Certification

Announcements

The Spring 2025 Certification Application will open March 3, 2025. To be included in the first batch sent to the Alabama State Department of Education, please submit your application by the deadline of March 28, 2025.

Note: If you submit your Certification Application late, your application will not be processed until you have paid a non-refundable $50 fee to the Office of Educator Preparation. Late Applications will be accepted until April 25th. Late fees must be submitted to the Office of Student Accounts using account number 164577 and a copy of your receipt must be attached to your application for processing.

 to pay the late fee through Student Accounts, or .

Praxis Testing Information

Please see the link below for Praxis testing information

Praxis Testing

Instructions for 杏吧直播间ing for Certification

It is important to note that applying for graduation and applying for teacher certification are two separate processes. The College of Education and Human Sciences does not certify teachers; the authority to do so rests solely with the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE). Certification applications will only be submitted to the ALSDE by the UNA Certification Officer once the following conditions are met: your degree is confirmed (upon graduation), all program requirements have been completed, all passing scores for state-mandated tests are officially on file with the University of 杏吧直播间 Alabama's Office of Educator Preparation, and all required documents have been received.

Additionally, a complete application packet and recommendation for professional certification based on program completion must be received by ALSDE Educator Certification Section within four years (48 months) from the date of unconditional admission. If the application is not received within this timeframe, the candidate will be required to meet the certification requirements in effect at the time the application is received.

For certification-related questions, please contact the Office of Educator Preparation. Do not contact the ALSDE directly.

The certification materials should be submitted to the Certification Officer via MyUNA Profile. Instructions on how to submit your certification paperwork can be found below. It is crucial to carefully read and complete all necessary components before submission! Signatures MUST be handwritten. The ALSDE will NOT accept electronic signatures. 

What do I need to apply for Certification?

  • MyUNA Profile log in
    • As a current student, you can use your UNA credentials:internship.jpg
  • TCH Number (ALSDE ID)
  • Praxis Test Taker ID (Candidate Number)
  • Transcript Release Form
    The Transcript Release Form can be found on the COEHS Procedures, Forms and Handbooks page under the name Certification Transcript Request. Please print a copy and submit a signed and dated copy. 

  • The NAL form is an online form located on the ALSDE website. Be sure to completely fill out all applicable information on the NAL, including the box labeled as “FOR STATISTICAL PURPOSES ONLY” as the ALSDE will not process the application if there are blanks. Once you complete the NAL you will be given an option to print a copy. Please print a copy and submit a signed and dated copy. 

  • Beginning August 2019, the Alabama State Department of Education now requires verification of US citizenship. Please complete the CIT form and print a copy and submit a signed and dated copy. 
  • Proof of United States Citizenship (FRONT & BACK)
    • An Alabama driver’s license or non-driver’s identification card issued by the Alabama Department of Public Safety
    • A birth certificate indicating birth in the United States or one of its territories
    • Pertinent pages of a United States valid or expired passport identifying the person and the person’s passport number, or the person’s United States passport
    • United States naturalization documents or the number of the certificate of naturalization
    • Other documents or methods of proof of United States citizenship issued by the federal government pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, as amended
    • Bureau of Indian Affairs card number, tribal treaty card number, or tribal enrollment number
    • A consular report of birth abroad of a citizen of the United States of America
    • A certification of citizenship issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
    • A certification of report of birth issued by the United States Department of State
    • An American Indian Card, with KIC classification, issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security
    • Final adoption decree showing the person’s name and United States birthplace
    • An official United States Military record of service showing the applicant’s place of birth in the United States
    • An extract from a United States hospital record of birth created at the time of the person’s birth indicating the place of birth in the United States
    • AL-verify
    • A valid Uniformed Services Privileges and Identification Card
    • Any form of ID authorized by the Alabama Department of Revenue

  • A $38 non-refundable application fee is required for issuance of each certificate. Students in programs where two certificates will be received must pay $38 for EACH certificate ($76 total). Payment may be submitted in the form of a cashier's check or money order made payable to the Alabama State Department of Education. Personal checks and cash are not accepted. Application fees may also be paid through the , using a major credit card. Your cashier's check, money order, or a receipt verifying online payment must be included with the application you submit. 

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Amber Carruth at acarruth2@una.edu. 

After Submission

We will be reviewing applications this semester and will complete the final audit once grades for the current semester have been posted. In the meantime, you can review the status of your application by clicking the link below. This will direct you to the page where you can review your application status.

Check Application Status

Below is a summary of possible application statuses and their meanings:

  • Submitted
    Your application has been successfully submitted. It is now in the queue for review by the Office of Educator Preparation. You will receive updates as the process progresses.

  • In Review
    Your application is currently under review by the Office of Educator Preparation. The team is evaluating your submitted materials to ensure they meet all necessary requirements. Please allow additional time for processing.

  • Student Action Required
    Action is required on your part to complete your application. This may involve submitting missing documents, verifying information, or providing additional details. Please follow the instructions provided to proceed.

  • Application Pending
    Your application is currently pending further processing. All steps have been completed for now. After graduation, we will conduct an audit of the remaining requirements to finalize your certification application.

  • Sent to ALSDE
    Your application has been mailed to the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) for further review and processing. Please monitor your for any further updates regarding certification. The ALSDE typically takes 10-12 weeks to process applications. UNA’s part in the process is now complete.

  • Canceled
    Your application has been canceled. If you believe this is an error, please contact the Office of Educator Preparation for further assistance or clarification. If you would like to reapply, please follow the instructions on the application portal.

Resources for Advisors

For a list of approved diversity classes from other Alabama institutions contact our Certification & Data Coordinator, Ms. Amber Carruth at acarruth2@una.edu or 256-765-4860.