To become certified, educators must participate in five synchronous virtual sessions followed by 30 hours of coursework. After completion, candidates will have six months to present their evidence to ISTE Certification evaluators.

Experience working in an LMS is necessary to be successful. It also helps if participants have a few online courses under their belt, as content is covered quickly.

ISTE Certification is designed to bring transformative change to your classroom or school. The program is not your average professional development course. It’s intensive, ongoing training and requires documentation.

To become certified, educators commit at least 40 hours over a 14-week facilitated online course that includes attending five synchronous meetings and completing online assignments.

Then over the next six month, educators will devote an estimated 40 hours to develop and then submit a competency-based portfolio. To earn the distinction of becoming an ISTE Certified Educator by scoring 80% or better on final portfolio submission.

ISTE Standards for Educators

ISTE Standards for Students

When you are ready to become an ISTE Certified educator, simply follow these key steps to empower your teaching career:

Step 1
Complete the five virtual sessions with Sourcewell Technology (an ISTE Certification Authorized Provider) along with 30 hours of additional online coursework over 14 weeks. For additional details, view the sample syllabus.

Step 2
Assemble your e-portfolio of artifacts and submit them to the review panel. Aspiring ISTE Certified Educators will have six months to apply learning and submit e-portfolios.

Step 3
Become an ISTE Certified Educator.

ISTE Certification is a broadly recognized credential that enhances your professional status and is a valuable résumé addition for employability. Be sure to share earned credentials and digital badges in email signatures as evidence of your expertise and dedication to teaching and learning. 

When you become a certified educator, you gain more than a credential. You join a dedicated group of peers with a common perspective, shared vision, and dedication to improving education. Once certified, you can join ISTE Certified Educator meetups—including at the annual ISTE conference—to connect and collaborate with fellow educators.