Certification

Candidates in a teacher preparation program must complete particular requirements in order to receive institutional recommendation for certification. This institutional recommendation is noted on candidates’ transcripts and is needed to apply for teacher certification in Delaware and other states.​

Only state departments of education can issue an educator license and certificate(s). The University of Delaware communicates to state departments of education that candidates have completed their teacher preparation program and University requirements by writing “Institutional Recommendation for Certification” on the transcript. This transcript note informs state departments of education that candidates have completed a state-approved program and interstate reciprocity agreement can take effect.​

To receive institutional recommendation from UD for certification in music, candidates must:

1. Graduate from UD’s teacher preparation program in music education.

2. Achieve a passing score on the Praxis Music Content Knowledge test (5113) according to the State of Delaware guidelines. (As of 2023, a passing score in Delaware was 155)

Some candidates may earn their degree (#1 above), but may not complete and pass the Praxis Subject Assessment(s) (#2 above) when their degree is conferred. These candidates must pass this content area test by the first June 30 following graduation from the associated program (i.e., Students graduating in Summer 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023, and Spring 2023 must complete by June 30, 2023). Waivers to this policy may be considered by the Certification Officer in cases of documentable illness, emergency, bereavement, or with documentation of repeated attempted passage of certification examinations. Requests for waiver must be made, in writing and with appropriate documentation, to the Certification Officer no later than May 1st.

Praxis tests taken before the June 30 deadline can be considered even if the scores are reported after the deadline. In addition, students who complete institutional recommendation requirements after their graduation date must contact the UD teacher certification officer to have their institutional recommendation status reviewed and updated.

Steps to follow in seeking a teaching license/certificate are:

1. Early in your senior year, visit the Department of Education website in the states in which you want to apply for certification.

2. Find out which test(s) are required and register to take the test(s).

3. Prior to graduation, complete the license/certificate application process. Many of the applications are completed online.

4. Some states will require verification of program completion. Fill out the Program Verification Form Request. If you have specific questions, contact the Office of Certification and Accreditation (DCTE-cert@udel.edu) for the completion of forms or documents requiring an official university signature.

5. All applications for licensure/certification will require an official transcript indicating the conferral of your degree. Requests for official transcripts are completed online through the Registrar’s Office.

Contact the UD teacher certification officer, at dcte-cert@udel.edu or (302) 831-3000 if you have any questions about institutional recommendation for certification. The UD teacher certification officer is also the individual who fills out the program verification forms for state departments of education. For more information, visit UD’s Education & Human Development Office of Certification and Accreditation.​