Oklahoma Alternative Placement Program

Frequently Asked Questions

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25. What is the Oklahoma Alternative Placement Program, and who is eligible to participate in this alternative route to certification?
26. What must I do to be admitted to the program?
27. What must I do after being approved to seek an alternative certificate?
28. What do I submit after passing the OGET and the OSAT(s)?
29. What must I complete after I get my initial alternative certificate to receive an alternative standard certificate?
30. Can I renew an alternative certificate?

25. What is the Oklahoma Alternative Placement Program, and who is eligible to participate in this alternative route to certification?

The Oklahoma Alternative Placement Program provides an opportunity for individuals with non-teaching degrees to teach in Oklahoma accredited schools. The eligibility requirements are:

• Have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university.
• Have a major in a field of study that corresponds to an area of Oklahoma certification for a Secondary Certificate, Elementary/Secondary Certificate, or a Career and Technology Education Certificate.
• Have at least a 2.5 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA).
• Document two years of work experience in your degree field area or completion of post-baccalaureate coursework related to your degree field area.

For more information refer to Alternative Placement Information Packet (pdf).

26. What must I do to be admitted to the program?

To determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for the Oklahoma Alternative Placement Program submit the following:

• An Alternative Placement Application (pdf) with a $50 processing fee (check, cashier’s check, or money order) made payable to the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities. Transcript must denote degree earned and the date degree was conferred.
• A current resume.

For more information, refer to Alternative Placement Information Packet (pdf).

Results: You will receive a letter notifying you if you are approved to seek certification through the program. If you are not eligible, you will receive a letter notifying you of additional requirements that must be met prior to receiving approval.

27. What must I do after being approved to seek an alternative certificate?

Once you receive approval to seek an alternative certificate, complete the following:

• The Oklahoma General Education Test (OGET).
• The Oklahoma Subject Area Test (OSAT)

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28. What do I submit after passing the OGET and the OSAT(s)?

After you have passed the above tests, submit the following:

• Fingerprint cards and the $59 fee for a criminal history record search or, for faster and more accurate results, you may have your fingerprints laser-scanned at the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), Room 212, 2500 North Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for a $59 processing fee. Fingerprints are scanned at the OSDE between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. For additional information refer to Fingerprint Information.
• A Request for Teacher Competency Review Panel Assessment (pdf) and a $100 application fee (check, cashier’s check, or money order) made payable to the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
• Written explanation/statement of why you want to become a teacher.

Result: You will receive a scheduled date and time to appear before the Teacher Competency Review Panel if you meet requirements.

• Appear before the Teacher Competency Review Panel and, if approved, receive a recommendation from the panel to the Oklahoma State Board of Education.

Result: After receiving written approval from the State Board of Education, an alternative credential will be issued.

For more information refer to Alternative Placement Information Packet (pdf).

29. What must I complete after I get my initial alternative certificate to receive an alternative standard certificate?

To receive an alternative standard certificate, you must complete the following:

• Complete the professional education component, semester hours and/or development hours.
• Pass the Oklahoma Professional Teaching Exam (OPTE).

After meeting the above requirements, please submit the following:

• Alternative Placement Renewal Application (pdf)
• $50 processing fee (check, cashier’s check, or money order) made payable to the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
• You must also submit documentation of the professional education component.  Development hours must be verified by the school district.  Semester hours should be submitted on an official transcript.

For more information, refer to Alternative Placement Information Packet (pdf).

NOTE: For general questions and answers about fingerprints, income tax compliance, specialist certification, adding areas to credential, out-of-country graduates, name change or address change, and how to request a duplicate copy of your credential, see questions and answers above.

30. Can I renew an alternative certificate?

No. The professional education component and Oklahoma Professional Teaching Exam (OPTE) must be completed within three years of initial certification. Therefore, the initial certificate is not renewable.

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