Licensing and Endorsement FAQs

Go to the KSDE License Application website. If you completed the coursework and the testing requirement, complete Form 1 to add the Kansas endorsement to your existing license. If you are adding the Kansas endorsement with test only, complete Form 22.

To avoid paying two fees, you will want to send both applications to KSDE together. If you are adding the Kansas endorsement by just passing the subject/content test, get the Kansas application from the KSDE website. The Kansas application to renew your license is found on the same site. You need to send both Kansas forms directly to KSDE with payment.

If you have completed all the coursework and Praxis test for an additional Kansas endorsement, you will want K-State to recommend you for the endorsement, so Kansas paperwork must be sent to our office.

Kansas license applications ask about a prior history of felonies, crimes involving theft, drugs, or a child, denied licenses, or teaching offenses. If you have been involved in any of these activities, you will need to provide documentation about them. Therefore, you are asked to submit a Kansas paper application, along with the documentation. The Kansas application can be emailed by our office, and must be submitted back to our office. We will verify your education program and forward all information to KSDE.

Once you submit your Kansas application to K-State, we check to see that you have all the required transcripts and scores. If we have all of your information, we try to have the Kansas application approved and sent to KSDE within 10 days. At that point, you are sent an automated email explaining the payment process for KSDE. You may need to check your Junk mailbox to find this email. After KSDE receives your payment, you can typically expect your Kansas license in 4-6 weeks.

If you are a recent graduate applying for your first Initial Kansas License, we ask that you submit your Kansas application about 2 weeks before you complete your final classes. We must hold your Kansas application until your degree is posted, typically 2 weeks after finals.

The fingerprint cards and mailing envelope are available in the Licensing Office (13 Bluemont Hall) or can be ordered from KSDE. You can get your fingerprints taken at many police stations. In Manhattan, the K-State Campus Police Department will do the fingerprinting for you. There is usually a charge for the service. The fingerprint card is then put into the addressed envelope along with a $50 check to Kansas State Department of Education for the background check.

A fingerprint clearance is only valid for 6 months in the State of Kansas. If you submit the fingerprint card/fee but can't be licensed in the State of Kansas until more than six months later, you will be required to submit a new fingerprint card/fee.

An Emergency Substitute (E-Sub) Kansas license is in effect for an academic school year (July 1 – June 30). If you get your Initial Kansas License before your Kansas E-Sub expires, you do not need to do another background check. If the Kansas license expires, you will need to complete another background check. It is cheaper to renew your Kansas E-Sub license rather than resubmit a background check.

To move from the Initial Specialist or Leadership Kansas License to the Professional kansas License, you must complete a one year mentorship, monitored through the school district. This process does not involve KSU. Contact KSDE to get more information on this process.

Counselors who complete the direct entry Parallel Pathway program will do a one-year internship monitored by K-State faculty. Contact Dr. Jessica Lane (jjj3636@ksu.edu) for more information on this process.

If you have just completed your degree in Education and passed the PLT and Subject/Content test, you are ready for the Initial Kansas License. If you haven’t passed both tests, you can apply for a One Year Non-Renewable Kansas License. Use the KSDE Form 1 Instructions, but mark One Year Non-Renewable as the type of Kansas license desired.

K-State offers a P-6 approved program for those who complete the five required courses including the Elementary Practicum and pass the content test. The ESL Area of Concentration requires the five classes. K-State offers a 6-12 approved program for those who complete the five required courses including the Secondary Practicum and pass the content test. KSDE allows students to add the P-12 Kansas endorsement if you can pass the content test. This is called “test-only” and does not require certain coursework. If you plan to teach in other states, the approved program is the best option since not all states allow you to add endorsements with the “test-only” rule.

Adding the endorsement along with your initial license:

• If you completed K-State’s approved program and took the test, apply using the online Kansas Form 1 for either P-6 or 6-12 level.

• If you completed K-State’s approved program and took the test but want a P–12 level, apply using a Kansas paper Form 1, asking for P-6 or 6-12, and P-12.

• If you did not complete all of the required coursework but passed the test, you can complete online Kansas Form 1.

Please call (785) 532-5524 or e-mail Diane Murphy (dim@k-state.edu) with questions about this process.

To get a Provisional Kansas Endorsement in High Incidence (Adaptive) Special Ed, you must have met these requirements:

• You must have completed the required coursework (EDSP 711, 742, 743, and 745(StepAhead only)). These courses are part of the Undergraduate QuickStart (Elementary) or StepAhead (Secondary) programs.

• You must have a job teaching in Special Education.

• You must contact Dr. Jim Teagarden (mrt@ksu.edu) to discuss the Plan of Study.

If you are applying for your Provisional Special Education Kansas endorsement at the same time as your Initial Kansas License, submit the online Form 1 and online Form 4 Kansas license applications at the same time so you only have to pay once.

The Provisional Kansas license is good for 2 years. It can be renewed once if 50% of the remaining coursework is complete.

Please call (785) 532-5524 or e-mail Diane Murphy (dim@k-state.edu) with questions about this process.