School of Education

Education Specialist Add-On Credential Program

About the Program

The Education Specialist Add-on Credential Program allows individuals who already hold a special education credential to earn a second special education credential for the desired authorization area. Education Specialist Credentials are issued with one of two authorization areas: Mild/Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs. 

MILD TO MODERATE SUPPORT NEEDS (MMSN) - Mild/Moderate

The Preliminary Education Specialist Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) Credential (Mild/Moderate) authorizes service in grades K-12, transitional kindergarten, and in classes organized primarily for adults through age 22 who have:

  • Specific learning disabilities
  • Mild to moderate support needs
  • Autism
  • Emotional disturbance
  • Intellectual disability 
  • Multiple disabilities
  • Orthopedic impairment
  • Other health impairment
  • Traumatic brain injury

EXTENSIVE SUPPORT NEEDS (ESN) - Moderate/Severe

The Preliminary Education Specialist Extensive Support Needs (ESN) Credential (Moderate/Severe) authorizes service in grades K-12, transitional kindergarten, and in classes organized primarily for adults through age 22 who have:

  • Autism
  • Deafblind
  • Extensive support needs
  • Intellectual disability
  • Multiple disabilities
  • Emotional disturbance
  • Traumatic brain injury

Education Specialist Add-On Credential Forms

Education Specialist Add-On Credential Application (PDF)

Education Specialist Add-On Program Plan (PDF)

Education Specialist Credential Add-On Supervision Packet(opens in new window)

Education Specialist Add-On Observation Form(opens in new window)(opens in new window) - ADD-ON Credential candidates only 

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