How to get ESSA certified
Over 40 states now require evidence documentation before an EdTech product can access state funding. For most products, the question isn’t whether to pursue certification — it’s which tier is realistic, how long it will take, and who’s going to do the work. LXD Research designs and runs that evidence strategy end to end, from initial tier assessment through certification, with your state submission ready to go.
We are full service. For an ESSA IV package, we do the work. Your team joins a 60–90 minute kickoff and demo, then reviews two rounds of drafts, less than 5 hours of your time in total.
Submit Your Research for Free Free, confidential review memo to see where you standOr talk with Dr. Schechter for 30 minutes, or email us at info@lxdresearch.com
25+ studies approved on Evidence for ESSA · 40+ Digital Promise certifications earned for clients · 1M+ students studied across all 50 states. See the published studies →
What is ESSA certification?
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was enacted to ensure that schools provide students with the best possible resources to support their learning. ESSA certification is an evidence-based standard demonstrating your product meets rigorous criteria for improving student outcomes.
To get certified, an EdTech product must be backed by reliable research proving its effectiveness in educational settings. It is independent evidence that educators and school districts can review for themselves, so they can decide on more than a company’s word.
New to the validation landscape? Our founder Dr. Rachel Schechter wrote a guide to making sense of EdTech validation for the EdTech Index that’s a useful starting point before diving into the tiers below.
The four tiers of ESSA evidence
To obtain ESSA certification, your product must meet one of four tiers of evidence, each representing a different level of research rigor. These tiers help educators and decision-makers understand how robust your product’s supporting research is.
Strong Evidence
Requires a high-quality experimental study (like an RCT) that shows a positive impact on learning outcomes, with at least 350 participants across multiple schools. This tier provides the highest level of validation.
Moderate Evidence
Involves a quasi-experimental study that demonstrates a positive impact on relevant outcomes. Requires a similar sample size and multi-site validation as Tier I, but allows for a more naturalistic research design.
Promising Evidence
Needs correlational research with statistical controls for bias. Requires a demonstrated positive impact, with more flexible sample and setting requirements, making it accessible for smaller studies. Tier III studies are implementation research: they show what outcomes look like at different levels of use, and they pair with a Tier IV model.
Learn more about Tier III → · Learn more from the EdTech Index →
Demonstrates a Rationale
Based on a well-defined logic model, this tier requires a plan to study the product’s impact rather than statistical evidence. Suitable for products in early development stages.
Learn more about Tier IV → · How the EdTech Index explains design badges →
Dr. Schechter breaks down the evidence requirements in 60-second videos.
▶ Watch More on YouTubeWhich tier fits your product today?
Most companies don’t need to decide this alone. Find the line that sounds like you:
Not sure? That is the most common answer. In a free 30-minute conversation, we’ll look at what you have and tell you which tier is realistic.
Submit Your Research for Free
Free, confidential review memo to see where you stand. Or talk with Dr. Schechter for 30 minutes.
Or email us at info@lxdresearch.com
How long does ESSA certification take?
Timeline depends almost entirely on which tier you’re building toward and whether usable data already exists. A logic-model-based Tier IV rationale can move in weeks. A randomized controlled trial supporting Tier I evidence takes about 18 months. Here’s roughly what to expect at each level.
| ESSA Tier | What You Need | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Tier IV · Rationale | Logic model + literature review | A few weeks to a few months |
| Tier III · Promising | Implementation research (a correlational study with statistical controls), often built from data you already have | A few months once data is in hand |
| Tier II · Moderate | Quasi-experimental study with a matched comparison group | Look Back: about 4–6 months. Real-Time: roughly a school year, and a half-year Moderate study is possible |
| Tier I · Strong | Randomized controlled trial across multiple sites | About 18 months |
For most edtech companies, Tier IV is the fastest entry point — a rationale document doesn’t require new data collection, just a clear logic model grounded in existing research. LXD Research is currently scheduling Tier IV documentation and study design work, and recruiting for studies that start in fall 2027. There is still time to document the impact of studies with post-testing this spring, and the earlier you start planning, the more options you have for building toward a higher tier next.
How much of your team’s time does it take?
LXD Research is full service. An ESSA IV package can take a team weeks to produce on its own, so we do the work. Your team’s part is a 60–90 minute kickoff meeting and demo and two rounds of review, less than 5 hours in total. The calendar time depends on the tier, as the table above shows, but the time your own team spends stays small because we do the research work. What you contribute depends on the tier:
- Tier IV documentation: we build the logic model and research foundation from a product demo, your website, and the materials you already have. Your part is the kickoff meeting and demo and two rounds of review.
- Tier III implementation research: we work from outcome and usage data that already exists. Your part is helping us get that data from your district partners. We draft the data-sharing agreements and run the analysis.
- Tier II and Tier I studies: prospective studies involve new data collection, so they take the most coordination. We handle school recruitment, IRB, and the research design, and your team supports implementation in the study schools.
Not sure how much of your team’s time a study would take? That is a good first question for a free 30-minute conversation with Dr. Schechter.
