Initial School Service Provider Certification

An initial credential is one-time nonrenewable certification that allows the holder to provide services in the student service provider area as indicated. Initial SSP credentials are valid for two years. Holders must successfully complete all applicable requirements to upgrade to a standard SSP credential.

A. All Initial SSP credential applications require submission of the following documents:

An Identity History Summary Check (IHSC) issued by the FBI or an approved FBI channeler agency. If employed with DC Public Schools (DCPS), make sure the DCPS central office has made your clearance information available to OSSE electronically.
Official transcripts verifying a completed bachelor’s degree. (*Applicants with degrees and studies from institutions outside of the US must submit a foreign credential evaluation report issued by an approved evaluation agency.
A copy of your active full credential held in another state OR Submit a completed DC LEA Request Form for an initial credential signed by the hiring official of the DC LEA where you are seeking employment.

B. In addition to the documents listed above, the following must be submitted:

Service Provider Areas	Additional Required Documents
Reading Specialist	Official transcripts verifying a completed masters degree or higher in reading or a reading related area.
School Librarian	A completed program admission verification form confirming your current admission into an approved school library educator credentialing program; or Official transcripts verifying a completed master’s degree or higher in school library science or general library information science.
School Audiologist	Official transcripts verifying a completed master’s degree or higher in audiology that includes a minimum of 75 semester hours (at least 36 graduate level coursework) in audiology and allied fields and successful completion at least 350 hours of supervised practicum experience.
School Counselor	Official transcripts verifying a completed master’s degree or higher in counseling and successful completion at least 300 hours of supervised experience or have completed at least two years of full-time teaching experience. An applicant for an initial credential may not be deficient more than 12 semester hours of school counselor specific coursework.
School Social Worker	Official transcripts verifying a completed master’s degree or higher in social work; and A copy of your active social worker license issued by the DC Department of Health, Board of Social Work. The license must be above an associate’s level.
School Speech Pathologist	Official transcripts verifying a completed master’s degree or higher in speech language pathology that includes a minimum of 75 semester hours (at least 36 graduate level coursework) in speech pathology and successful completion at least 350 hours of supervised practicum experience.
School Psychologist	Official transcripts verifying a completed master’s degree or higher in psychology and have successfully completed at least 500 hours of supervised experience requirements in a school setting under the supervision of a certified school psychologist. An applicant for an initial credential may not be deficient more than 12 semester hours of school psychologist specific coursework.

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Initial School Service Provider Certification

A. All Initial SSP credential applications require submission of the following documents:

B. In addition to the documents listed above, the following must be submitted:

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Initial School Service Provider Certification

A. All Initial SSP credential applications require submission of the following documents:

B. In addition to the documents listed above, the following must be submitted: