PLTW Certification

High schools planning to offer four or more PLTW courses are eligible for certification and may begin the process at the end of the second year of implementation. Schools or sites electing to offer the minimum of three courses are not eligible for certification but are still subject to quality and/or technical assistance visits required by PLTW state leadership teams. To determine if your school is certified, use our School Locator.

The purpose of certification is to:

  • Ensure implementation of a high-quality PLTW program.
  • Recognize exceptional implementations.
  • Provide opportunities for college-level recognition to eligible students.

For state requirements on certification, please contact your state leader.

The three-step certification process involves:

  • Self assessment
  • Site visit
  • Final certification report

If you have implemented Gateway To Technology at your middle school and are interested in receiving national recognition (GTT version of certification), please contact [email protected].

Benefits for Schools

  • Students have the opportunity to receive college-level recognition such as college credit, scholarships, and admissions preference. More information on universities that offer college recognition.
  • PLTW teachers may apply to become Master Teachers and receive benefits such as compensation for professional development, opportunities to field test new curriculum prior to the release to the entire network, and field testing results input.
  • Depending on state guidelines, schools have increased potential to receive funding.
  • Greater visibility for the program within the school and community.

Steps to Certification

Step 1: Meet the following requirements:

  • The school’s PLTW courses are taught by teachers who have successfully completed PLTW Core Training sessions for each course they are teaching.
  • The PLTW classroom equipment and software meets or exceeds PLTW specifications as outlined in the Purchasing Manual.
  • All students enrolled in PLTW courses are also concurrently enrolled in appropriate grade level mathematics and science courses.
  • A Partnership Team is in place that supports the program and meets on a regular basis with a specific agenda and goals to accomplish.
  • At least one school counselor must have attended a PLTW Counselor Conference for training.
  • An implementation and sustainability plan are in place for the program.

Step 2: Complete the Self Assessment:

Step 3: Schedule your site visit:

  • Once your Self Assessment has been completed and returned to PLTW, it will be forwarded to the appropriate state certification team. Following a review, the state certification team will contact the school to schedule a site visit.

The following are samples of the documents that will be reviewed during the site visit. Forms do not need to be completed prior to the site visit.