Indiana Teacher License Renewal and Professionalization

License Renewal FAQ’s

1. What are Indiana's requirements for renewing a Standard teaching, school administration, or school services license?
   • Individuals who do not hold a life license must renew their licenses by completing six (6) semester hours of approved college courses every five (5) years in order to keep their licenses current. These courses must be taken within the 5 years previous to when they apply for a renewal, not within the 5 years previous to the expiration date on their license. (For example: If Joe is renewing in the summer of 2002 he will need to have taken 6 credit hours of courses for renewal between the summer of 97 and 2002.)

2. I have lost my current license. What do I need to do to renew it?
   • You will need to complete a "Proof of Licensing" form and include it with your renewal/professionalization materials.

3. Can I download the license renewal forms?
   • Yes, you can download the instructions and forms for license renewal from IWU's website at http://caps.indwes.edu/Electives/Graduate, or the State's website at www.state.in.us/psb/licensing.

4. My license is already expired. Do I have to complete any extra work or testing to renew it?
   • No, there are no penalties for renewing an expired license. As long as you have earned the required 6 credit hours within the last 5 years you can still renew your teacher's license.

5. I would like to professionalize my license. Can I renew it this time and professionalize it next time?
   • No, the State recently announced that teachers are only able to apply for a professional license until June of 2006.

6. Do I have to pay 2 separate fees to renew my license? One to IWU and another to the State of Indiana?
   • Yes, most people will have to pay 2 separate fees. The State requires a $35 money order or certified check per license renewal or professionalization. This fee went into effect Jan. 1, 2002. The $25 IWU processing fee is in addition to all other fees and requests. However, this fee does not apply to IWU Bachelors or Masters degree graduates.
   • If you are renewing and professionalizing at the same time you only need to pay one $35 fee per license. Your license will be renewed no matter when you professionalize your license.

7. Can I send my renewal materials directly to the State (IPSB) to renew my license?
   • No, if you have taken at least one of your courses from an Indiana institution and you send your renewal materials to the State they will be returned to you. The State will only process your materials if you have taken renewal courses out of state. You will be charged an additional $35 fee to evaluate your out of state transcripts.

8. It is time to renew my license and I would like to professionalize it too. On the application 9331 form under the "Action Requested" section do I check 'Renewal' or 'Conversion to Professional' or both?
   • Check 'Conversion to Professional' because when you professionalize your license it will automatically be renewed at the same time.

9. How long does the license renewal process take?
   • It usually takes 4-6 weeks. However, during the summer it could possibly take up to 8 weeks. The summer is an extremely busy time of the year for teacher licensing. It is best to plan ahead!
   • The State recommends that teachers wait until 2 months prior to their expiration date to apply for the renewal of their licenses. If you renew more than 2 months before your expiration date you will take time off of your license.

10. What are Indiana's requirements for renewing a Professional teaching, school administration, or school services license?
    • The professional license is initially valid for 10 years. After the initial term, the professional license must be renewed every five years. A professional license may be renewed by completing six semester hours of approved college courses or 90 Certification Renewal Units (CRU's) every five years.
    • If you are seeking an administrative license you will need to professionalize your current license first. (See the license renewal packet for the list of requirements to professionalize.)

11. What happens if my license expires in the middle of the school year?
    If you are under contract, and your license expires after the first day of your school year, the license is valid for the remainder of that school year. (For example: If your license expires Aug. 24 and your contract began Aug. 23, your license would be valid for the entire school year.)