Kentucky Credential Guide
Endorsement for Teaching English as a Second Language, P-12 Requirements in Kentucky
Issued by Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board.
Kentucky’s probationary ESL endorsement route is tied to a teaching certificate and enrollment in an approved ESL preparation program. The full endorsement includes a content assessment.
Official sources reviewed . Requirements can change, so confirm your route with the issuing agency before enrolling.
Kentucky KECS Application
An Approved ESL Program Comes Before the Endorsement Application
Kentucky lists English as a Second Language for primary through grade 12 as an endorsement added to a base certificate. The state requires completion of an approved educator-preparation program. Program structures vary by institution.
- Confirm that the institution's ESL endorsement program is approved by Kentucky's Education Professional Standards Board and obtain its program verification.
- Complete the assessment Kentucky requires for the endorsement and collect official endorsement transcripts.
- In KECS, follow the state's endorsement instructions through the certification application wizard, Character and Fitness review, payment and submission.
Kentucky's public instructions refer to the CA-1 choice in the wizard even for an endorsement addition. Follow the current KECS prompts and ask the certification office if your existing certificate changes the selection.
Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board / Go Teach KY, checked September 29, 2026: endorsement programs and KECS application steps.
Kentucky Requirements
Check Probationary Eligibility Before Starting
Ask the Education Professional Standards Board whether your Kentucky certificate and planned program meet the probationary conditions.
Probationary route
Kentucky's probationary ESL endorsement route requires a Kentucky teaching certificate and enrollment in an approved ESL educator-preparation program.
Kentucky Requirements
Plan for the Full Endorsement Assessment
The content assessment is a separate step toward the full endorsement. Verify the current test with the Board before registration.
Assessment requirement
Kentucky requires the applicable content assessment for the full endorsement.