CAREER SERVICES &
PROFESSIONAL LIFE DEVELOPMENT

Services for
TEACHERS & EDUCATORS  

Getting Started With Your Credential Files

A credential file is a packet of background information that is sent to a prospective employer when a candidate is applying for a professional position. Credential files provide a professional, convenient, dependable system to aid in the education job application process.

All degree candidates, non-matriculated students, and alumni are eligible to register and start a credential file. Registration is neither automatic nor compulsory, and must be initiated by the candidate. To make the best use of this service, candidates should register well in advance of completing their degrees.

   A credential file includes:

• Résumé

• 3 to 5 references (partnership teacher, USM supervisor, faculty or other employers)

• Fingerprinting documentation

• Copy of all your transcripts

• Copy of your teaching certificate

   May include:

• Personal philosophy

• Praxis scores

• Sample lesson plan (s)

  An application packet include any of the materials in your file and in addition but not limited to:

• Cover letter

• Application

    1.   Visit Gorham Career Services at 128 School St. to pick up a credential packet.

    2.   Make an appointment to meet with Mariah to talk about your packet and future plans. 

    3.   Fill out the registration card (please be complete) and return it with payment of the registration fee.

SENDING OUT YOUR CREDENTIAL FILE

   Complete a credential request form. The are available in our office or can be downloaded from the link on the right. 

• Make a request by mail, e-mail, telephone, fax, or in person.

• It is best if you can bring in your cover letter for each packet being sent out. This insures that the employer will have your complete packet.

• You are responsible to see that all paperwork you wish to be included has already been placed in the credential file.

• Indicate exactly which letters of reference you want mailed in each instance.

• Provide the name and/or title of the person to whom the file must be directed and the precise full address.

• If you request your "entire file," all of the information contained in the file at the time of the request will be sent.

• The $4.00 processing fee must be paid before your credential file is sent out - this includes copies given directly to you.

The student is responsible for completely and accurately filling out a request form!
Requests will be filled according to the form.

Gorham Career Services
 University of Southern Maine
128 School Street
Gorham, ME 04038
Telephone: (207) 780-5330
Fax: (207) 780-5304

E-mail: ChrisH@usm.maine.edu
cc: MariahG@usm.maine.edu

If you do not get a response the same day, please call or stop in to be sure that we got your request. You must keep your account up-to-date in order to continue sending out packets.

WHAT ARE THE FEES?

• $35.00 Fee for first-time establishment of a credential file.
• $15.00 Annual reactivation fee (a form will be sent to you for this purpose).
• $4.00 Processing fee for each credential mailing.
• We accept cash, VISA, Mastercard and checks payable to the University of Southern Maine

MAINTAINING YOUR CREDENTIAL FILE

Make sure your file is complete and up to date (outdated letters may hurt you if sent). Periodically check on the status of your file.  Keep us informed, be sure to notify us concerning any address &/or demographic changes.

WHAT HAPPENS TO A FILE THAT HAS NOT BEEN USED?

At the end of each year of active status, we will send a reactivation form. The address used for this mailing is taken from information you give us at the time your credential  file is established.  Only two attempts will be made to contact you. If we do not hear from you, Gorham Career Services will keep your credential file for five years on an inactive status. After five years, if it has not been reactivated, it will be destroyed. At any time during the five years you may reactivate your file. Please not reactivation and annual fees.

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