Washington Credential Guide
English Language Learner Endorsement Requirements in Washington
Issued by Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Washington requires a second endorsement alongside English Language Learner. Check that pairing before treating ELL study as a complete teaching-certificate path.
Official sources reviewed . Requirements can change, so confirm your route with the issuing agency before enrolling.
Washington Dual Endorsement
Pair ELL With a Second Eligible Teaching Field
Washington does not treat the English Language Learner endorsement as a standalone first teaching field. The route changes with where you prepared and which endorsements you already hold.
Ask the program which second eligible endorsement accompanies ELL. OSPI describes dual program recommendations and a program recommendation plus additional content testing.
Ask OSPI which endorsements your current certificate supports. An eligible applicant may teach on a one-year permit while completing the second endorsement through a program or tests. OSPI permits a second 12-month permit but no third.
Before choosing an ELL-only graduate certificate, ask the provider to identify the second endorsement and who will recommend you for each credential.
Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, checked September 29, 2026: adding an endorsement and dual-endorsement requirements.
Washington Requirements
The ELL Endorsement Needs a Second Endorsement
The dual-endorsement rule changes the first planning question: which other endorsement will you hold?
Dual-endorsement rule
Washington requires an educator who earns the English Language Learner endorsement to earn a second endorsement as well. The ELL endorsement is not a standalone teaching certificate.
Washington Requirements
Compare Ways to Add the Endorsement
OSPI describes testing, approved-program and National Board routes where applicable. Confirm which route is open to you before registering for a test.
Addition routes
OSPI describes endorsement additions through testing, an approved program, or National Board certification where the route applies. Some out-of-state applicants may receive a one-year permit while completing Washington's dual-endorsement requirement.
Testing by route
Washington's endorsement-addition routes identify the WEST-E or NES test for the endorsement being added. Confirm the route and current test requirement with OSPI before registering.
Washington Requirements
Keep the Teaching Certificate Current
The state’s renewal guidance applies to the underlying teacher certificate.
Certificate renewal
Washington's five-year teacher-certificate renewal routes generally require 100 clock hours or an accepted equivalent.