Oklahoma Alternative Placement Program for Teacher Certification

ANNOUNCEMENT:

House Bill 3658 has been signed by the Governor.  The bill eliminates the Oklahoma General Education Test (OGET) requirement for ALL certification pathways.  This is effective IMMEDIATELY. 

All applications/forms/webpages will be updated shortly to reflect the change

ATTENTION:  Alternative certified individuals holding a non-standard certificate- If you have not passed the OPTE or PPAT, the OPTE is no longer offered and the PPAT must be passed before moving to a standard certificate.  Information about the PPAT can be found at https://www.ok.gov/oeqa/Certification_Testing/PPAT_Information/index.html

To register click here: https://www.ets.org/ppa/test-takers/teachers/register/

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

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:

• Guidelines for the Alternative Placement Certification Program - Effective Nov. 1st 2016

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:
 

• Alternative Placement Program Evaluation Application 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
   

Result

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.

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

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

• Pass the Oklahoma Subject Area Test (OSAT) in the area(s) you have been approved to seek.

What do I submit after passing the OSAT(s)?

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

Recent certification or dual fingerprinting (background check) needed, unless you are already certified in Oklahoma. For the most up to date information refer to Fingerprints/Background Checks Information.

• Submit a final Application for Initial Alternative Certification with a $50 processing fee (check, cashier’s check, or money order) made payable to the Oklahoma State Department of Education

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 you are assigned upon acceptance. IMPORTANT: Don't forget the mandatory requirements outlined on page 2 of the Guidelines for the Alternative Placement Certification Program.
• Pass the Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers (PPAT)
• NOTE: The Oklahoma Professional Teaching Examination (OPTE) was discontinued as of September, 2021
•  
• ATTENTION: Neither the OPTE nor the PPAT is required for School Counseling
•  
• After meeting the above requirements, please submit the following:
• Application for Initial Alternative Certification
• $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

Can I renew an alternative certificate? 

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

Application for Initial Alternative Certification

 Back to Alternative Certification Paths