Special Education Licensure-Only FAQ's

Q. How long will it take me to complete all the courses?

A. There are approximately 60+ hours that need to be completed for the Licensure-Only program, so it could take 2-4 years.

A lot depends on how many hours you have completed that may be part of the licensure program which will be determined by the faculty evaluation. A lot also depends on how many hours you are able to take each quarter.

Q. How are the Licensure-Only classes offered?

A. The classes are offered in the day, and in the evening. There are very few courses offered over the summer. Some classes are only offered one time a year, so if you are not able to get enrolled in a particular course one year, you may have to wait an entire year before you can get in the course again.

Q. How likely am I to get into the classes I need each quarter?

A. You might not get into classes each quarter as the courses you take are also required by current undergraduate students and seats could be held for the cohort of students moving through the program.

Q. I have been a teacher for X number of years. Can I use any of my "life experience" in place of or substituted for courses for the Licensure-Only program?

A. No, unless you have coursework at the college level, life experience cannot fulfill the place of Licensure-Only classes.

Q. I have taken college courses that I think look similar to some of the Licensure-Only courses, but all my coursework is over 5 years old. Can I count these classes as part of the Licensure-Only program?

A. No. Only coursework taken within the past 5 years can be reviewed and potentially approved for substitutions for Licensure-Only coursework.

Q. How do I get previous college coursework evaluated by faculty?

A. Refer to the "Course Evaluation" form (pdf)

Q. How do I set up my Practicum?

A. Refer to the "Practicum" information sheet (pdf)

Q. Can I take classes at the same time I complete the practicum?

A. Yes, there is a suggested limit of only taking one additional course along with the practicum as the practicum is time intensive.

Q. I have taken workshops for CEU's. Can I count any of these towards courses for the Licensure-Only program?

A. No.

Q. What grades do I have to earn in Licensure-Only coursework at Ohio State?

A. You have to earn a B- or higher in all Licensure-Only coursework.

Q. If I have taken classes at another institution, how many classes do I have to take at OSU in order to earn my license or endorsement?

A. A minimum of three required courses and the practicum must be completed at Ohio State in order to be recommended by Ohio State for an Ohio license or endorsement.

Q. What steps do I take after I have completed all my coursework?

A. You will need to submit the following to the Special Education secretary. The College of Education and Human Ecology will forward all these materials to the Ohio Department of Education.

• Completed OSU licensure checklist
• An Ohio Department of Education Application for Licensure/Endorsement (available on the Ohio Department of Education website
• A check made out to the Ohio Department of Education for the appropriate amount
• Transcript/Advising Report
• PRAXIS scores need to be submitted to The Ohio State University, NOT the Ohio Department of Education.
• Copy of existing licenses/certifications

Q. When do I take the PRAXIS exam? How do I get my scores sent to Ohio State?

A. Students typically take the PRAXIS test when they are close to finishing their coursework. Take the PRAXIS specialty area test, if required, for the area in which you are seeking licensure. Praxis registration materials are available at http://www.ets.org/praxis/). When you take the exam, have your scores reported to Ohio State using our institution code, 1592. Allow 6-8 weeks for the results to be sent to Ohio State. If you have additional questions regarding the PRAXIS, please contact Christie Rhoads, the certification and licensure coordinator for the College of Education and Human Ecology at rhoads.1@osu.edu.

Q. I have earned a license from another state. Can I earn an Ohio Teaching License or Endorsement?

A. If you have a teaching license from another state, you can earn a license to be in Mild/Moderate Intervention Specialist, Moderate/Intensive Intervention Specialist, and an Early Childhood Intervention Specialist.

You cannot earn an Endorsement unless you have an existing state of Ohio teaching license.

Q. How do I renew my teaching license?
A. You will need to contact your School's Licensure Personnel/Personnel Department/Professional Development office in order to figure out what you will need to renew your teaching license.