Louisiana Administration/Principal Certification
The Louisiana Department of Education issues two types of administrative certificates: Educational Leadership, Level 1 for Principals and Educational Leadership, Level 2 for Superintendents.
Education Requirements
Level 1:You must have a master’s degree and 27 semester hours of graduate credit that includes 3 semesters in each of the following courses:
- Theory of Educational Administration
- School Principalship (Elementary or Secondary)
- Supervision of Instruction
- Educational Research
- History/Philosophy of Education
- School Curriculum (Elementary or Secondary)
- School Law
- School Finance
- School Personnel Administration
Learn more about the graduate school process. Contact schools offering educational administration degree programs in Louisiana.
You must also have 3 semester hours of graduate credit from one of the following courses:
- School Facilities
- School Community Relations
- Program Development and Evaluation
Level 2: You must have a master’s degree and 48 semester hours of college credit as follows:
- 30 semester hours of graduate credit, including the following courses:
- Theory of Educational Administration
- Supervision of Instruction
- School Law
- School Community Relations
- Principalship
- School Finance
- 12 semester hours from a combination of the following courses:
- School Facilities
- School Personnel Administration
- Group Dynamics
- Office & Business Management
- Clinical Supervision, Practicum or Internship in Administration
- Program Development and Evaluation
- 12 semester hours of graduate credit, including:
- Educational Research
- History/Philosophy of Education
- Elementary Curriculum
- Secondary School Curriculum
- 6 semester hours of graduate credit, including any of the following :
- Sociology
- Speech
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Administration/Supervision in Business
Examinations
Level 1: You must pass the Praxis II School Leaders Licensure Assessment
Level 2: You must pass the Praxis II School Superintendent Assessment
Experience Requirements
Level 1: You must have at least five years of full-time teaching experience in a Louisiana school system at the level in which you wish to become a principal (i.e., elementary or secondary). You must also have a valid Level 3 Professional Teaching Certificate.
Level 2: You must have at least five years of full-time experience as a superintendent, assistant superintendent, supervisor of instruction, principal, or assistant principal in a Louisiana school system. You must also have a valid Level 3 Professional Teaching Certificate.
Other Information
Use the Application for Certification Update packet to apply for both types of leadership certificates. Attach a copy of all Louisiana teaching and/or administrative certificates you have, along with Praxis II scores and official college transcripts. Do not forget your application fee. Mail all of this information to Louisiana Department of Education, Attention: Certification, P. O. Box 94064, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9064.
Criminal History Background Check
Prior to being hired into an administrative position at a Louisiana school district, you must undergo both national and state–level criminal background checks through the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information, as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Your school district will provide you with fingerprinting forms/cards and instructions on where to go for fingerprinting. You will not be allowed to work with children until both reports are cleared.
Contact Information
For more information on educational leadership preparatory programs in Louisiana, contact the colleges and universities offering them.
For more information on administrative certification in Louisiana, contact the Certification Division at 1-877-453-2721.
