Arizona Department of Education

Certification Unit
Phoenix Location

Salary: $59,000 - $62,000 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 11/18/25

• This position will be responsible for the review and evaluation of applications for certification, documents, and records to determine if applicants meet state requirements for all certificates and endorsements.
• Occasional in-state travel may be required for this position.

The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment, with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.

• Receive, evaluate and process all applications through careful analysis of college transcripts and any accompanying documents to determine if the applicant meets the necessary requirements to obtain or maintain an Arizona Certificate and/or Endorsement
• Identify deficiencies, provide technical assistance regarding certification requirements and issue certificates or denials to applicants through use of the certification system
• Provide technical assistance regarding certification requirements, the website and the certification system to applicants by way of telephone, written correspondence, customer service counter and on-site visits
• Collaborate and review appropriate documents to remain current on the educational status, rules and regulations, Title 15, State Board of Education rules and regulations to assist in providing technical assistance regarding certification requirements
• Travel to LEAs around the State and provide certification services, certification workshops and informational presentations to teachers, Human Resource Directors, and Institutions of Higher Education

Knowledge in:
• Arizona statutes and Arizona Board of Education rules and regulations pertaining to educator certification
• Familiarity with other states’ professional education programs and certification
• State education institutions’ course offerings that satisfy requirements for Certification and professional experience related to certification will also need to be acquired
• Knowledge of professional qualifications needed to be considered appropriately certified
• Adult presentation pedagogy to present certification requirements to LEAs

Skills in:
• Must demonstrate a consistently high level of attention to detail
• High quality of customer service including exhibiting outstanding telephone, evaluative, and interpersonal skills
• Must maintain effective and positive verbal and written communication
• Effectively multi-task, prioritize and act accordingly
• Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and web

Ability to:
• Interpret state rules and regulations pertaining to educator certification
• Respond to inquiries from the general public, assess the request and make decisions in accordance with Arizona Statute and State Board Rule
• Appropriately address difficult constituent concerns and diffuse complicated situations
• Present information to applicants/educators in a clear precise manner
• Work collaboratively with co-workers and colleagues of various professional backgrounds
• Work and operate successfully in a strong team environment
• Adjust to changing conditions or priorities and be able to follow protocol and instructions efficiently and effectively while managing multiple tasks
• Travel within the state to conduct certification on-sites when needed
• Work reliably and predictably without close supervision and demonstrate a high degree of attention to detail

Preference will be given to those applicants with:
• Bachelor’s degree in education or related field
• Knowledge/experience of K-12 education
• Experience with educator certification or with professional credentialing/licensing and interpretation of legislative and governing body rules and procedures

Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks, required documents and, if applicable, a post-offer medical/physical evaluation.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• Ten paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).

• Wellness plans
• Deferred compensation plan 

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

You will be required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) upon your 27th week of employment, subject to waiting period. On or shortly after, your first day of employment you will be provided with enrollment instructions and effective date.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 542-3186 or emailing Human.Resources@azed.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.

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Having trouble applying for this position?

Call (602) 542-4700 for assistance.