Graduate Student Requirements for Licensure Recommendation

Meet with the Holmes Center Clinical Coordinator

This meeting should happen upon enrollment to the graduate program. Reach out to the Holmes Center at psu-holmescenter@plymouth.edu to arrange an appointment.

Take the Praxis Core Tests

Note: If you hold a current license in teaching, please inform the Holmes Center, because this requirement may have already been met.

Passing Praxis Core scores in Reading, Writing and Math (as required for teacher candidates) or the test evaluation request are required. Scores must be reported to the Holmes Center. Scores must also be posted to your DOE EIS account before applying for licensure.

Praxis Core tests are an assessment of basic skills and are designed to measure proficiency in the areas of reading, writing, and math. The Praxis Core tests must be passed by meeting the current scores required by the State of New Hampshire. Students must retake and pass any portion of the Praxis Core where the minimum score has not been achieved. There is a buffer period of time required before a test can be retaken.

Performance at or above a predetermined minimum score (set by the NHDOE) on a nationally recognized test in the areas of reading, writing, and/or mathematics (such as, but not limited to, the SAT, GRE, or ACT) can be used to get a waiver for the Praxis Core requirement. Directions for submitting a Test Evaluation Request (waiver request) are posted on our Praxis Core Requirement page.

Create a myNHDOE EIS Account & Profile

Follow these detailed instructions to create your account. Many graduate students met this requirement prior to enrollment due to existing licensure. The Holmes Center can assist you if you are unsure. Use your personal account as your primary email address when you create your account.

Complete the Criminal History Record Check

By NH State Law, a Criminal History Record Check is required for all students who declare candidacy in an educator preparation program (even if you have existing licensure and/or employment). This mandatory criminal history record check includes both fingerprinting (submitted to the NH Department of Safety) and an application for clearance (submitted to the NH Department of Education). Note this background check can be used to meet the requirement for an SOE but not the other way around.

Information about background checks 

Submit the Internship in Teaching Application

The Internship in Teaching Application notifies the Holmes Center that you have completed coursework and non-academic pre-internship requirements and are ready to have your internship placement arranged.  Submit your application before your internship semester as follows :

Choose the applicable button below to access the correct application.

1-yr Intensive Special Education Internships

Fall & Spring Graduate Student Internships

Matching Teacher Candidates with Mentor Teachers

Matches are approved/arranged by program coordinators and the Holmes Center. This includes interns whose placements will be at their place of employment. NH DOE rules require mentors to be vetted by the Holmes Center to confirm that they meet said rules. Once arranged, interns will meet with mentors to introduce themselves (as needed) and begin the exciting task of building relationships. The Internship in Teaching calendar for your internship semester/year will be posted. Make sure to record the calendar dates in your planner before the internship semester begins. You will be following the calendar of your placement school.

Complete & Submit the Placement Confirmation

The confirmation sheet ensures that the intern, mentor, and placement school administration are all aware and in agreement to fulfill the requirements of the internship in teaching. 

The completion and submission of the Confirmation Sheet indicates that the intern is aware and agrees to adhere the requirements of the internship as well as those of the internship placement. Submission of the form is the responsibility of the intern.

The completed Internship in Teaching Placement Confirmation  must be submitted to the Holmes Center (digital scan sent via email is acceptable) before the Registrar opens registration for your internship semester in order to ensure no delay in the intern's registration process.

In addition, teacher candidates are responsible to contact the placement district office (SAU) to complete an additional criminal records check. New Hampshire law requires the SAU to have the criminal record check results in their office before the internship begins.

Attend Seminar I: Preparing for the Internship

Seminar I is required for all interns. The Holmes Center will host a meeting to explain the ins and outs of your internship. Mentors and University Supervisors will experience similar material in their internship overview and training sessions. Seminar I for interns happens the semester before your internship experience and may be held before, during, or after class (with scheduling assistance from faculty) as well as at scheduled, open-to-all sessions.

Seminar I Includes:

In addition:

You must apply for Degree Conferral, even if you do not plan to participate in the graduation ceremony. If not, the Holmes Center will not be notified that you have graduated because the Registrar's office won't know that you want to do so. You will find the information you need to complete your application on the Registrar's "Degree Completion, Transcripts, and Diplomas" page.

Content Area Testing is not required for graduation or for recommendation for licensure. It is, however, required by the NH DOE for most licensure endorsements. Teacher candidates should plan and study for their licensure required content area testing (e.g., Praxis II, etc.) while coursework learning will be freshest and so that the licensure process will be optimally efficient after the internship, and employment will be available as soon as possible.  

Content-Area Testing Requirements & Instructions

During your internship, take advantage of additional events (such as resume workshop, education job fair, etc.). You will find further information on the Internship in Teaching webpage.

Register for the Internship

Upon submission of the completed Internship Confirmation Form,  the Holmes Center will complete your registration override. Therefore, pre-internship requirements must also be completed before the date of registration for your internship semester or year.

Midterm/Site 1 Evaluation

The Mentor Teacher and University Supervisor will each complete this evaluation after the first seven weeks of the internship. The handbook explains the expectations for evaluation completion. The intern is expected to use the evaluation and feedback received to set competency goals for the remainder of the internship.

Program Specific Evaluations

Attend Seminar II: Preparing for Employment

This seminar is an opportunity to meet with NH superintendents to discuss the hiring process. It is held one time during your internship semester (yr-long internships attend in spring) and is an excused absence from your placement. Educational leaders will share best practices for effective resumes and cover letters as well as coaching for excelling during interviews. Professional Dress is required. Although graduate students may already have employment, this event is also an excellent opportunity to practice for future interactions with administration professionals.

Final/Site 2 Evaluation

The Mentor Teacher and University Supervisor will each complete this evaluation at the conclusion of the internship. The handbook explains the expectations.

Seminar III: Internship Wrap-Up

At the end of the internship, Holmes Center faculty and staff will host an event to explain the Licensure process and discuss next steps after graduation. Those graduate students who cannot attend this seminar can request an appointment with the Holmes Center to cover this information individually.

Overview of the NH Licensure Process

Plymouth State University Educator Preparation Programs are approved by the New Hampshire State Board of Education and reviewed by the New Hampshire Council for Teacher Education (NHCTE). Completion of a PSU Educator Preparation Program (EPP) leads to recommendation for endorsement for the Beginner Educator Licensure with the New Hampshire Department of Education. Upon completion of an EPP, candidates may also request verification of program completion to other states. For information on reciprocity and obtaining a teaching license in a state other than NH, please contact the Holmes Center for assistance, psu-holmescenter@plymouth.edu. You can also contact the Department of Education for the state in which you are interested in pursuing licensure. Reciprocity does not mean an educator license from one state is automatically exchanged for a license in another state. The educator may have to complete additional requirements, such as coursework, assessments, or classroom experience, before receiving a full professional certificate in the new state.