Are you interested in becoming an educational administrator, and leading school policy? Or, maybe you have your sights set on becoming the superintendent of schools for your public school district? If so, you would benefit from obtaining either a 092 or 093 certification.
What is the difference between an 092 certification and 093 certification?
Below we compare and contrast the 092 certification vs. 093 certification pathways, and explain how to determine which certification is the right one for you.
What is 092 certification?
The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) requires an Intermediate Administration Certification (092) for any school administrative position, including Department Chair, Athletic Director, Special Education Director, Assistant Principal, Principal, and up through the Assistant Superintendent of Schools.
092 certification programs are performance-based and designed to help educators develop the proficiencies they will need to be successful educational administrators and meet the challenges of the 21st century.
All Connecticut requirements for administrative certification are met by completion of 092 certification programs. Additionally, the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) standards comprise the basis of all coursework in these programs.
The 092 certification curriculum includes courses in:
- Psychology/Pedagogy
- Curriculum/Program Monitoring
- School Administration
- Personnel Evaluation/Supervision
- Internship
- Special Services Administration
- Education Leadership Electives
What is 093 certification?
The Superintendent of Schools (093) certification is a certification program that prepares candidates to serve as the Superintendent of schools in a Connecticut public school system.
This certification program examines problems of leadership practice for school superintendents through coursework and a yearlong internship.
The curriculum in 093 certification programs is taught by highly successful and qualified superintendents of schools to address the demands and opportunities of the current superintendent role.
Academic courses in 093 certification programs cover all aspects of leading a school system including:
- Politics
- Policy
- Governance
- Core operations
- Leading district-level improvement
- Human and financial resources
What is the difference between 092 and 093 certification?
The primary difference between an 092 and 093 program is the career outcomes. Those who complete their 092 certification will be prepared for administrative careers within Connecticut schools, such as Principal, Department Chair, Education Director, and more. Meanwhile, the 093 certification prepares educators to become the Superintendent of a school system, an even larger administrative role. Superintendents are often thought of as a more political career, as they oversee (and make decisions for) an entire school district. Meanwhile, education administrators typically oversee one school or department within it, handling tasks like budgeting, hiring faculty, improving curriculum, and more.
Another difference between the 092 and 093 certifications in Connecticut is their requirements. According to the state’s official website, 092 requirements involve:
- A master’s degree from an approved institution;
- 18 semester hours of graduate credit beyond the master’s, through an 092 program;
- 50 school months of teaching experience or service;
- Institutional recommendation based on completion of a state-approved 092 certification program; and
- A course of study in special education of at least 36 clock hours.
In order to advance one’s 092 certificate to the professional level, candidates must have completed at least 30 semester hours of graduate credit beyond the master’s degree. As stated by CT.gov, 093 certification requirements in Connecticut also involve:
- A master’s degree;
- 30 semester hours of graduate credit beyond the master’s degree;
- 80 school months of successful teaching experience or service, including 30 school months of full-time administrative or supervisory experience;
- Institutional recommendation based on completion of a state-approved certification program specific to school district administration (093); and
- A course of study in special education that’s at least 36 clock hours.
Another key difference between 092 and 093 certification is the pathway to getting there. As implied in the requirements listed above, 092 certification programs are typically shorter in length, allowing candidates to secure a career even faster.
092 certification programs, like the one at the University of Bridgeport, also offer students a flexible, and sometimes hybrid, completion system. At UB, classes alternate between meeting on-campus and synchronous online courses via Zoom. These classes are typically offered in the evening or on the weekend, for students who are maintaining other obligations.
Candidates often obtain their 092 certification through a sixth year program, or by pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree which can be completed in as little as 3.5 years. Learn about the options here.
Meanwhile, students in 093 certification programs usually take courses in an on-campus cohort model. Candidates in these one-year programs will complete four academic courses over two semesters. Additionally, the 093 certification typically includes a one-year internship to serve as an immersion experience with an experienced and successful superintendent of schools.
The 092 Certification Program at the University of Bridgeport
UB offers an extremely well-respected Education Administration and Supervision program preparing candidates for certification as an intermediate administrator (092) in the state of Connecticut.
Each class meets one evening a week for two hours. Students are able to take two classes per evening. Like many 092 certification programs, classes at UB are hybrid, alternating between meeting in person and Zoom instruction. Additionally, UB offers an accelerated schedule for summer courses. Students also have the opportunity to take additional required courses to obtain a Sixth Year Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in Educational Administration and Supervision.
Our education leadership faculty are all experienced school administrators who bring leadership, scholarship, and research experience to the classroom.
Upon completion of UB’s 092 certification program, students will be able to:
- Evaluate school effectiveness according to state carters.
- Monitor curriculum development for schools K-12.
- Understand the principles of school administration as determined by the Connecticut Administrators Test (CAT).
- Create school environments suitable to the needs of students.
- Pass the Connecticut Administrators Test (CAT).
In order to apply, candidates must have a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and a minimum of 3 years of certified teaching experience.
Additionally, applicants must submit:
- Application
- Official transcripts for the last degree earned
- Two letters of recommendation from employers or professional associates
- 2-3 page essay on leadership
- Resume
Applications and supporting documents must be received by July 15th for the fall semester, December 1st for the spring semester, and April 15th for the summer semester. Financial aid is available and we accept applications on a rolling basis.
Our applications for 2023 are now open and there is no application fee. Our comprehensive support services are ready to help you succeed during your studies and in your career as an intermediate administrator with our 092 certification program.
Contact us today for more information and let’s start something great together!