♦Why does ACSI provide certification?
The purpose of the ACSI certification program is to provide qualified Christian school educators with professional credentials. Applicants must have a college degree and should have or will be required to complete training in the biblical philosophy of education, formal Bible instruction, and appropriate teacher and/or administrator training.
♦How long are certificates valid, and is there a lifetime certificate?
Interim and Temporary (Basic) certificates are valid for two years, and Standard and Professional certificates are valid for five years. On the first renewal of a Professional certificate, it is issued as a lifetime certificate if verification of five years’ service in a Christian school setting is provided upon application.
♦What types of certificates does ACSI offer?
There are four general types of certificates for teachers or administrators:
- Interim: A two-year, nonrenewable entry-level certificate for those whose degree is from an ACSI-recognized but nonaccredited college.
- Temporary: A two-year basic certificate for those whose degree is from an accredited college but who do not meet all the requirements for an ACSI Standard certificate.
- Standard: A regular five-year certificate for those with the required training in the biblical philosophy of education, as well as Bible and professional studies.
- Professional: A five-year certificate for those who have a graduate degree from an accredited college as well as the required professional training, the biblical philosophy of education, and Bible studies.
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♦If I have a current state teaching certificate, what does that mean in the ACSI certification process?
A copy of your current state certificate will be accepted in lieu of transcripts and indicates that you have met all the general and professional education requirements for your ACSI certificate.
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♦Do I need to send all my transcripts to ACSI if I do not have a current state teaching certificate?
Yes, a copy of your transcripts is required in order to evaluate your academic record and issue the appropriate certificate.
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♦Are there certificates for the various grade levels and subject areas?
Yes, there are elementary and secondary certificates. Secondary certificates include middle school and high school and are issued in a specific subject area.
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♦Can more than one subject be included on the same certificate?
Yes, a major field certificate is given with 36 semester hours in an area of study, and endorsements are given when a teacher has graduated with at least 20 semester hours in a field of concentration.
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♦What certificates are available for teachers who teach “specials” such as P.E. or who teach or administer at both the elementary and secondary levels?
All-levels certificates are available in administration, Bible, music, art, computers, and physical education.
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♦What if I work as a librarian, special education teacher, reading specialist, or guidance counselor?
Specialist certificates are available for each of these areas.
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♦If I have a degree in Bible and Bible is my only assignment, can I qualify for an ACSI certificate?
Yes, ACSI does offer a Bible specialist certificate for those whose training is in Bible and who do not have courses as a professional teacher.
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♦What are the requirements for an administrator’s certificate?
Administrators can get an elementary, secondary, all-levels, or superintendent’s certificate. Educational administration courses are required for each of these certificates.
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