5-2.01 Applications for license renewal may be submitted to the Division no earlier than January 1 of the year of expiration of the license.

5-2.02 An applicant for renewal of a license shall submit the following to the Division:

5-2.02.1 A completed online application for renewal with payment of the non-refundable application fee;

5-2.02.2 Documentation that the applicant has successfully completed all background checks required by the Division's Rules Governing Background Checks within the twelve-month period before the date of the application for renewal;

5-2.02.3 Documentation of the completion of professional development requirements including years during which the applicant was not employed in an educational entity.

5-2.02.3.1 The Division may issue a one-year non-renewable Provisional License to any applicant who has not completed all professional development requirements for renewal.

5-2.03 For the renewal of a license that expires on December 31, 2023, and thereafter, an applicant shall also provide documentation of an awareness credential in knowledge and practices of scientific reading instruction.

5-2.03.1 If the applicant does not have the required credential, the educator's license will not be renewed.

5-2.03.2 An applicant seeking Elementary (K-6) or Special Education (K-12) licensure by reciprocity or by adding an endorsement must demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills to teach reading consistent with the best practices of scientific reading instruction.

5-2.03.3 The Division may issue a Provisional License to an employed applicant who has not completed the required awareness credential.

5-2.04 An applicant holding an Arkansas teaching license that is expired for more than one (1) year and who obtained the license before state-mandated licensure assessments were required by law and by rule for licensure, and who has less than three (3) years of teaching experience may renew that teaching license by:

5-2.04.1 Passing the content-area assessment for the requested license; and

5-2.04.2 Completing the remaining requirements of this section 5-2.0 for renewal.

5-2.05 Every standard Arkansas educator's license will be renewed with an Educator Career Continuum designation for which the applicant qualifies under Section 4-12.

5-2.05.1 A standard Arkansas educator's license will be renewed with a Career Professional Educator designation unless the applicant qualifies for the Lead Professional Educator or Master Professional Educator designation.