Non-Traditional Route to Special Education Teacher Certification

Boot Camp is one of the provisional special education teacher certification programs offered in Oklahoma.

OSDE Boot Camp Dates

Summer/Fall 2022 Boot Camp

The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) is updating the learning management platform that houses the online portion of the Special Education Boot Camp. This summer we will be migrating all of the material from its original format to the new system. Due to this update, we will not be able to offer another session of the OSDE Special Education Boot Camp until September 12th through November 13th, 2022. This option will allow participants to complete the Boot Camp and apply for a Provisional Special Education Teaching Certificate before the Winter Break. Applications for the OSDE Fall 2022 Boot Camp must be submitted no later than August 26, 2022.

If you are interested in attending a Boot Camp at a university, please see Participating Universities for more infomration.

Boot Camp

Candidates who meet the criteria below and are interested in obtaining a non-traditional special education certification apply for consideration when cohorts are available. Space is limited, and acceptance into the OSDE boot camp program is not guaranteed.

Prerequisites:

4 year degree with a 2.75 or higher GPA

Next Steps:

Recommendation from a representative at a school district or an institute of higher education
Complete a 150-clock hour boot camp program that includes 120 hours of training and 30 hours of field experience
Commit to continued education at a master’s degree level
Pass a national background check

*PLEASE NOTE: If you currently hold an Oklahoma Teacher Certification in any area, please contact the Teacher Certification office to confirm if you are eligible to add Special Education mild/moderate or severe/profound test to your Oklahoma Teaching Certification without going through the Special Education Boot Camp Program.

To obtain the first provisional certificate after the completion of boot camp:

1.) Submit a certificate of completion of an approved boot camp

2.) Submit Provisional Certificate Application and $50.00

Converting to the provisional teaching certificate to a standard certificate over the subsequent three year period:

1.) Pass the OSAT for Mild/Moderate or Severe/Profound

2.) Complete 18 hours toward a master's degree in special education from an accredited college. A minimum completion of at least 6 credit hours each year is required in order to renew the provisional certificate.

3.) Successfully complete the PPAT

4.) Submit application for a standard certificate and $50.00

OSDE Boot Camp Candidate Application

Requirements & Renewal

Once you have a Boot Camp Letter of Completion, complete the Provisional Certificate Application to apply for your provisional certificate.

The one-year provisional state-issued certification may be renewed for two (2) additional periods of one year each upon proof from an accredited college/university six (6) credit hours of prescribed coursework toward a master’s degree in special education has completed