Certification FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What if I work as a librarian, special education teacher, reading specialist, or guidance counselor?
Specialist certificates are available for each of these areas.
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.
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.
Application FAQs
Where do I get an application?
You can print an application from the Certification Documents page.
What do I need to send in order to receive an ACSI teacher’s or administrator’s certificate?
Send in a completed application with the fee, copies of all your transcripts, and/or a current state teaching or administrative certificate if you have one. You will be issued the highest level of certificate that you qualify for.
How will I know what, if any, deficiencies I have or what I need to do to receive, renew, or upgrade my certificate?
Enclosed with your certificate is an evaluation that lists any deficiencies that must be met and the requirements to renew or upgrade your certificate. If you do not qualify for an ACSI certificate due to incomplete information with your application, a form letter will identify the additional data needed.
If I have completed the biblical philosophy and biblical studies requirements, what should I send?
Send documentation that part or all these requirements have been met with your application materials.
Have another question?
Contact a certification representative.
Philosophy Requirements FAQs
What options do I have for meeting the biblical philosophy of education requirement?
There are three options for meeting the requirement. You may:
- participate in an in-service program that uses the ACSI videotape series and complete the writing and reading requirements that supplement it,
- attend an ACSI convention in which the philosophy course is taught and complete the supplementary work, or
- complete an ACSI-approved course from a college.
How do I verify that I have completed the philosophy requirement?
Send an appropriately signed ACSI philosophy checklist with your application or a transcript if it is a college course.
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.