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How to Get ISTE Certified

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Learn, Curate, Reflect, Get Certified!

To earn certification, you’ll complete approximately 40 hours during the duration of 10 weeks of professional learning and will then have 40 hours over the course of six months to assemble an e-portfolio that includes artifacts and reflections on your learning.

Participate in 40 hours of learning over three synchronous learning sessions that will take place fully online over 10 weeks. (Schedules may vary.) Complete assignments addressing designing for diversity, personalized learning, equity in digital learning environments and more.

What Is ISTE Certification?

ISTE Certification for Educators is the only vendor-neutral, internationally recognized credential for educators who have demonstrated mastery of the educator section of the ISTE Standards. ISTE Certification focuses on pedagogy, not on tools or devices, and is designed to change your educational practice, whether you’re a classroom educator, instructional designer, library media specialist, technology coach or in another role.

The process combines 10 weeks of professional learning with a six-month portfolio application and review process. Recipients can apply to receive up to four graduate-level credits for their participation.

Is it rigorous? Yes.

Is it worth it? Yes!

Why Get ISTE Certified?

ISTE Certification challenges you to stretch yourself as an educator and positions you as an expert among your colleagues. Becoming ISTE certified:

  • Prepares you to model effective practice for others in your school or district.

  • Helps you apply the ISTE Standards in practice.

  • Allows you to earn up to four graduate-level credits.

  • Connects you with an international community of education changemakers.

With your certification in hand, you’ll earn international recognition and become a technology leader. And you’ll be prepared to support your teacher network in integrating tech for all of the right reasons!

Becoming ISTE Certified is easier than ever! As of 2022, ISTELive attendance can now be applied to your certification.

Register for a cohort today!

What the Process Looks Like

Step 1: Join a Cohort

Select a start date scheduled by an ISTE Certification Authorized Provider to join a cohort.

Step 2: Complete the Fully Online PD

Participate in five synchronous learning sessions that will take place fully online in about 40 hours over 10 weeks. (Schedules may vary.) Complete assignments on designing for diversity, personalized learning, equity in digital learning environments and more.

Step 3: Curate Your Portfolio

After completing the online learning program, you’ll have six months to prepare and submit a portfolio, which typically takes about 40 hours to curate. During the process, you can join office hours, access support resources and engage with a community of peers seeking ISTE Certification.

Step 4: Pass the Final Review

Once your submission is complete, ISTE will review your portfolio. Successfully meet our criteria and you’ll become an ISTE Certified Educator!

Are You Ready to Become an ISTE Certified Educator?

Do you have the time?

ISTE Certification for Educators requires a 40-hour commitment to professional learning over 14 weeks as you prepare to use the ISTE Standards for Educators in practice. You’ll then have up to six months to submit a portfolio showcasing your knowledge. This independent work is designed to allow you to apply your learning. Most ISTE Certified Educators spend about 40 hours curating their portfolio for submission.

Do you have the necessary skills?

Successful candidates are:

  • Comfortable using technology in instruction.

  • Self-motivated and have good time-management skills.

  • Experienced learning online using an LMS.

  • Excited to learn with like-minded educators.

Are you familiar with the ISTE Standards?

A basic understanding of the ISTE Student Standards and the ISTE Educator Standards is helpful.

Are you committed?

ISTE Certification is designed to ignite transformation in your classroom or school. The program is rigorous, competency-based and requires documentation. Improving your practice takes hard work, but it’s worth it!

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