Applying for Certification in Missouri

Missouri Application System

1. The State of Missouri has an on-line application system. You will be able to access your certificate electronically and print your own certificate once the certificate has been issued. To create your account and apply for a certificate, please see the steps below:

Create Account

1. You must first create and register a username and password on the Certification Account Portal. Click "Create Account" in the lower portion of the page. If you have previously created your profile, you may "Sign In."
2. Complete the registration questions
3. Click “Create Account” (A confirmation message will appear)
4. Click “Return to DESE Login Page” link

(Do not create more than one username. Creating multiple usernames will cause the system to deny you access to your profile page and certification records. If you have forgotten your username or password, you can click on "Forgot Username/Password?")

Connect Username/Password to Web Applications System

1. Enter your username and password and click "Sign In" to access the Application menu page.
2. Click "Educator Certification System - Request Educator Access" link (under Secure Access) and click "submit", and then click "close" in the small confirmation window
3. Click on "Educator Certification System" link
4. Enter your Social Security Number (SSN) and date of birth (DOB) and click "Submit"
5. Enter or verify your Profile information (proper/legal name - no nicknames) and click "Save Profile"
6. Scroll down and complete or edit the Contact Information* section and click "Save"
   1. An e-mail address must be included in this section, as all correspondence from Educator Certification will be sent to you by e-mail.
7. Select "Education" in the menu to the left and click "Add"
   1. Enter Missouri (state) and Northwest Missouri State University (institution).
   2. If you are completing this prior to your graduation, enter the current date for your date of graduation. The system will not allow you to enter a date in the future. If you are completing this application after you have graduated, you may then enter your graduation date. The date must match your transcript.
   3. Your GPA and transcript status will be completed by Northwest and verified by DESE.

Apply For Certification

1. Locate the appropriate application (Initial Professional, Substitute, Administrator, Student Services, etc.) under "Applications" in the menu on the left side of your Profile page.
2. Click on the application name link to open the application
3. Complete and submit the application, answering the Professional Conduct questions on the application truthfully and reviewing the Sworn Statement before electronically signing by selecting "I accept." This agreement provides DESE with permission to verify your professional conduct statements.
4. Mail supporting documents as indicated on application checklist, if applicable
5. You do not need to send them your Northwest transcript. After the Registrar has conferred your degree and all certification requirements are fulfilled, Northwest will recommend that your certificate be issued to you and will send DESE your Northwest transcript.

Checking the Status of Your Application

1. Click on the "Application Status" link in the menu on the left side of your Profile page
2. To view exactly what is needed to complete the application, click on the application type submitted and scroll to the bottom of the page to read the “Memo” section

Viewing/Printing Your Missouri Certificate

1. Click on the "Certificate Status" link in the menu on the left side of your profile page