You must obtain a NACES/AICE course-by-course evaluation, then apply separately through Delaware DEEDS or Pennsylvania TIMS for the subject you teach.

Foreign Transcript Evaluation

Evaluation reports of foreign education credentials will only be accepted from members of either of the following professional organizations: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member agencies. The NACES Members site maintains a complete listing of acceptable agencies. The Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE). The AICE Endorsed Members site maintains a complete listing of acceptable agencies. An official evaluation report should include the following: A course-by course evaluation of the applicant’s non-U.S. coursework as it compares to a four-year college or university program or degree in the U.S. The semester-hour equivalent of each area of college-level study. A translation of course titles into the English language (if applicable). Verification of the completion of teaching certificate and practice/student teaching (if applicable).

4.1.2, 7.1, 7.7

The applicant shall have simultaneously applied for and met the requirements of at least 1 content area Standard Certificate. An applicant must simultaneously submit an application for a Standard Certificate with the application for an Initial License, and the applicant must provide all required documentation for the Standard Certificate. Applicants with credentials issued from institutions outside of the United States and United States territories must provide an analysis of the degree equivalency in a format approved by the Department together with all other required application documents and materials.

Application; Fees

All new applicants need to apply in the Delaware Educator Data System (DEEDS) and complete the requirements for a New Delaware Educator and selecting the appropriate certification area for which the applicant is applying. To enter the foreign credential in DEEDS, enter Foreign Institution in the School Name entry field. Beginning January 15, 2016, a one-time non-refundable fee of $100 will be charged to educators applying for their first license in Delaware (Initial, Continuing, or Advanced). The applicant must also meet certification requirements prior to a license being issued. The fee will be retained by the State of Delaware whether or not the transaction results in the issuance of a license and certificate.

Foreign Evaluation Report

All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a professional credential evaluation agency accredited by the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE); National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES); or an agency approved by another state department of education in the U.S. for obtaining the approving state's educator credential. The evaluation agency must provide a report that includes: An English translation and credit/degree evaluation of all foreign credentials; The U.S. equivalent of all earned degrees; An overall Grade Point Average (GPA); A course-by-course evaluation showing the U.S. equivalency in terms of semester hour college credit and the level of the coursework; and Verification that the candidate holds the equivalent of a U.S. baccalaureate (bachelor's) or graduate degree earned at a nationally and/or regionally accredited college or university. The original or notarized photocopy of the foreign evaluation report must be submitted with photocopies of the foreign credentials.

Instructional certificate—testing exception

All applicants must take the PA required content test(s) and meet the PA passing score(s) unless applying for Instructional (teacher) certification AND providing proof that all of the following conditions are met within the preparing state: Hold a current and valid professional level state certificate that is comparable in both content and grade scope to the PA certificate for which you are applying; Completed a college/university educator preparation program approved for certification in the state in which the certificate is held; the program must include student teaching; Passed related content tests required by the certifying state; Submit verification that satisfactory service for your two most recent years of experience are on the certifying state's certificate and in the subject area for which you are applying. All other applicants must take the PA required content test(s) and meet the PA qualifying score(s). The passing score(s) must be met under this route. The GPA method of scoring is not acceptable.

Citizenship

When applying for certification, you must: be a citizen of the U.S. or legally authorized to work in the U.S. A permanent resident immigrant visa holder is legally authorized to work in the U.S.

New Credential Applications fee table

Application Type: New Credential Applications | Standard Certification Fee (11/12/25) | Educator Discipline Fee (11/12/25) | New Total (11/12/25). Program completed outside PA: Instructional, Career and Technical, Educational Specialist, Administrative/Supervisory, Letter of Eligibility (LOE), Commission Qualification Letter (CQL) | $50 | $100 | $150.

Submitting documentation

To avoid processing delays, it is strongly recommended required documentation be uploaded directly to your application in TIMS. If you are unable to upload all documents, scan and email them to ra-teachercert@pa.gov. Applicants are encouraged to submit transcripts electronically following this guidance. Application fees are nonrefundable once an application has been reviewed regardless of the outcome of the review.

School employment clearances

Pennsylvania School Law requires that all applicants for employment in public and private schools, employees of independent contractors seeking business with public and private schools, and student teacher candidates undergo background checks if they will have direct contact with students. The following three background checks are required: Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance; Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Records Check; Federal Criminal History Record Information (CHRI).

Clearance renewal

Clearances are required for an employee or unpaid volunteer at a minimum of every 60 months from the date of the oldest clearance. Clearances may be required more frequently based on licensure or employer requirements.