Special Education Apprenticeship Licensure Program

Certification Central (CC) was awarded the Registered Apprenticeship Grant by NDDPI. This grant provides scholarships that cover all expenses to candidates who are seeking licensure as a special education teacher. The candidate must be employed as a full-time paraprofessional and already have a bachelor’s degree (any major) or be close to completing a bachelor’s degree.

As a participant in the Apprenticeship Licensure Program at CC, you will incur no costs. The program will cover your tuition (there are no fees), textbooks, licensure testing, and licensure application. You may begin the apprenticeship licensure program at any time, but your program must be completed no later than June 30, 2026.

Program of Study

CC has three pathways for those seeking licensure as a special education teacher in North Dakota. 

  1. For those who have a degree in education at the early childhood or elementary level, follow Program of Study 1.
  2. For those who have a degree in education at the middle or secondary level, follow Program of Study 2
  3. For those who do not have a degree in education, follow Program of Study 3

Competencies

Certification Central is a competency-based program that is self-paced. You will focus on one module at a time and advance to the next module after you have finished all lessons and completed each competency assessment. If “proficient” is not achieved on the first submission, you have the option to revise and resubmit one time. After you complete a module, you will automatically be enrolled in the next module, so there is no hassle of enrolling each semester. All competency assessments need to be completed individually, as they are not partner/group assessments. When you submit an assessment, please allow one week for grading.

Clinical Practice Requirements

Certification Central is a practice-based program that embeds clinical experiences throughout (i.e., SPED 555 Special Education Internship). You will be required to complete a minimum of 1200 clinical hours during this program. These hours are completed on-the-job.

Mentoring

There are several layers of mentoring within the apprenticeship licensure program:

  1. You will have a school mentor within close physical proximity to you who is licensed in special education and has a minimum of three years of experience.  This mentor is selected collaboratively by the school/unit administration and the CC program director.
  2. Your advisor at CC will serve as an additional coach/mentor. Coaching/mentoring group sessions will occur monthly.  Individual coaching/mentoring sessions are available as needed.
  3. Upon completion of your licensure program, you will have an additional two years of mentoring by the CC advisor/mentor.