Certification

A professional credential for Christian-school educators — affirming educational excellence and a distinctively Christian philosophy of education.

FACCS Professional Educator Certification recognizes and strengthens the calling of Christian-school teachers and administrators. It affirms both educational excellence and the distinctively Christian philosophy at the heart of a quality Christian education — and it counts toward a school's FACCS accreditation.

Certification is a privilege offered to faculty and staff of FACCS member and accredited schools. It doesn't replace or compete with state certification — it stands alongside it, encouraging continued spiritual and professional growth and serving as a trusted professional and character reference.

Who can be certified

You are employed by a FACCS participating or accredited school, and your application is endorsed by your school's leadership.

Your degrees and coursework were earned at an accredited or FACCS-approved college, university, or seminary.

You have a current background screening on file at your school.

Two types of certificate

Professional

Valid five years · renewable

For educators who meet the full requirements of their certificate level. Renewed through ongoing professional growth.

Temporary

Valid three years · non-renewable

For educators making progress toward the full requirements, held while completing a Professional Certification Plan to upgrade.

Certificate levels

Certificates are issued at the level that matches your role.

Teacher

Early Education, Elementary, Middle School, Secondary, or All-Level. A subject-area endorsement is required for Middle School, Secondary, and All-Level teachers.

Administrator

For those serving in a school leadership role at least half the instructional day.

Professional Services

For professional, service-based roles that are neither teaching nor administrative. A service-area endorsement is required.

How to earn certification

1
Create a FACCS Portal account (or sign in to the one you use for the Convention or competitions), then complete the online certification application there, endorsed by your school leader.
2
Submit official transcripts from every college, university, or seminary you've attended.
3
Complete the Philosophy of Christian Education (POCE) course required for Professional certification.
4
Add any subject-area endorsement your certificate level requires.

Grow in your calling

Start your application in the FACCS Portal, explore endorsement areas, or understand renewal.

Start your application View endorsements Renewal & growth