The bill amends Section 6-187 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which pertains to teacher certification and competency examinations. It introduces new provisions that exempt certain candidates from the competency examination requirement if they have graduated from an approved institution of higher education and have two years of effective evaluations in the same school district. Additionally, the bill clarifies that certification will be limited to areas where the teacher has successfully completed the examination. It also outlines the conditions under which the State Board of Education can grant exceptions to certification requirements, particularly for candidates with advanced degrees or those who are deaf.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that the State Board of Education may issue emergency or provisional certificates under specific conditions, including the documentation of efforts to hire certified teachers. It allows for the renewal of these certificates for individuals who have been employed for at least two years, provided they meet certain criteria. The bill also includes provisions for non-native English speakers and candidates who are deaf, allowing for examinations in their native language or exceptions to certification requirements, respectively. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and declares an emergency for its immediate implementation upon passage.