Principals in public schools in Washington State are required to hold an administrator (principal) certificate. Although program administrator and superintendent certificates are not required by state law, school districts may require candidates to hold program administrator or superintendent certificates. The certificate is an official document which attests to minimum prerequisites, which include the following:

Prerequisite:

• Certificate. [Principal role] Hold or have held a regular teaching certificate or an ESA (school counselor, school psychologist, etc.) certificate from Washington State or another state, and successful school-based instructional experience in a educational setting.
• Degree. Master's degree
• Preparation. A state-approved preparation program for the particular administrative role
  OR
  Administrator Certificate from another state + 3 years experience in that role

Already have a Washington certificate?
If so, please use the left side of screen and select the certificate you were issued.