Licensure & Certification

The Department of Education (DOE) Licensure & Certification office works to support the Department’s mission to empower every learner with the highest quality education through shared leadership, innovative practices and exemplary services. DOE works in conjunction with the Delaware Professional Standards Board to continually improve the quality of instruction for Delaware's children so that they are equipped to work and succeed in an ever-changing and increasingly complex global economy. To do this, the Licensure & Certification office:

• provides excellent customer service to local education agencies and the public, responding to inquiries regarding licensure and certification of educators;
• promulgates rules and regulations proposed by the Professional Standards Board and approved by the State Board.
  
  

The Department issues licenses, certificates and permits to eligible educators seeking credentials to be an educator, an administrator, or other professional support service staff.

The Department’s statutory authority is detailed in 14 Del.C. Ch. 12 Educator Licensure, Certification, Evaluation, Professional Development and Preparation Programs.

NOTE: Educators seeking certification to work in a childcare setting, or own/operate a childcare center should refer to Office of Early Learning - Delaware First. The Delaware First Professional Development System For Early Childhood Programs, commonly referred to as Delaware First, supports early childhood educators by certifying them to become employed by an early child care or school-age care center once they meet specific requirements related to age, work experience and education.

Official Documentation Requirement

After completing the online application process, you must provide official documentation of all transcripts, certificates, and experience listed in the application to the address below:

Delaware Department of Education
Licensure & Certification
Collette Education Resource Center
35 Commerce Way, Suite 1
Dover, DE 19904

Secure DEEDS Login

Existing Educators should access their DEEDS account through Identity Management System (IMS) for security reasons.

Praxis I Requirement Eliminated

Governor Carney signed House Substitute 1 to House Bill 143 as amended by House Amendment 1 into law on June 20, 2017. This bill has eliminated the requirement of Praxis Core (Praxis I) for Licensure. It has also eliminated the Provisional License. Educators with no experience who are receiving their first License will receive a four (4) year Initial License, and will have two school years to complete the Performance Assessment requirement.  Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions Praxis Core Testing section for additional information.

Non-refundable Fee for First Delaware License

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.  Refer to 14 Del.C. §122 (27) for details regarding the rules and regulations.