Proficiency Program
DESCRIPTION
Are you interested in adding a new certification to your teaching credentials? Are you wanting to teach in the new certification area while completing the coursework? You may be eligible to complete a proficiency certification program.
The Commonwealth of Kentucky allows currently certified teachers to earn additional certifications via a state-approved proficiency-based pathway. If you would like to add additional state certification via this pathway, you must meet all competency requirements of the standard certification program offered by Georgetown College; however, the state approving agency will consider some requirements to have been met based on teaching experience. Due to the individual nature of the proficiency pathway, all enrollment plans which result in proficiency-based certification from the Kentucky state approving agency must be approved by the appropriate Georgetown College program chair and the Dean of Education. Please note that demonstration of proficiency may allow you to bypass required coursework but, if you don’t take the course, you will not receive academic credit from Georgetown College or be able to count the waived course toward the total hours required in a degree program.
To apply for this option, please request more information by clicking here. Be sure to include in the comments that you are seeking a proficiency pathway to certification.
Option 1: Standard Georgetown College Programs
The Kentucky state approving agency allows certified teachers (advanced candidates) to utilize the proficiency-based pathway while completing competency requirements. When admitted to the proficiency route, you can request to be issued a proficiency certificate, allowing you to teach in the new certification area while completing the coursework.
This option applies to the following standard Georgetown College programs:
Master of Arts programs:
- Master of Arts in Education with additional certification in Learning and Behavior Disorders P-12
- Master of Arts in Education with additional certification in Moderate and Severe Disabilities P-12
- Master of Arts in Education with additional certification in Learning and Behavior Disorders and Moderate and Severe Disabilities Certificate P-12 (60-hour program)
Non-Degree Programs:
- Moderate and Severe Disabilities Certification
Option 2: Non-credential programs
If you are seeking to add a certification to your program but you have exceptional experiences or additional content coursework, you may be interested in Option 2. In such cases, Georgetown College will evaluate your content and experiences and create a personalized plan, listing courses and/or experiences you would need to complete prior to being recommended for the new certification. You are also eligible to be hired under a proficiency certification once you are admitted to this program. This option typically does not lead to a credential issued by Georgetown College. Based on state standards, Georgetown College offers classes which can lead to the following state certifications via the proficiency pathway:
- Learning and Behavior Disorders (LBD)
- Moderate / Severe Disorders (MSD)
- Elementary Education
- Middle School (English, Mathematics, Sciences, or Social Studies)
- High School (Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Physics, or Social Studies)
- P-12 (Art, French, German, Health and Physical Education, Spanish, Instrumental Music, or Vocal Music)
For non-degree seeking candidates enrolled in the proficiency pathway, the transcript will carry a non-degree designation of “Proficiency Path” with a concentration of the certifiable area.
Financial Note: Additional fees may apply to proficiency-based certification (PBC) programs. Option 2 programs are typically not eligible for financial aid. Please contact the Office of Financial Planning for additional information.
Tuition And Fees
Tuition & Financial Information — click here or go to the Financial Information link at the top of this page.
Total cost is based on the number of courses required to complete.
Online Program Description
Courses are all taught online in either 7 1/2 week or 15 week terms. There are no required synchronous in-person class meetings. Assignments and project implementation can be based on your current or desired employment. Field experiences are based on course content and state regulations.
Licensure Assessments
Assessment requirements depend on the certification seeking. Praxis information may be found at https://praxis.ets.org/state-requirements/kentucky-tests.html.