What's Here? - Table of Contents
The Advanced License is a NASADTEC Stage 4 License designed for educators with a minimum of five (5) years of full-time experience in a P-12 contracted position, either in Hawaiʻi or another U.S. state (see checklist for the Advanced License). This license is valid for ten (10) years and expires on June 30th (see Hawaii administrative rules for this educator license). To initiate the application process, educators must successfully pass the Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board (HTSB) Professional Fitness check. Additionally, they need to provide a duly signed U.S. Social Security Card and submit a valid government-issued photo identification.
To fulfill the remaining prerequisites, educators must possess a valid Standard License from Hawaiʻi or another U.S. state. Furthermore, they are required to demonstrate a minimum of five (5) years of contracted full-time teaching experience within the last eight (8) years under a current and valid Hawaiʻi Standard License or an equivalent license from another U.S. state.
To renew the Advanced License, applicants should initiate the renewal process as early as January 1st of the year it is set to expire. Processing times during HTSB’s peak application period may extend up to six (6) weeks. Renewal documentation should be submitted in PDF, Word, or JPG/JPEG format through the HTSB online account in the Documents tab. The information on the valid government-issued photo identification must match the profile details on the HTSB account and all submitted documents. Additional documentation may be requested if deemed necessary.
Regarding education and degree requirements, educators have to select one of the following options to fulfill the remaining requirements:
Option A – Attainment of an Advanced Degree:
Option B – National Board Certification for Teachers:
Option C – Hawaiʻi Teacher Leader:
To apply for a Hawaii Advanced School Counselor license, complete the profile and application on the Department of Education website. Ensure that documents are submitted in the appropriate format, and verify that your first and last name matches the information on all legal documents. The application process can be conducted online, with official transcripts from all attended colleges/universities and documentation confirming a passing score on the Professional School Counseling exam (ETS 5421). Applications can be submitted online or by mail to the State of Hawaii Department of Education, Office of Human Resources, Teacher Recruitment Unit. For additional assistance, reach out to the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board at 808-586-2600 or email htsb@hawaii.gov. Processing times may extend up to six (6) weeks during HTSB’s peak application period.