1. Complete forms 4020E, 4020E-1, 4020F-1. You may download the forms using the link provided under 'Documents to Use' section.
2. Submit the completed forms along with your application or mail it with your official transcripts.
3. Application Process:
   1. Fingerprinting: If you do not hold a valid Washington certificate at the time of application you are required to complete the fingerprint background check. The Certification Office advises all applicants to start with this process and if possible, complete the background check at one of the Washington Education Service District Offices. Since this process occurs separately from the application and its processing, individuals should consider initiating the background check process while collecting documents and completing information for the application submission. While individuals can complete this process while living outside the state, you will need to obtain a Washington fingerprint card and instructions to initiate the fingerprint background check. You may send an email if you wish to request the card and instructions.
      Digital fingerprinting is being offered in Washington Educational Service District Offices. Processing of the digital fingerprint background check request occurs in a timelier manner than the fingerprint card and instructions indicated above. If possible get in touch with the Educational Service District Office and make an appointment for the digital fingerprint background check.
   2. Issuance of temporary permits: A temporary permit is issued as soon as the application, additional documentation requested in the application, the fingerprint background check results are on file, and all items been reviewed to determine it appears applicant will be eligible for certification. Temporary permits may be issued by an Educational Service District Office or by the Certification Office and cover an individuals employment in Washington. Temporary permits are issued while application processing takes place so that individuals can be employed. Temporary permits can also be issued to out of state individuals who need to complete testing requirements in order to obtain the first teaching certificate in Washington. Temporary permits are valid for 180 days (6 months).
4. Priority Applications: Individuals who are employed in Washington who have an application pending can receive priority processing if they have not been issued a temporary permit. The Washington employer can request rush processing of an application once it has been received by the office. If you have not been issued a temporary permit and are employed, you will wish to discuss your situation with your employer so they can determine if a rush request is needed.

Check the status of your application online:

1. Log in to EDS:
   1. If you are using EDS for the first time you will need to create an account - Instructions (PDF)
   2. If you already have an account, simply log-in using your current account and password; do not create a duplicate account.
2. Click View My Applications.
3. Select E-Certification.
4. Select the My Credentials tab.
5. View the status of your application (Pending, Open, Re-Opened, Closed).

• Forms 4020E, 4020E-1, 4020F-1
• Official transcripts verifying degree(s) earned and teacher preparation program attended

Professional Certification Office
Office: (360) 725-6400
Fax: (360) 586-0145
PO Box 47200
Olympia, WA 98504-7200
Website

Professional Educator Standards Board
Office: (360) 725-6275
Fax: (360) 586-4548
PO Box 47236
Olympia, WA 98504-7236
Email: pesb@k12.wa.us
Website

Beginning Educator Support Team (BEST)
Office: (360) 725-6119
PO Box 47200
Olympia, WA 98504-7200
Website

Washington Initiative for NBPTS Certification
Office: (360) 725-6119, 1-877-833-0931
PO Box 47200
Olympia, WA 98504-7200
Website

To be eligible to apply for a Residency Teacher Certificate you must have:

• Earned a bachelor's or higher degree from any regionally accredited college/university.
• Completed any state's approved teacher preparation program. This would be either an approved program through a regionally accredited college or university, or an approved alternative-route program. (Form 4020E Verification of Program completion and Character or Form 4020E-1 Verification of Alternative Certification Program Pathway Completion and Character) OR
  If you have not completed a state approved program, individuals may verify at least 3 years of K-12 teaching experience outside Washington (Form 4020F-1 Verification of Experience), and hold a regular certificate in another state. (In Washington there are 21 Washington colleges/universities with state-approved teacher preparation programs.
• Out-of-state applicants must pass a basic skills test (WEST-B) within 12 months of receiving a temporary permit.
• Out-of-state applicants must pass an endorsement content knowledge test (WEST-E) within 12 months of receiving a temporary permit.

Note: If you do not qualify for a regular teaching certificate in Washington State, you may still be eligible for a limited certificate for full-time, part-time or substitute teaching, if your prospective employer cannot find enough teachers with regular certification.

• Professional Certification - Fee Schedule
• Fingerprinting Fees

The Residency Certificate (First Issue), is valid until the holder is reported as employed by a Washington school district as a teacher with 1.5 FTE or more experience. The certificate must then be reissued with a three year expiration date.

Forms 4020E, 4020E-1, 4020F-1 - Download Link

Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.

It normally takes 4-6 weeks to process an application.

Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications. 
Attach videos using the following tag <&video type="website">video ID|width|height<&/video&> from external websites.
Please remove the "&" inside the tags during implementation.
Website = allocine, blip, dailymotion, facebook, gametrailers, googlevideo, html5, metacafe, myspace, revver, 
sevenload, viddler, vimeo, youku, youtube
width = 560, height = 340, Video ID = Can be obtained from the URL of webpage where the video is displayed.
e.g In the following url "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0US7oR_t3M" Video ID is "Y0US7oR_t3M". 
	

Washington state law requires/authorizes fingerprint background checks for all applicants who do not possess a valid Washington certificate at the time of application. To know more

A list which displays the kind of information which is required to complete the procedure.
e.g.
1. Date of Birth.
2. City or County of Birth.

Teachers in public schools in Washington State are required to hold a valid teaching certificate. Residency Teacher Certificates are issued to most first-time applicants for a regular teaching certificate. Following is a procedure on how you can apply for one.

Enter other informations which might help

Please explain what are other uses of obtaining this document/certificate.
e.g. Birth Certificate can be used as proof of identity.

• Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction:

http://www.k12.wa.us/certification/Teacher/Residency.aspx

More information which might help people.