Nebraska Administration/Principal Certification
When you meet the qualifications detailed below, you may apply for a Regular Administrative Certificate, valid for five years. This certificate is valid for both principal and superintendent positions.
Education Requirements
Principal:
- Prior completion of a bachelor’s degree and a state-approved teacher preparation program (which also implies completion of the state’s human relations course requirement and special education course requirement)
- Completion of a state-approved master’s degree administrative preparation program of at least two years in duration. This program must consist of at least 36 graduate semester hours.
Learn more about the graduate school process. Contact schools offering educational administration degree programs in Nebraska.
Superintendent:
- Prior completion of a bachelor’s degree and a state-approved teacher preparation program (which also implies completion of the state’s human relations course requirement and special education course requirement)
- Completion of a state-approved specialist or doctoral degree administrative preparation program of at least 60 graduate semester hours
Examinations
You must have passed the Praxis I Basic Skills exam prior to applying for an administrative certificate for either principal or superintendent positions.
Experience Requirements
Principal:
- Must have a valid Nebraska teaching certificate and two years of teaching experience
- Must complete an internship of 250 clock hours in an administrative capacity in elementary, middle, or secondary schools
Superintendent:
- Must have a valid Nebraska teaching or administrative certificate and two years of teaching experience
- Must complete a one-semester practicum in an administrative capacity in an approved school system.
Document and Application Requirements
Along with your online application for an administrative certificate, please submit:
- Institutional Verification forms for both your teaching program and administrative program
- Verification of Employment Experience form
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- Official score report from your Praxis I exam
Send the above documents, plus the applicable application fee (or pay online via credit card), to: Teacher Certification, Nebraska Department of Education, P.O. Box 94987, Lincoln, NE 68509-4987
Criminal History Background Check
Since eligibility for the administrative certificate means you already hold a Nebraska teaching certificate, which required you to clear a state and federal background check, you do not need to submit to another criminal history background check when pursuing a Regular Administrative Certificate.
Contact Information
For information on colleges and universities in Nebraska offering administrative preparation programs, contact their certification officers.
For information on administrative certification in Nebraska, call the certification division of the Nebraska Department of Education at 402-471-2295.
