License FAQs

To apply, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

The following items must be submitted in order to process your application:

• Completed application form:
  • Proficiency Based Licensure Program
  • License Expansion or Add-on Certifications
• $100 nonrefundable application fee
• Official undergraduate transcripts* from all institutions attended
• Current resume
• Two current letters of recommendation
• Scores from Praxis CORE, Praxis Subject Assessment, WiFORT, edTPA (if taken)

*International Transcript Evaluation: Individuals who have an international transcript must complete credential evaluation BEFORE applying to the PBL Program. More information on credential evaluations can be found on the DPI website.

You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, and for some licenses (Math, FACE Tech Ed, World Language, Business, Music, Science), a major and required coursework in the area within which you would like to teach.

*Science Education License: Candidates must have taken the following courses (100+ level with a B or better) PRIOR to enrollment in PBL Program.

• Language Arts - English and/or English Literature
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies
• Math (3 credit minimum)
• Statistics
• Chemistry (7 credits minimum)
  • Chemistry with lab
  • Chemistry 200+ course
• Physics (7 credits minimum)
  • Physics with lab
  • Physics
• Life Science (10 credits minimum)
  • Biology with lab
  • Two of the following:
    • Genetics
    • Plants
    • Evolution
    • Anatomy
    • Physiology
    • Ecology
    • Molecular and Cell
• Earth and Space (6 credits minimum)
  • Two of the following:
    • Geology
    • Meteorology and Climate
    • Astronomy
    • Environmental Energy and Natural Resources
    • Physical Geography
• Science Lab and Safety Training

*Music Education License: Candidates must have taken the following courses (100+ level with a B or better) PRIOR to enrollment in PBL Program.

• Language Arts - English and/or English Literature
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies
• Foundations of Music
• Music Performance
• Composing and Arranging
• Conducting
• Teaching Music
• History and Culture of Music

Currently the PBL program fee is $9,700, with some additional testing fees. For licensed educators looking to Add A
Level to their current license, the program fee is $4,500. As CESA 1 is not a college or university, we do not charge tuition nor do we issue credits or degrees.

CESA 1 is a non-profit agency in Wisconsin and is not a college or university. We are an Educator Preparation Program approved by the WI Department of Public Instruction. Our program focuses on meeting the Wisconsin requirements for licensure and does not issue credits. Financial aid is not available through CESA 1, but may be available by obtaining your Master’s degree through our partnership with Grand Canyon University and Carroll University.

Yes. For your convenience, we offer a variety of payment options.

The PBL program must be completed within two years, but most candidates finish within two to three semesters. As we are proficiency based, each candidate drives their own learning.

Graduate credits are not available as part of the PBL Program. However, if you are interested in obtaining your Master’s degree, we do have partnerships with Grand Canyon University and Carroll University.

In order to participate in the PBL program, you must be hired as a teacher of record by a school district in the area you are seeking licensure.

Our commitment to your success extends to helping you during your job search. You will benefit from:

• Job search videos and resources available on our Employment Page.
• Dedicated 1:1 support from our Human Resources team to guide you through the process. Call 262-787-9568 for personalized assistance.
   

Yes. You are hired as a teacher of record and will earn a salary and associated benefits in the district/school you are working.

The PBL program focuses on the pedagogy of teaching, with applications specific to the particular license content.

Expectations include:

• Regular participation in our Learn and Share sessions* (either in person or virtually)
• Development of portfolios based on standards
• Working with your Instructional Advisor
• Taking and passing required exams
• Fulfilling the responsibilities of “teacher of record” and demonstrating best practices for all students

*Attendance at the Learn and Share sessions is essential for professional growth and achieving licensure success. Missing any Learn and Share session, regardless of the reason, reduces learning opportunities and can have a negative impact on a candidate's overall performance. Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all PBL Program candidates.

Yes! Although it is a rigorous process, you will be assigned an Instructional Advisor who provides support and guidance as you develop skills in your professional practice, in addition to support provided through networking, program resources, and program staff.

PBL Program candidates live and work throughout Wisconsin, however some restrictions do apply.

There are several requirements each candidate must successfully complete before they are endorsed for licensure. This is dependent on your area of licensure, and may include:

• proficient completion of required portfolios
• passing scores on Basic Skill Assessments/Praxis CORE and Content Knowledge Assessment/ACTFL exams
• passing score on the Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Test (if required)
• completion of Statutory Stipulations

Grade Level Experience - A license that crosses grade ranges requires supplementary grade level experience.

• Candidates will be expected to have some teaching experience in all levels of their license. This is achieved through Supplemental Grade Band Experiences logs.