School of Education

Certified Teachers-Adding Endorsements

Add-on Endorsement Program

This program is only available to candidates with a valid Washington Residency. Continuing, or Professional Teacher certificates. Out of State Applicants are not eligible.

Admission to this program does not constitute admission to Central Washington University or admission to a particular endorsement program.

We charge the application fee separately for each endorsement to support credit evaluations, advising, and other supports that differe for each endorsement area. 

If you are interested in adding more than one endorsement please complete more than one application.

Application Deadlines:

  • Summer: June 10th
  • Fall: September 10th
  • Winter: December 10th
  • Spring: March 10th

Program Inquiries

If you have any questions, please email teachercertification@cwu.edu we are happy to point you to the correct faculty members and answer questions about certification.

For questions on financial costs, please connect with FinancialAid@cwu.edu estimating costs per program is very dependent on how many courses per quarter you are interested in, if you are taking 400 or 500 level courses, or taking summer credits.

Ready to Apply to the Add-On Endorsement Program?

Step 1: Apply to the Add-on Endorsement Program.

  • Complete the online application and program fee.
    • We charge the application fee separately for each endorsement, because those funds go to support credit evaluations and advising that differ for each endorsement area.
  • The Add-On Endorsement Program application is in addition to CWU admissions application.
    • Acceptance into the Add-on Endorsement Program does not constitute admission to CWU or any specific program.
  • Your program fee includes an optional credit evaluation of relevant endorsement coursework from the last 10 years.
    • After applying, you will get instructions on where to send relevant transcripts.

Step 2: Apply to CWU:

  • Graduate Certificate, or Degree seeking- Apply to Graduate Studies
  • Just taking required courses, for certification- Complete the Non-Matriculated Registration Form
    • If the above link does not work, try opening the link in a private/incognito browser

Step 3: Program Completion:

  • The academic departments will assist in course registration
  • It will be your responsibility to meet with your faculty to plan and complete the required courses.
  • Teacher Certification completes quarterly audits to check academic progress.
    • If you are inactive for two calendar years, your status will be made inactive and you will need to reapply to CWU and the Add-on Program to continue where you left off.
  • You must pass all courses with a C or higher and pass the appropriate WEST-E or NES content tests.
  • The Teacher Certification Program will move forward with your recommendation to OSPI when you have met the program requirements. We will email you the instructions on claiming the institution's recommendation.

Courses + Test Endorsements

  • Early Childhood Education

    These courses cover the requirements for the Early Childhood Education endorsement in approximately 26 credits over eight courses.

    Courses are offered online

    Educators will complete the required courses with a C or better and pass NES 101.

  • English Language Learners

    These courses cover the requirements for the English Language Learner endorsement in approximately 18 credits over six courses. There is an option to complete these as an emphasis in the Master's of Education in Curriculum and Instruction to complete a degree and add on an endorsement.

    Courses are offered online

    Educators will complete the required courses with a C or better and pass WEST-E 51.

  • Health and Fitness

    These courses cover the requirements for the Health and Fitness endorsement. Is offered as a graduate degree or graduate certificate. The program is cohort based and space is limited

    Courses are offered online

    Educators will complete the required courses with a C or better and pass WEST-E 29.

    It is advised to email teachercertification@cwu.edu with questions before completing any applications for this endorsement.

  • Library Media

    These courses cover the requirements for the Library Media endorsement in approximately 29 credits over nine courses. There is an option to complete these as an emphasis in the Master's of Education in Curriculum and Instruction to complete a degree and add on an endorsement.

    Courses are offered online

    Educators will complete the required courses with a C or better and pass WEST-E 42.

  • Reading

    These courses cover the requirements for the Reading endorsement in approximately 22 credits over seven courses.

    Courses are offered online

    Educators will complete the required courses with a C or better and pass NES 104.

  • Special Education

    These courses cover the requirements for the Special Education endorsement in approximately 23 credits over approximately seven courses. There is an option to complete these as an emphasis in the Master's of Education in Curriculum and Instruction to complete a degree and add on an endorsement.

    Courses are offered online

    Educators will complete the required courses with a C or better and pass WEST-E 70.

  • Family and Consumer Sciences

    These courses cover the requirements for the Family and Consumer Sciences endorsement and a CTE Certificate.

    Courses are offered online as part of graduate program

    Educators will complete the required courses with a C or better and pass WEST-E 41.

    This is a unique program that would best serve you to reach out to Dr. Devlin with questions first.

    For questions about the required courses please contact Dr. Devlin at breanne.devlin@cwu.edu and she can provide you guidance.

  • Business and Marketing Education

    These courses cover the requirements for the Business and Marketing Education endorsement in approximately 49-54 credits over approximately 15 courses.

    Courses are offered online or an in person option in Ellensburg.

    Educators will complete the required courses with a C or better and pass NES 309 test.

    Completers of this program are also eligible for an Initial CTE certificate with the addition of 2000 hours of industry experience from the last 10 years

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