The process outlined here is for students who have completed or are mid-way through the final semester of their academic program in teacher education, counseling, or K-12 school administration. Students can also seek certification to other states, but the process will vary. Check with the state’s Department of Education that you are interested for details.

1. Start by going to: https://www.dese.mo.gov/. (Make sure to have pop-up blockers turned off to access the website.)
2. In the middle of the page select “Web Applications“.
3. Enter your DESE User Name and Password and select “Login“. If you have not established your DESE Profile you will need to do that first.
4. Under the heading “Office of Educator Quality“, select “Educator Certification System“.
5. Select the third triangle for “3) New Applications“.
6. Select “Initial Professional“.
7. If you have not filled out the education section, leave that blank and that will be completed by our Certification Officer.
8. Complete the Professional Conduct Information. All questions will need to be completed.
9. Purpose of Application:
   • If you are applying for your Teaching certificate, select “Professional“.
   • If you are applying for a School Counseling certificate, select “Student Services“.
   • If you completed an Administrative (Principal or Superintendent) certificate, select “Administrator“.
10. If you select either Student Services or Administrative, you will then see a section for Occupational Experience. Enter any relevant work experience in this section. Those who selected Professional will not see this section.
11. Read the Sworn Statement.
12. Select “I accept” under the Release of Educational Information.
13. Select the institution where coursework was completed in the drop down menu. You will need to select the “University of Missouri, Kansas City“.
14. Select “OK”.
15. You have finished the application and may log out of the system.
16. Submit original transcripts from all accredited institutions attended. Official UMKC transcripts can be sent electronically to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Information on requesting a transcript is located at https://www.umkc.edu/registrar/student-records/transcripts.html. For Recipient, make sure you are sending them to “Education Organization, Application Service and Scholarships” and the organization will be the “Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education” with the department as “Educator Certification”. If you choose to mail your transcripts, those can be mailed to: Educator Certification, PO Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480.

Your application will automatically be submitted to the work log for UMKC’s Certification Officer. Your application will be processed as soon as you have completed your last requirement and are eligible for initial certification. If your FBI background check is more than 12 months old at the time you complete your program you will need to do it again.