Learn how to become an Education Administrator or School Principal in Ohio.

The Ohio Department of Education licenses qualified persons as School principals and Superintendents. Grade levels for school principal licensure include PK-6, 4-9 or 5-12. Superintendents are licensed to supervise grades PK-12.

Academic Obligations

School principal:  You must possess a master’s degree and successfully complete a state-authorized preparation program for school principals. You must also be recommended for school principal licensure by the dean of that program. Once licensed, you will successfully complete the Entry Year Program for School principals, a mentoring and support program designed to help your professional growth and evaluate your performance. After successfully completing this program, you may apply for a Professional School principal’s License.

Superintendent: You must possess a master’s degree and successfully complete a state-authorized preparation program for superintendents. You must get a recommendation from that program’s dean of education.

Assessments

For licensure as a School principal or Superintendent, you must pass the Praxis II Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision assessment.

Classroom Teaching Experience Requirements

School principal: You must possess at least 2 years of teaching experience under a Professional License.

Superintendent: You must possess at least 3 years of experience in Ohio under a school principal License or Administrative Specialist License.

Documents and Application Requirements

You may utilize the Initial Ohio License Application – In State (or Out of State Packet if you attended a preparation program outside of Ohio) to apply for your initial School principal or Superintendent license. Make sure to have the dean of education of your program sign where appropriate.

Background Check Requirements

Before you acquire your education administrator license, you must undergo a criminal history background check.

 If necessary, fingerprinting must be performed by a licensed WebCheck facility and electronically sent to the Ohio Department of Education.

State Contacts

For additional info on authorized education administrator preparation programs in Ohio, consult this database.

For info on licensing for Ohio education administrators, call the Ohio Department of Education Office of Educator Licensure at 877-644-6338.