Educator Certification Support

Most educators renew their certificate every five years through the OSPI e-Certification (EDS) system.

Typical renewal requirements include:

• 100 clock hours (or equivalent)
• Submission of an application in EDS
• Payment of state renewal fees

On the Educational Data System (EDS) is Washington State’s secure online portal managed by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

ESD SYSTEM

EDS is where educators access the e-Certification system to:

• Apply for or renew certificates
• Update personal information
• Upload required documents
• Check application status

Yes—Washington State does include specific topic requirements as part of certificate renewal. These are established through rules from the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) and implemented by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

For most educators renewing a certificate, the following apply within the required 100 clock hours:

• Equity-Based School Practices (Cultural Competency, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion)
• STEM Integration
• Suicide Prevention Training (required once every 5 years)

These topic areas are embedded within the 100 clock hours—they are not additional hours.

Important:

• Requirements may vary depending on your certificate type, role, and renewal cycle
• Some educators may have already met certain requirements in previous cycles
• District-specific training may also align to these requirements

👉 For questions specific to your certification record or to verify completion, please contact:
OSPI e-Certification (EDS) system

Need additional support? Please reach out directly to OSPI Certification Office at 360-725-6400 or email directly to cert@k12.wa.us 

For a detailed list of approved activities and guidance on what qualifies for clock hours in Washington State, visit the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Clock Hour Information page. This resource outlines eligible professional learning, documentation requirements, and state expectations.

Learn more: Clock Hours . If you have questions about clock hours, please contact us at clockhoursPESB@k12.wa.us.

Clock hours can be earned through approved professional development offered by school districts, educational service districts (ESDs), colleges, and other authorized providers.

ESD 105 offers a wide range of clock hour opportunities. More details can be found at pdEnroller.org 

CLOCK HOURS: pdENroller

Through pdEnroller, you can:

• Search for upcoming trainings and workshops
• Register for courses that offer clock hours
• Access both in-person and online learning options

You may also earn clock hours through your district or other approved providers.

Important: Be sure any training you select is offered by a Washington State-approved clock hour provider.

• Clock hours are issued by approved providers
• You will verify completion during the renewal process in EDS
• Keep documentation for your records

To update your Educational Staff Associate (ESA) certificate (e.g., school counselor, psychologist, social worker, nurse), you must submit an application through the OSPI e-Certification (EDS) system

Paraeducator clock hours are not added by the individual educator in the certification system. Instead, they are issued and reported by the approved clock hour provider (such as your school district or ESD).

Here’s how the process works:

1. Complete an approved paraeducator training or course
2. The provider verifies your participation and completion
3. Clock hours are recorded and/or issued to you as documentation
4. You keep records for your files and provide them to your district as needed

Where are paraeducator clock hours tracked?

• Clock hours are typically tracked by your district or training provider
• Some districts may maintain internal records for the Paraeducator Fundamental Course of Study (FCS) or other required trainings
• You may also receive a certificate of completion for your records

Important

Paraeducator clock hours are not managed through the educator e-Certification (EDS) system in the same way as teacher certification.

If you have questions about:

• Whether your hours were recorded
• Meeting paraeducator training requirements
• Verifying completion of the Fundamental Course of Study

Start by contacting your district or training provider.

For statewide requirements and guidance, visit the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

Washington State requires educators, including administrators, to complete training aligned to the Since Time Immemorial: Tribal Sovereignty Curriculum as part of certification requirements.

These requirements are established by the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) and implemented through the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

How do I access the training?

You can complete the required Tribal sovereignty training through:

• Your school district or ESD professional development offerings
• Online modules and resources provided by OSPI
• Approved clock hour providers offering aligned training

A primary resource is: Since Time Immemorial: Tribal Sovereignty Curriculum (OSPI)

Washington State provides free online access to the Since Time Immemorial: Tribal Sovereignty Curriculum, which includes training resources aligned to certification requirements.

This resource is provided by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and includes:

• Online modules and lessons
• Educator guidance and implementation resources
• Materials aligned to state requirements

Yes, Your clock hours earned through pdEnroller will automatically upload to E-Certification the night all attendance steps are complete. The upload process runs once, nightly. This includes completing:

1. the clock hour survey,
2. paying the clock hour fee (if applicable), and
3. having attendance verified

This change only affects pdEnroller clock hours reported to OSPI. It does not change your local district clock hour reporting.

If you earned Clock Hours outside of pdEnroller, you are responsible for submitting them to E-Certification. You are also responsible for providing necessary documentation to your employer for salary advancement.