Gifted, PreK-12 Endorsements
Overview
The Gifted, PreK-12 endorsements authorize the holder to teach gifted students within the grade range and subject area of the prerequisite certificate. This endorsement is required for all district teachers who have primary responsibility for teaching gifted pupils. Requirements for certification are subject to change and are fully referenced in the Arizona Revised Statutes and State Board of Education Rules.
Out-of-State Certificate Holders
Educators who hold a valid, comparable certificate or endorsement from another state should review the Certification Reciprocity Requirements for guidance on applying through reciprocity pathways.
1. Prerequisite Certificate
Applicants must valid Arizona Standard Professional teaching certificate, Classroom-Based Standard Teaching certificate, or International Teaching certificate.
2. AZDPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
Applicants must hold a valid Arizona DPS IVP fingerprint clearance card. You may verify that the card is on file through the ADE Educator Portal or include a photocopy of the card with your application.
3. Application and Fee
Submit a completed Application for Certification and the required $60 non‑refundable fee.
4. Documentation of College/University Coursework or Equivalent In-Service Training
Request appropriate documentation showing applicable college coursework and/or in service training be sent directly to the ADE Certification Unit.
- Coursework Documentation. Have the college or university send an official transcript documenting all applicable coursework to the Arizona Department of Education Certification Unit. If you are using college coursework completed at an institution based outside of the United States a foreign credential evaluation from an Arizona Department of Education approved agency is required.
- Equivalent In-Service Training Verification. Request a letter from a public-school superintendent or personnel director verifying completion of equivalent clock hours of in-service training in gifted education.
The Provisional Gifted, PreK-12 endorsement is valid for three years and is nonrenewable. The requirements are:
1. Prerequisite Certificate.
A valid Arizona Standard Professional teaching certificate, Classroom-Based Standard Teaching Certificate, or International Teaching certificate; -AND-
2. Gifted Education Coursework or Equivalent Training.
Completion of six semester hours of courses in gifted education from an accredited institution (college or university). Completion of in-service training in gifted education that is aligned to the Teacher Preparation Standards in Gifted and Talented Education adopted by the National Association for Gifted Children and the Council for Exceptional Children may substitute for the semester hours of college coursework Fifteen (15) clock hours of training, or the equivalent competency-based credential, is equivalent to one semester hour of college coursework. Clock hours of in-service training must be verified by a public school superintendent or personnel director.
1. Prerequisite Certificate.
A valid Arizona Standard Professional teaching certificate, Classroom-Based Standard Teaching Certificate, or International Teaching certificate; -AND-
2. Gifted Education Coursework or Equivalent Training.
Completion of twelve (12) semester hours of courses in gifted education from an accredited institution (college or university). Completion of in-service training in gifted education that is aligned to the Teacher Preparation Standards in Gifted and Talented Education adopted by the National Association for Gifted Children and the Council for Exceptional Children may substitute for the semester hours of college coursework Fifteen (15) clock hours of training, or the equivalent competency-based credential, is equivalent to one semester hour of college coursework. Clock hours of in-service training must be verified by a public school superintendent or personnel director.
Documents Requiring Submission by the Verifying Authority
- Official Transcripts: Transcripts uploaded through the educator portal or emailed by the applicant are not official and will not be accepted. Official transcripts and foreign credential evaluations must be submitted as follows:
- Electronic official transcripts must be submitted directly by the college or university to [email protected] or through Parchment.
- Paper official transcripts must be in a sealed envelope and mailed by the college or university to the Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit; PO Box 6490, Phoenix, AZ 85005-6490.
- Foreign credential evaluations must be sent directly by the approved foreign credential evaluation agency to [email protected] or mailed to the Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit.
- Verification of In-Service Training: Verification of in-service training should be on official letterhead, signed by the superintendent or personnel director, and emailed directly by the school/district to [email protected] .
Accepted Photocopies from the Applicant
- AZDPS IVP Card: Submit a photocopy of the Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance card.
Ready to apply - click here for step-by-step directions
Pursuant to section 41-1093.01, Arizona Revised Statutes, an agency shall limit all occupational regulations to regulations that are demonstrated to be necessary to specifically fulfill a public health, safety, or welfare concern. Pursuant to sections 41-1093.02 and 41-1093.03, Arizona Revised Statutes, you have the right to petition this agency to repeal or modify the occupational regulation or bring an action in a court of general jurisdiction to challenge the occupational regulation and to ensure compliance with section 41-1093.01, Arizona Revised Statutes.
