How to Renew Your Teaching Certificate in Kentucky (2026 Guide)

Last updated March 2026

If you're a Kentucky teacher approaching your certificate renewal date, you may have questions about what's required. Kentucky's system is a bit different from most states — rather than a single PD hour count, you have three possible pathways to renew. That flexibility is good news, but it can also be confusing.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about renewing your teaching certificate in Kentucky in 2026: which pathway to choose, what counts, how to submit your renewal, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

The Basics: Kentucky Teaching Certificate Renewal at a Glance

Renewal cycle: Every 5 years
Primary renewal path: 3 years of full-time teaching experience within the 5-year cycle
Alternative paths: 15 graduate credit hours OR the Continuing Education Option (CEO)
Annual PD requirement: 24 hours per year (KRS 158.070) — separate from certificate renewal
Governing body: Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB)
Where to renew: EPSB online system — education.ky.gov/epsb
Renewal fee: $85
Certificate expires: June 30 of the renewal year

Your expiration date is listed on your certificate. If you're unsure when yours expires, log in to the EPSB online system to check.

Understanding the Three Renewal Pathways

Kentucky gives teachers three ways to renew their Professional Certificate. You only need to complete one of these pathways — not all three.

Pathway 1: Teaching Experience (Most Common)

The simplest route for most working teachers: verify at least 3 years of full-time teaching experience within your current 5-year certificate period. If you've been teaching continuously in a Kentucky school, this is likely your path. Your district will verify your employment as part of the renewal process.

Pathway 2: 15 Graduate Credit Hours

If you haven't been teaching full-time for at least 3 of the past 5 years — maybe you took a leave of absence, moved out of state, or transitioned to a non-teaching role — you can renew by completing 15 graduate credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university during your certificate period.

The coursework should be in your certification area or in education more broadly. This pathway is also popular with teachers who are pursuing a master's degree or additional endorsements.

Pathway 3: Continuing Education Option (CEO)

The CEO is a flexible, self-directed approach. You create a professional growth plan — approved by your employer — that includes a combination of courses, workshops, and professional development activities. Think of it as a personalized PD portfolio that you build over the 5-year period.

The CEO requires employer approval, so talk with your principal or district PD coordinator before starting this pathway.

The 24-Hour Annual PD Requirement

Here's something that trips up many Kentucky teachers: there's a separate annual professional development requirement under Kentucky law (KRS 158.070). Every certified teacher must complete 24 hours of PD per year.

Your school provides 6 of those hours through in-service training days
You're responsible for earning the remaining 18 hours on your own
These hours can be earned through online courses, workshops, conferences, or other approved activities

This annual requirement is tracked separately from your 5-year certificate renewal. However, if you're using the CEO pathway, your annual PD activities may count toward both requirements.

What Counts as Professional Development in Kentucky?

Kentucky accepts a broad range of PD activities, especially under the CEO pathway:

Graduate credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university
Workshops, conferences, and seminars (in-person or virtual)
District-provided in-service training
Independent professional growth plan activities (CEO pathway)
Online courses and webinars from approved providers
Curriculum development and instructional coaching
National Board Certification work

The 5-Year Renewal Cycle Explained

Kentucky Professional Certificates are valid for 5 years. All certificates expire on June 30 of the renewal year — regardless of when they were originally issued during that year.

Example: If your certificate was issued on October 1, 2021, it expires on June 30, 2026. You must have your renewal pathway completed and your application submitted before that date.

Pro tip: Don't wait until June to start the renewal process. Submit your application well in advance — processing times can vary, and you don't want to be caught without a valid certificate at the start of a new school year.

How to Submit Your Renewal

Kentucky processes certificate renewals through the EPSB online system. Here's how it works:

Log in to the EPSB online system at education.ky.gov/epsb using your credentials.
Verify your renewal pathway. Confirm which pathway you're using — experience, graduate hours, or CEO.
Gather your documentation. For the experience pathway, your district will verify employment. For graduate hours, you'll need official transcripts. For the CEO, you'll need your approved professional growth plan and evidence of completion.
Submit your renewal application through the online portal and pay the $85 fee.
Receive your renewed certificate. Once processed, your updated certificate will be available in the EPSB system.

Statement of Eligibility

If you hold a Statement of Eligibility rather than a Professional Certificate, the renewal process is different. The Statement of Eligibility is issued to candidates who have completed all certification requirements except securing an employed teaching position. It's valid for 5 years and can be renewed through the EPSB if you remain active in seeking employment. No PD hours are required for this renewal.

What Happens If You Miss Your Renewal Deadline?

If your certificate expires, you cannot legally teach in a Kentucky public school. Your district will be notified, and your position could be at risk.

Kentucky does allow expired certificates to be renewed, but the process may require additional steps depending on how long the certificate has been expired. If you realize your certificate has lapsed, contact the EPSB immediately to discuss your options.

The bottom line: don't let it expire. Mark your calendar and start the renewal process early.

Fees at a Glance

Action	Fee
Professional Certificate renewal	$85
Statement of Eligibility renewal	$85
Late renewal	Contact EPSB

Your Renewal Checklist

Find your certificate expiration date in the EPSB online system
Set a calendar reminder at least 6 months before your June 30 expiration
Choose your renewal pathway: teaching experience, 15 graduate hours, or CEO
If using the CEO pathway, get your professional growth plan approved by your employer
Gather documentation (employment verification, transcripts, or CEO portfolio)
Keep up with your separate 24-hour annual PD requirement
Log in to the EPSB system and submit your renewal application
Pay the $85 fee and save your confirmation

Stay on Top of Your Renewal

Kentucky's renewal requirements can change — the EPSB regularly reviews and updates certification policies. The best way to stay informed is to subscribe to renewal reminders so you know when requirements shift in your state.

For a full breakdown of Kentucky teacher certificate types, fees, and renewal pathways, visit the ChalkReady Kentucky page.