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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 add an administrative endorsement?


Read time: 6 minutes

Applying for an administrator endorsement


The first step to adding an administrative endorsement (link to types) to your certificate is to complete an online application through the Connecticut Educator Certification System (C.E.C.S.) or paper-based ED 170 or ED 170A application for in-state, Connecticut programs.

 

  • Mail the paper-based application and review fee (if applicable), official graduate transcripts with conferral of a master’s degree and advanced administrative course work, assessment results, and payment to the address on the top of the form.
  • A statement of professional experience (ED 126) documenting the required amount of school months* of successful service under a valid certificate must be completed and signed by the superintendent/executive director/designee and mailed to the address on the form. Note that we DO NOT accept photocopies, scans, or email versions of this or similar signed documents. 

See a list of administrative endorsements.


Fees

If you complete your renewal application online, you can submit your payment by credit card.

If you choose to mail your application, acceptable payment forms (money order, cashier’s check, or certified bank check) and the mailing address are located at the top of the form.

The total cost of a separate initial educator is $200, including the $50 nonrefundable review fee.
 

Timeline

Please allow approximately 2-3 months for processing after submitting your application. Once all required documentation has been received, determination of eligibility may take several months. All applications are processed in the order by which they were submitted.  

Due to the large volume of e-transcripts received, e-transcripts may expire before the file is reviewed. If possible, please submit a paper-based official transcript in the sealed envelope to avoid delays.

 

 

Endorsements