Requesting a Refund for a Certification Application Made in Error

Introduction

Introduction

If you have mistakenly submitted an educator certification or license application through the TEACH system and need to request a refund, this guide will help explain the refund eligibility, process, and important considerations to ensure timely handling of your request. The New York State Education Department (NYSED) prioritizes integrity, transparency, and efficiency in managing certification applications and related processes.

Refund Eligibility

Refunds for certification or license applications are only possible if the application has not yet been processed by the Office of Teaching Initiatives (OTI). Once your application has been evaluated or reviewed, refund requests cannot be granted. It is critical to act quickly if you believe you applied in error.

How to Request a Refund

To request a refund for an application made in error, please follow these steps:

1. Log in to your TEACH account to verify the application status and ensure your contact information is current.
2. Submit your refund request along with the application details and reason for the refund using our contact form: https://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/contact.html

Please note the refund process may take several weeks. Refunds are issued by check mailed to the address listed in your TEACH account. We do not offer refunds electronically.

Checking Your Application Status

You can monitor your application status anytime by logging into your TEACH account at https://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/teach. Keeping your contact information up to date helps ensure you receive important notifications related to your application and refund.

Additional Support and Resources

If you have questions or need assistance with your refund request, please reach out to the NYSED Office of Teaching Initiatives:

• Visit the contact page: https://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/contact.html
• Review certification application guidelines: https://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/

These resources and staff are available to provide professional and supportive assistance aligned with NYSED's commitment to transparency and customer service excellence.

Summary

- Refunds are only available if your application has not been evaluated.

- Act immediately by contacting the Office of Teaching.

- Refunds are issued via mailed checks and may take several weeks. 

- Always check your TEACH account for status updates and ensure your information is current. 

- Utilize NYSED resources for additional support.

Thank you for reviewing this important information. If you have any questions or require assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact the New York State Education Department’s Office of Teaching Initiatives.