Credentialing school leaders in North Dakota is the responsibility of the NDDPI Office of School Approval & Opportunity. The NDDPI processes several types and levels of Principal Credentials:
- Level I Elementary, Secondary, and K-12 Principal Credentials
- Provisional Elementary, Secondary, and K-12 Principal Credentials
- Elementary, Secondary, and K-12 Principal Credential Renewals
While each credential level has its own set of requirements, NDDPI has an online application process for all Principal Credentials. The online credential applications can be accessed on NDTeach.
*Note: ND Teach now has a transcript upload feature! Please be aware that once transcripts are uploaded to a principal credential application, a to-do item may still appear asking for mailed copies of official transcripts. This to-do item will be overridden by NDDPI staff when your documents are downloaded and viewed during processing.
NDDPI no longer conducts transcript reviews to determine alignment with state-approved educational leadership programs for the Level I Principal Credential.
Because program design and standards vary by institution, only university advisors from state-approved educational leadership programs can accurately assess coursework for alignment. We recommend reaching out directly to one of these institutions for guidance.
NDDPI remains available to assist with questions related to provisional credential eligibility.
For questions on North Dakota Principal Credentials, please contact the Office of School Approval & Opportunity.
Level I Principal Credentials
The NDDPI issues three types of Level I Professional Principal Credentials:
- The Elementary Principal Credential (for individuals serving grade levels K-8).
- The Secondary Principal Credential (for individuals serving grade levels 5-12).
- The K-12 Principal Credential.
*Please note that an internship is required at BOTH the elementary and secondary grade levels for individuals to be eligible for the K-12 Principal Credential.
In North Dakota, Level I Professional Principal Credential applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
- At least three years of teaching or administrative experience at the grade levels applicable.
- A Master's degree in Educational Administration or another field plus 20 graduate credits completed within a state-approved educational leadership program.
In both cases, all coursework from a state-approved educational leadership program must align to the leadership standards identified in NDAC.
NDDPI no longer conducts transcript reviews to determine alignment with state-approved educational leadership programs for the Level I Principal Credential.
Because program design and standards vary by institution, only university advisors from state-approved educational leadership programs can accurately assess coursework for alignment. We recommend reaching out directly to one of these institutions for guidance.
Provisional Principal Credentials
Applicants can apply for a Provisional Principal Credential that will allow them to serve as a principal for a term of three years while completing the Level I coursework requirements. To obtain a Provisional Principal Credential, applicants must submit the following documentation via email to the Office of School Approval & Opportunity:
- A completed Principal Credential application on the ND Teach portal. There is no specific application for the Provisional Principal credential, so applicants should navigate to and complete the regular Elementary/Secondary/K-12 Principal Credential application.
- Proof of acceptance into an Education Leadership Master’s degree program.
- 2 letters of recommendation from education professionals the applicant currently works with or has worked with in the past willing to attest to teaching experience and any leadership competency the applicant possesses.
- The applicant must enroll in a peer-to-peer mentorship program.
Aside from the online application, the required documentation for a Provisional Principal Credential can be sent to the Office of School Approval & Opportunity via email or uploaded directly into the application.
If need be, the Provisional Principal Credential can be renewed for an additional year if at least 20 credits in the Education Leadership Master's degree program has been completed.
*Note: Those seeking a Provisional Principal Credential must still have at least three years of teaching experience to qualify. There are no exceptions.
Principal Credential Renewals
In North Dakota, the teaching license and Principal Credential are renewed at the same time, but through separate processes. Most individuals fall under a five-year renewal schedule for both their teaching license and Principal Credential. In some cases, Principal Credentials are renewed on a prorated schedule, depending on when the Credential was first issued in correlation to the teaching license. Along with a renewal application filled out on the ND Teach portal, below is the full renewal schedule for Principal Credentials in North Dakota:
| Five-year renewal (most common) | 8-semester credits earned OR 6-semester credits earned AND verification of attendance a 6 education-based workshops or conferences |
| Four-year renewal | 4-semester credits earned 3-semester credits earned AND verification of attendance at 4 education-based workshops or conferences |
| Three-year renewal | 4-semester credits earned OR 2-semester credits earned and verification of attendance at 2 education-based workshops or conferences |
| Two-year renewal | 2-semester credits earned OR Verification of attendance at 2 education-based workshops or conferences OR 1-semester credit earned AND verification of attendance at 1 education-based workshop or conference |
| One-year renewal (or less) | Renewal application on ND Teach with no further credits or documentation required |
*Please note applicants cannot 'choose' a renewal schedule from this list.
For Principal Credential renewals, unofficial copies of transcripts are acceptable. Renewal documentation, including unofficial transcripts and conference verifications, can be sent to the Office of School Approval & Opportunity via email.
*Note: ND Teach now has a transcript upload feature! Please be aware that once transcripts are uploaded to a principal credential application, a to-do item may still appear asking for mailed copies of official transcripts. This to-do item will be overridden by NDDPI staff when your application is processed.