COST Application Process & Fees 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When applying for an out-of-state teaching certificate, which document must typically be submitted directly from the issuing institution rather than by the applicant?
- Personal statement
- Official transcripts (Correct answer)
- Copy of current license
- Professional development log
Correct answer: Official transcripts
Official transcripts must be sent directly from the college or university to the state licensing agency to ensure authenticity.
Question 2: A teacher applicant submits their out-of-state certification application but forgets to include the application fee. What typically happens next?
- The state processes the application and invoices later
- The application is held incomplete until payment is received (Correct answer)
- The application is automatically rejected with no recourse
- The state contacts the applicant's current employer for payment
Correct answer: The application is held incomplete until payment is received
Most state licensing agencies hold incomplete applications — including those missing fees — in a pending status until all requirements are satisfied.
Question 3: Which fee is typically NON-REFUNDABLE once an out-of-state teacher certification application has been submitted?
- Fingerprinting fee paid to a third party
- Application processing fee paid to the state (Correct answer)
- Courier fee for document delivery
- Notarization fee for affidavits
Correct answer: Application processing fee paid to the state
State application processing fees are almost universally non-refundable once submitted, regardless of whether the certificate is issued.
Question 4: A teacher holds a valid license in State A and applies to State B under a reciprocity agreement. What does reciprocity typically mean for the application fee?
- The fee is waived entirely
- The fee may be reduced but is rarely eliminated
- The fee doubles due to interstate processing
- The fee is the same as any other applicant (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The fee is the same as any other applicant
Reciprocity agreements reduce documentation requirements but do not typically waive or reduce the standard application fee.
Question 5: How long do most states allow an out-of-state teacher to work under a temporary or provisional certificate while their full application is processed?
- 30 days
- 90 days
- One school year (Correct answer)
- Two school years
Correct answer: One school year
Most states issue provisional certificates valid for one school year, giving teachers time to complete any outstanding requirements.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of requiring a background check as part of the out-of-state teacher certification application?
- To verify the applicant's teaching experience
- To confirm the applicant's academic credentials
- To protect student safety by screening for disqualifying offenses (Correct answer)
- To ensure the applicant has no outstanding tax liens
Correct answer: To protect student safety by screening for disqualifying offenses
Background checks are required to screen applicants for criminal history that would disqualify them from working with minors in a school setting.
Question 7: An out-of-state applicant submits fingerprints for a background check but they are rejected due to poor quality. What is the typical next step?
- The state waives the fingerprint requirement
- The applicant must resubmit fingerprints, usually at their own cost (Correct answer)
- The application is automatically denied
- The state uses an alternative identity verification method
Correct answer: The applicant must resubmit fingerprints, usually at their own cost
Rejected fingerprints require resubmission, and the associated fee is typically the applicant's responsibility.
COST Application Process & Fees 2
When applying for an out-of-state teaching certificate, which document must typically be submitted directly from the issuing institution rather than by the applicant?