Special Education Certifications for Undergraduate Students

There’s a growing demand for qualified special education teachers nationwide. This is partly due to their persistent shortage over the years. In 2024-2025, about 74% of public schools reported difficulty in filling positions.

The high turnover – about 15% – of special education teachers leaving their schools every year is a factor. Fewer new special education teachers are entering the workforce. The shortage has a significant impact on 7.5 million students with disabilities.

So, do you want to become part of the solution? If yes, consider earning special education certifications for undergraduate students. These include national and state certifications, endorsements, and online options. Here, you’ll also know how to become a certified special education teacher, too.

Why are certifications especially important in this field in the first place? Special education teachers must have in-depth knowledge of:

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• Individualized education plans (IEPs)
• Differentiated teaching strategies

They must also have general teaching skills. So, if you want to become a special education teacher, specialized training is a must. With it, you can provide effective and ethical instruction.

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Why Certification is Critical in Special Education

The rigorous special education teacher certification requirements can be daunting. But these are so for good reasons, as follows.

Ensure compliance with IDEA.

In fact, the special needs teaching licensure process usually includes IDEA-relevant coursework. Under the law, students with disabilities should:

• Receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
• Be educated in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
• Have an IEP

Certification ensures that teachers have the teaching tools and legal knowledge for compliance. This way, you can work toward your students’ best interests, too.

Increase in job opportunities and salary potential.

Yes, special education teachers are in high demand because of the ongoing shortage. But it doesn’t mean that there’s no stiff competition either.

This is because certified special education teachers can enjoy higher starting salaries. Many schools also offer signing bonuses, salary differentials, and loan forgiveness incentives. These perks make the competition for jobs more, well, competitive.

National-Level Certifications for Special Education

These certifications recognize educators who demonstrate expertise and professionalism in special education.

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Standards

The CEC offers one of the best teaching certifications for special needs education. The professional organization sets standards in the field of special education, too. Indeed, its standards influence professional practices among special education teachers.

These standards cover a wide range of areas, including:

• Assessment
• Curriculum design
• Cultural responsiveness
• Ethical practice
• Interdisciplinary collaboration

As an undergraduate student, you should familiarize yourself with these standards. You’ll then have a solid foundation to establish a successful teaching career.

Once you’re a newly licensed teacher, you’ll enjoy the benefits that it brings. Many states and school districts recognize CEC’s certifications. As such, you’ll enjoy increased job readiness, eligibility, and marketability.

If you maintain your CEC-endorsed certifications, you’ll also enjoy career growth opportunities. You’ll be more competitive for leadership positions, such as SPED coordinator.

National Board Certification: Exceptional Needs Specialist

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) develops advanced teacher certifications. The nonprofit awards the Exceptional Needs Specialist (ENS) for special education teachers. This is a nationally recognized credential, too.

The eligibility requirements include:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college
• At least three years of either teaching or school counseling in a P-12 setting
• A valid state teaching license
• Teach students with exceptional needs (e.g., learning or intellectual disabilities)

Candidates should ideally be familiar with evidence-based practices and CEC standards.

The process can be summarized as follows:

• Meet the eligibility requirements.
• Apply and register on the NBPTS website.
• Complete the four components (e.g., Content Knowledge) over 1-3 years.
• Submit all components by the annual deadline.
• Wait for the results.
• Achieve certification if you pass.

If you don’t pass, you can retake the components up to two times per component.

As an undergraduate, you can prepare early by:

• Familiarizing yourself with its four components
• Seeking mentorship from ENS teachers
• Maximizing your learning from student teaching placements

Earning the best certifications for special education teachers doesn’t come easy. But with strategic planning and smart work, you can achieve them.

State-Specific Special Education Credentials

Every state has its state-specific special education credentials. You must understand your state’s credentials so you can prepare for them.

Understanding State Requirements

There’s a wide variation in state requirements, too. The best way to know what your state requires to visit its:

• Department of Education website or equivalent
• State licensure board website

You may find eligibility requirements, detailed guides, and application instructions. You can also ask for guidance from your academic advisor or program director.

Here are a few examples of state-specific certifications.

• California – Education Specialist Instruction Credential
• Florida – Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Certification
• Texas – Special Education EC–12 Certification

Reciprocity and Transfer of Credentials

For educators moving between states, understanding how special education credentials transfer is crucial.

Every state has its specific special needs teaching licensure process, too. As a result, automatic transfers between states are rare.

If you want to transfer your credentials, you may have to meet additional criteria. This is known as license reciprocity with common additional criteria, including:

• Completing additional coursework (e.g., ethics)
• Passing a state-specific certification exam
• Completing background checks and fingerprinting

In some states, recertification may be necessary to meet the state-specific standards.

Special Education Endorsements for Undergraduates

Many special education teacher preparation programs offer endorsements, too. Earning a bachelor’s degree can also mean earning an endorsement.

The common endorsements include:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Learning Disabilities (LD)
• Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (EBD)

Note that an endorsement is different from a full certification. An endorsement is an additional credential to specialize in a specific SPED area. Often, it complements a general teaching license and, thus, doesn’t replace it.

In contrast, a certification is a full teaching credential. It authorizes a licensed teacher to teach a wide range of students with disabilities.

Here are tips to add endorsements while you’re still an undergraduate.

• Understand the special education endorsement requirements first.
• Choose appropriate courses based on these requirements.
• Take part in specialized student teaching placements.

Be sure to work with your academic advisor on a realistic roadmap, too.

Online Special Education Certification Programs

Are you a working student or do you live in a rural area? Are you looking for flexibility and accessibility? If yes, consider online special education certification programs.

These programs offer flexible schedules and 24/7 access to learning materials. You’ll also save money on tuition, transportation, and books and supplies.

Check out these universities that offer the best certifications for special education teachers.

• Western Governors University
• University of Kansas 
• American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence

Students in these programs prepare for national and state certification exams by:

• Completing didactic courses
• Engaging in student teaching/practicum
• Preparing for certification exams (e.g., practice tests)

So, if you’re looking for an alternative to on-campus programs, go online.

Steps to Become a Certified Special Education Teacher

Here are the basic steps on how to become a certified special education teacher.

• Earn a bachelor’s degree in education or special education.
• Complete student teaching in a special education setting.
• Pass required exams (e.g., Praxis Special Education, state-specific).
• Apply for state licensure. Every state has its own special needs teaching licensure process.
• Maintain credentials through continuing education.

Tips for Success in Certification and Career Prep

Being proactive is a must to meet special education teacher certification requirements.

• Begin early. Take special education coursework as an undergraduate.
• Network with certified special education teachers. Many special education teacher preparation programs offer opportunities.
• Use free practice tests for exams.
• Stay current with IDEA updates.

Conclusion + Call to Action

In conclusion, certifications are vital for career readiness. You’ll not only enhance your skills, but you’ll also comply with legal standards. This way, you’re setting yourself up for rewarding career opportunities.

Don’t wait until your senior year or after graduation to start your journey. Start exploring special education certifications for undergraduate students ASAP. Your sophomore or junior year is the best time to start.

Comparison Table: National vs. State vs. Endorsement Certifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a special education certification online?

Yes, you can find accredited universities offering online special education certification programs.

What’s the difference between an endorsement and certification?

A certification is a full credential granting the authority to teach special education. An endorsement is an additional credential added to a general teaching license. With it, you can teach in a specific area only, such as ASD.

Do I need a separate license to teach students with disabilities?

Yes, in most states, including California, Texas, and New York.