Our cyber world continues to grow as more and more devices are linked together over the web. We are becoming more and more dependent on these devices in our connected society. Whether you’re a farmer bringing food to the table, a technician working to maintain critical energy infrastructure, or just sharing news with friends over social media, you use connected devices every day! Any significant shift in the farming, energy production, manufacturing, or medical industry will result from shifts in the use of data or connected systems. Most new businesses (Uber, Doordash, Carvana) have sprung up and thrived due to connected systems. These systems are constantly under attack. Businesses must rely on skilled technicians on the front line to defend these systems from cyber attacks. Even if you’re not looking to reduce costs, add services, or be the next big thing, you are likely sharing data over the internet and need to learn to protect your information. Everyone needs to learn to become a good digital citizen. Everyone needs at least basic knowledge of computers and how modern systems communicate, even if you are not going to specialize in a cyber career.
If you have questions regarding Computer Science and Cybersecurity Credentialing, please contact Kelsie Molesworth in the Office of School Approval & Opportunity.
The NDDPI issues three levels of Computer Science (CS) and Cybersecurity Credentials. Each requires a valid teaching license issued by the Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB).
- Level 1 - Allows the recipient to teach any CS or Cyber-related course, including advanced courses, at any grade level corresponding with the recipient's teaching license. Applicants much complete one of the following:
- 200 or more hours of CS or Cyber training; or
- 15 or more credits in CS or Cyber; or
- 3 stacks of micro-credentials in CS or Cyber.
- Level 2 - Allows the recipient to teach introductory and intermediate-level CS or Cyber-related courses, as determined by the department, at any grade level corresponding with the recipient's teaching license. Applicants must complete one of the following:
- 40 or more hours of CS or Cyber training; or
- 6 or more credits in CS or Cyber; or
- 1 stack of micro-credentials in CS or Cyber.
- Level 3 - Allows the recipient to teach integrated CS or Cyber-related instruction in other contents at any grade level corresponding with the recipient's teaching license. The recipient also may teach CS or Cyber-related courses in grades kindergarten through grade eight as applicable to the recipient's teaching license. Applicants must complete one of the following:
- 15 or more hours of CS or Cyber training; or
- 3 micro-credentials in CS or Cyber.
- Renewal - the CS and Cyber credential is renewed every five years. It requires a valid teaching license issued by the ESPB.
- 30 hours of CS or Cyber training; or
- 2 credits; or
- 2 micro-credentials; or
- A combination of training, credits and micro-credentials.
- Application Process - The CS and Cybersecurity Credential application can be found online. See the Application Guide for in-depth application information.
- Edutech - CS and Cyber Credential Courses
- Note: If you have attended courses not included on this list, please contact Steve Snow to submit your course information for evaluation and inclusion on the list of approved courses).
- Note: If you have attended courses not included on this list, please contact Steve Snow to submit your course information for evaluation and inclusion on the list of approved courses).
- EduTech Student Resources
- EduTech Teacher Resources
- Center for Distance Education
- Career and Technical Education Centers
- Mayville State University - Graduate Certificate in Ed Technology
- Bismarck State College
Everyone needs to learn to become good digital citizens. Everyone needs at least basic knowledge of computers and how modern systems communicate, even if you are not going to specialize in a cyber career. EduTech offers resources for adults who want to improve their skills in data stewardship and personal data protection.
Frequently Asked Questions - CS/Cybersecurity Credentials
Credential Requirements
1. Does the Level 3 credential allow me to teach any additional courses?
No. The Level 3 credential allows for educators to integrate computer science or cybersecurity curriculum within other content, or cybersecurity related courses in grades K-8.
2. What is the difference between the credential levels?
The level of credential an individual is issued is based on how many credits/hours have been completed in CS/Cybersecurity training.
- Level 3 Credential: 15 hours or 3 Micro-Credentials.
- Level 2 Credential: 40 hours or 6 college credits or 1 stack of Micro-Credentials.
- Level 1 Credential: 200 hours or 15 college credits or 3 stacks of Micro-Credentials.
3. How can I renew my credential? There are a couple options to renew your CS/Cybersecurity credential?
- 30 hours of training in CS/Cybersecurity or
- 2 Micro-Credentials.
4. Do I need to hold a teaching license in order to obtain a CS/Cybersecurity credential?
Yes, a valid teaching license is required.
5. Why does my new credential expire next year already?
- Level I Principal Credentials align with your teaching license expiration.
- If your teaching license expires soon, your credential will too—but you’ll follow a prorated renewal schedule.
Transcripts & Documentation
6. Are official transcripts required?
No. Unofficial copies are perfectly acceptable and can be uploaded directly into your credential application.
7. I already sent transcripts for my teaching license. Do I need to send them again?
Yes, because:
- Teaching license renewals and CS/Cybersecurity credentials are handled by different offices.
- You can request ESPB to forward them or upload a copy to your credential application.
8. I uploaded transcripts to ND Teach, but it says I need to mail originals. Do I?
No. Uploaded copies are acceptable. The system will update once your transcripts are reviewed by NDDPI staff.