Oklahoma Administration/Principal Certification
The Oklahoma State Department of Education issues a Standard Administrator Certificate to qualified applicants for Principal and Superintendent titles.
Education Requirements
Principal: You must have a master’s degree and complete a state-approved building-level leadership skills program in education administration.
Superintendent: If you do not already hold Principal certification, you must complete a state-approved building-level leadership skills program in education administration that includes a master’s degree. You must also complete a state-approved district-level leadership skills program in education administration.
Learn more about the graduate school process. Contact schools offering educational administration degree programs in Oklahoma.
Examinations
Principal: You must pass the Principal Oklahoma Subject Area Test (OSAT).
Superintendent: You must pass the Superintendent Oklahoma Subject Area Test (OSAT).
Experience Requirements
Principal: You must have at least two years of teaching experience in an Oklahoma public or private school under a Standard Certificate.
Superintendent: You must have two years of administrative experience in an Oklahoma public or private school under a Standard Certificate.
(Note: Two years of relevant work experience in an administrative or supervisory capacity may be substituted for the school administrative experience if seeking alternative certification and if you plan to complete an alternative administrator preparation program within three years.)
Document and Application Requirements
When you have completed the above requirements, you may apply online for your Standard Administrator Certificate. Pay all application fees online. You will be asked to mail these documents to the Oklahoma State Department of Education:
- Official college transcripts listing conference of degree and completion of correct administrator preparation program
- Additional necessary forms, as required (listed here)
Mail all of the above documents to Oklahoma State Department of Education, Professional Standards Section-Room 212, 2500 North Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-4599
Criminal History Background Check
If you have already held an Oklahoma standard teaching certificate (which is a requirement to earn Principal or Superintendent certification), you will already have undergone the necessary criminal history background check. This need not be repeated when applying for administrative certification.
Contact Information
Consult this inventory of schools offering Oklahoma-approved certification programs to find a college/university offering an educational administration preparation program.
For more information on administrator certification in Oklahoma, contact the Oklahoma State Department of Education at 405-521-3337.
