The usual steps
- Create an Educator Credential Information System account
- Identify the comparable D.C. subject and grade range
- Upload every active full out-of-state credential
- Submit official degree and preparation records
- Submit the FBI Identity History Summary Check or accepted DCPS clearance
- Provide source-state examination or qualifying National Board evidence for the selected reciprocity branch
- Apply for each requested credential area and pay the applicable fee
What can change your path
- • Reciprocity applies only during the first D.C. educator-credential application
- • The source license must be active, full and without deficiencies
- • Subsequent D.C. credential areas must meet D.C.-specific requirements
- • OSSE makes the final subject, grade and examination comparability decision
What the state says
These facts come from official sources. The state agency still makes the final licensing decision.
First-application reciprocity
An applicant holding an active full educator credential without deficiencies from another U.S. state or territory may qualify for a comparable D.C. credential through reciprocity on the first D.C. application.
Comparable evidence matters
The reciprocity and Standard pathways evaluate preparation and accepted basic-skills, subject and pedagogy evidence; active National Board certification provides a separate branch without D.C. credentialing exams.
Core evidence
The application uses active full source credentials, official transcripts, preparation or examination evidence and an FBI Identity History Summary Check or accepted DCPS clearance.
Why your details matter
State websites describe the possible routes. The right one for you can depend on your license, preparation, experience, subjects, grades, tests, National Board status and compact eligibility. TeachPassport uses those details to build your checklist and keeps checking the state’s rules.
One thing to know: Reciprocity is available only on the first D.C. credential application; the source credential must be active and full, and later additions or issuances must satisfy D.C.-specific requirements.