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Superintendent PK-12 Letter Requirements

Letter of Eligibility (90) – Traditional Route

  • Holds a baccalaureate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college/university.
  • Satisfies the requirements set forth in 24 P.S. § 12-1209 relating to good moral character.
  • Provides verification of six years of satisfactory school experience, of which at least three must be in a supervisory or administrative capacity.
  • Completes a Pennsylvania-approved, graduate-level superintendent certification program that includes an internship/practicum or an equivalent out-of-state program. A 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) is required.​
  • Provides evidence of satisfactory achievement on the Pennsylvania-required test.

Commission Qualification Letter (96) – Alternative Route

There are two options available for issuance of a Commission Qualification Letter as follows:

Option 1

        • Holds a graduate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college/university in business, finance, or management.
        • Satisfies the requirements set forth in 24 P.S. § 12-1209 relating to good moral character.
        • Provides verification of four years of relevant business, finance, or management work experience in the fields of business, industry, or education.

Option 2

        • Has served as a chief recovery officer or a financial administrator as defined in 24 P.S. § 631-A.
        • Satisfies the requirements set forth in 24 P.S. § 12-1209 relating to good moral character.

Within the initial contract term as a superintendent or assistant superintendent, completion of a leadership development program that meets the Pennsylvania School Leadership Standards under 24 P.S. § 12-1217 is required. There are currently three options to meet this requirement as listed below.  If the PDE Superintendents' Academy was completed prior to July 2021, it will be accepted if completion can be verified.

  • A state-approved, graduate-level superintendent certification program
  • The PIL/NISL Executive Development Program
  • The PASA New Superintendents' Academy

Submitting an Application

Select the link that best describes you:

I completed an approved preparation program outside of Pennsylvania.

I completed an approved preparation program in Pennsylvania.

I am applying for the Commission Qualification letter (CQL).