educators licensure exam 015, Educational Leadership, prescribed by the State Board of Education.
- Have 2 years of successful teaching experience with students of the ages and grade levels for which the principal license is sought.
Applying for Ohio Licensure
Candidates who plan to request licensure in Ohio must take and pass the OAE Licensure Exam 015, Educational Leadership. Candidates should designate Walden as a score recipient when they register for the exam.
Candidates who complete Walden’s principal preparation program and pass the OAE 015 should create an online license request in the Ohio Department of Education’s Connected Ohio Records for Educators (CORE) system.
To access the CORE system, candidates must create an OH|ID. To set up an OH|ID account, candidates must visit the OH|ID portal (https://safe.ode.state.oh.us/portal). If candidates need assistance with OH|ID, they should review the help manual in the portal.
Through the OH|ID account, candidates should choose CORE, then My Educator Profile, then My Applications to create an online application.
Candidates should submit a new application request for the professional administrator license. The Ohio Department of Education reviews all applications and provides final approval before issuing credentials. In most cases, before the department can proceed, Walden’s certification officer will review and approve the license applications, including verification of a passing score on the OAE Licensure Exam 015. Candidates will receive an email from the Ohio Department of Education when their application request is approved or denied.
Candidates who have questions about the online license system should review the frequently asked questions posted on the Ohio Department of Education website (http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Teaching/Licensure/Additional-Information/Help-and-FAQs-for-the-Online-License-System).
Licensure in States Other Than Ohio
If a candidate is applying for principal licensure directly to their state based on the completion of a state-approved program, they should review the state’s licensure application process thoroughly. In some states, there is a separate process and/or application for individuals completing an out-of-state program. Candidates may also be required to obtain the out-of-state license before applying to their state (termed license-in-hand states). Finally, it is important to review the testing requirements for licensure.
Regardless, candidates likely will need Walden to complete an institutional recommendation form or a similar document attesting to the fact the candidate completed a state-approved program provided by that institution. Candidates should send these requests to Walden’s certification officer at educlicensure@mail.waldenu.edu.