Oregon Administration/Principal Certification
The Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) issues administrator licenses for those who wish to serve as Principals (Administrators) and Superintendents.
Education Requirements
Principal: You must have at least a master’s degree and complete a TSPC-approved administrator program and an initial graduate program in school administration.
Learn more about the graduate school process. Contact schools offering educational administration degree programs in Oregon.
Superintendent: You must have at least a master’s degree complete a TSPC-approved advanced program in administrative competencies. This must include at least 18 semester hours of graduate credit
Examinations
Both aspiring Principals and Superintendents must pass a test on your knowledge of U.S. and Oregon civil rights laws, as well as the Oregon Educator Licensure Assessment for Administrators.
Experience Requirements
Principal: You must have at least three years of experience as a licensed educator.
Superintendent: You must have at least three years of school administration experience under an administrative license.
Document and Application Requirements
Request the Administrator Application Packet here. You may also be asked to submit official transcripts from your administrator preparation program and a Program Completion Report filled out by officials from your administration preparation program recommending your licensure. Fill out the three-page application thoroughly, sign and date it within 60 days of sending it to the Oregon TSPC. Mail it to Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission, 250 Division St. NE, Salem, OR 97301.
Criminal History Background Check
Before you obtain your first-time administrator license, you must undergo a criminal history background check. Start by downloading the Fingerprint Handler Form. Your school district will provide you with a fingerprint card, which you will take to your local law enforcement agency. The fingerprint handler will complete the form and card and return it to you in a sealed envelope. This must be mailed to TSPC with your application and documents.
Contact Information
Contact schools for more information on TSPC-approved administrator preparation programs.
For more information on administrative licensing in Oregon, contact the TSPC at 503-378-3586 or contact.tspc@state.or.us.
