Elementary World Language, K-8 Endorsement

Overview: The Elementary World Language, K-8 Endorsement authorizes the holder to teach a world language other than English in a kindergarten through grade 8 classroom. The endorsement shall automatically renew with the certificate on which it is posted.  Requirements for certification are subject to change and fully referenced in the Arizona Revised Statutes and State Board of Education Rules. 

Out-of-State Certificate Holders: If you hold a valid, comparable educator certificate or endorsement in another state, please see the Certification Reciprocity Requirements for information on applying under reciprocity rules.  

  • Prerequisite Certificate: You must hold a valid Arizona Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle Grades, Secondary, or Special Education teaching certificate to apply for this endorsement.
  • Application & Fee: Submit the Application for Certification and required fee. The fee for this endorsement is $60. Fees are non-refundable. 
  • IVP Fingerprint Card: Verify through the ADE Educator Portal that your valid Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) IVP fingerprint clearance card is on file with ADE or include a photocopy of the AZDPS IVP card with your application. 
  • Official Transcript: Have your college or university send official transcripts documenting the required coursework.
  • Subject Knowledge Proficiency: Submit a copy of the passing score on the AEPA/NES Subject Knowledge exam in the world language other than English or other appropriate documentation to meet the Subject Knowledge requirement. 

The Elementary World Language, K-8 endorsement requires all of the following:

  • Prerequisite Certificate. A valid Arizona Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle Grades, Secondary, or Special Education teaching certificate

 -AND-

  • Coursework. Three semester hours in the methods for teaching a second language at the elementary level 

-AND-

  • Subject Knowledge Proficiency. Verification of subject knowledge proficiency in the world language other than English through one of the following:
    • Option A - Arizona Educator Exam: A passing score on the appropriate Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA) or National Evaluation Series (NES) Subject Knowledge Exam.
    • Option B - Arizona Educator Exam NOT Offered. If an Arizona Educator Exam is not offered, applicants may use a minimum of 24 semester hours of courses in the world language.
    • Option C - Native American Language. Verification of proficiency in a Native American language designated by the appropriate tribe may be used in lieu of 24 semester hours of coursework.
    • Option D - ACTFL Exam. A minimum passing score of Advanced Low on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) speaking and writing exams may be used in place of the 24 semester hours of coursework.
    • Option E - American Sign Language (ASL) Exam. A passing score on one of the following ASL exams may be used lin lieu of the 24 semester hours of courses:
      • Gallaudet University American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) with a minimum score of 3+; or
      • Rochester Institute of Technology Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI: ASL) with a minimum score of Advanced.
    • Option F - Degree in the Language. A Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree from an accredited institution in the appropriate world language other than English.
    • Option G - Teaching Experience. Three years of full-time experience in any state, including Arizona, teaching the world language in a K-12 single subject classroom. Note: We are not able to accept experience teaching in a foreign school or substitute teaching to meet this requirement.

Other Subject Knowledge Proficiency Options

Documents Requiring Submission by the Verifying Authority

  • Official Transcripts: Transcripts that are uploaded through the educator portal or emailed by the applicant are not official and will not be accepted. Official transcripts and foreign credential evaluations must be submitted as follows:
    • Electronic official transcripts must be submitted directly by the college or university to [email protected] or through Parchment.
    • Paper official transcripts must be in a sealed envelope and mailed by the college or university to the Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit; PO Box 6490,  Phoenix, AZ  85005-6490.
    • Foreign credential evaluations must be sent directly by the approved foreign credential evaluation agency to [email protected] or mailed to the Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit.
  • Verification Letter: Please have the verifying authority email the letter (on official letterhead) through our online Contact Form.

Accepted Photocopies from the Applicant

  • AZDPS IVP Card: Submit a photocopy of the Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance card.

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Pursuant to section 41-1093.01, Arizona Revised Statutes, an agency shall limit all occupational regulations to regulations that are demonstrated to be necessary to specifically fulfill a public health, safety, or welfare concern. Pursuant to sections 41-1093.02 and 41-1093.03, Arizona Revised Statutes, you have the right to petition this agency to repeal or modify the occupational regulation or bring an action in a court of general jurisdiction to challenge the occupational regulation and to ensure compliance with section 41-1093.01, Arizona Revised Statutes.