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The Connecticut State Department of Education is adopting a new cloud-based certification application portal to replace the current Connecticut Educator Certification System (CECS). The official launch date of the new CECS is November 10, 2026. Please be advised that CECS will be completely offline from Thursday, October 29, 2026, to November 10, 2026, as we prepare to launch the new certification system. If your certification application is time-sensitive, please submit it before October 29, 2026.



How do I renew my Connecticut educator certificate?


Read time: 6 minutes

Certificate Renewal for Connecticut Certified Educators


If you are already a certified educator in the State of Connecticut, renewing your certificate is a matter of a few simple steps. Review the different types of certificates if you’re not sure which type of certificate you hold.

Renewing an Initial Certificate

Applications for initial certificate renewal can be completed online using the Connecticut Educator Certification System (C.E.C.S.) or with a paper-based ED 183 application.


Renewing a Provisional Certificate

Effective July 1, 2025, Provisional Certificates can no longer be issued or renewed. Educators who hold a Provisional Certificate and who do not meet requirements for a Professional Certificate, will instead be eligible for an Initial Certificate.

Please be aware that this change in certification does not negate previous successful completion of TEAM. If you have met TEAM requirements, this will remain on file with the CSDE.

Applications for provisional certificate renewal can be completed online using the C.E.C.S. portal or with a paper-based ED 170 application.

*Please note: if you have completed 20 months of successful service under a license within the last ten years, please submit a completed Statement of Professional Experience (ED 126) form(s) with your application documenting all experience.

Renewing a Professional Certificate

Applications for professional certificate renewal can be completed online using the C.E.C.S. portal or with a paper-based ED 179 application.

There is no cost to renew a professional certificate. Documentation of professional development (CEUs) is NOT required, and supplemental documentation is not required.

Timelines

Applications are processed in the order received, typically within 4–6 weeks of submission. To avoid delays, applicants are encouraged to submit all requested documents in a timely manner. Processing may take longer during peak months (April–October).

CT Certified Educators