Submit Your Research for Free
Free, confidential review memo to see where you stand. Or talk with Dr. Schechter for 30 minutes.
Or email us at info@lxdresearch.com
What our clients’ evidence documentation has earned:
The path to ESSA certification
Now that you understand the four tiers of ESSA evidence, the next step is to align your product’s research with the appropriate tier and begin the certification process. This is the process LXD Research supports clients through, from start to finish — we don’t just point you to the right tier, we design the study, run the research, handle submission to Evidence for ESSA or EduEvidence, depending on the study design, and to Digital Promise at no charge, show you how to list your badges on the EdTech Index (free), and give you a clearinghouse link ready for your state submission.
Conduct Research
Partner with independent researchers, such as LXD Research, to conduct studies that align with ESSA evidence tiers.
Document Evidence
Compile comprehensive documentation of your research findings — study design, methodology, outcomes, and analysis.
Submit for Evaluation
Present your evidence to non-profit education agencies or for-profit evaluators who specialize in assessing ESSA evidence.
Receive Certification
Upon approval, receive a certificate and badge or seal that recognizes your product’s evidence level.
Get on the List
Use your certification to submit to state review panels and approved vendor lists — the step that actually opens up state-funded procurement. LXD Research has guided products through this stage in Arizona, Michigan, Utah, Arkansas, and beyond.
Who evaluates ESSA evidence?
Approval requires a thorough review by organizations specializing in educational research. State-level departments of education are increasingly using Evidence for ESSA as a proxy for What Works Clearinghouse.
- Non-profit Education Agencies — Organizations such as Digital Promise, the Johns Hopkins Center for Research and Reform in Education (Evidence for ESSA), and International Certification for Evidence in Education (EduEvidence) offer rigorous evaluation services.
- For-profit Evaluators — Companies specializing in educational research and evaluation also provide certification services.
- Government Entities — Some state education agencies have their own processes for reviewing and approving evidence, and requirements vary widely from state to state. LXD Research has helped products earn approval on state lists through our studies — see our breakdown of state-by-state evidence requirements for specifics.
We know the reviewers, and what each one needs.
We handle submissions to Evidence for ESSA or EduEvidence, depending on the study design, and to Digital Promise, at no charge. Application fees set by outside organizations, such as the $250 Evidence for ESSA fee and IRB fees, are passed through at cost with no markup. A good study only helps once it reaches the right reviewer in the right form. That is where first-time submitters lose months: each agency wants different documentation, in a different order, in a different format. We have worked with these reviewers repeatedly, so we know what each one looks for and how to write the evidence so a single study serves several of them. You work with one team, not several agencies.
Submit Your Research for Free
Free, confidential review memo to see where you stand. Or talk with Dr. Schechter for 30 minutes.
Or email us at info@lxdresearch.com
Why independent evidence matters to buyers, and to you
Vendor claims are easy to find, and independent verification is much harder to come by. Evidence levels and certifications give busy education leaders something they can check, and that changes how they buy.
Claims buyers can check
Third-party review gives educators something to verify instead of taking a company’s word for it, which is the kind of proof they say they trust.
Easier buying decisions
Districts use evidence levels and certifications to screen vendor pitches, to add questions to RFPs, and to compare similar products. A clear, documented evidence level answers those questions before a leader has to judge your research on their own.
Funding Opportunities
Many education grants require or prefer products backed by evidence, expanding your potential market reach.
Independent review
Reviewers judge the evidence you submit, not your reputation or relationships. We prepare the work, the reviewer makes the call, and we tell you plainly what your evidence does and does not support.
Continuous Improvement
The certification process often provides valuable insights that enhance your product’s effectiveness and help you meet evolving needs.
New Research
Educators want evidence — 75% trust tools more when scientifically validated. See what 200+ K-12 teachers told us about AI adoption, evidence, and trust.
Read the Survey Results →Showcasing your certification
Achieving certification is just the first step — now it’s time to showcase this credential to boost your visibility and maximize your impact in the education market.
Product Website
Display your badge or seal prominently so buyers see it immediately.
Marketing Materials
Include your certification in brochures, presentations, and promotional content.
Product Indexes
Get listed in databases like the EdSurge Product Index, LearnPlatform, or the Global EdTech Evidence List.
Research Databases
Add reports to searchable databases like ResearchGate and the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC).
RFP Responses
Highlight your evidence when responding to requests for proposals from schools and districts.
State Submissions
Use your certification to qualify for state-level approved vendor and program lists.
From existing research to certified evidence
Building an Evidence Portfolio Step by Step
One of our clients had academic research on ERIC, but it wasn’t designed in a way that clearly identified it as ESSA III and didn’t have a formal logic model with a literature review. Together, we got the documentation to earn the Digital Promise research-based design certification. Next, we analyzed data they collected with a partner district in a traditional ESSA Promising correlational study, which recently earned its ICEIE Silver Effectiveness certification. The COO shared in an update meeting that having the certified study substantially lowered layers of barriers during the sales process. Their next goal is a randomized controlled trial to aim for the “gold” strong study criteria.
What to keep in mind
While certification offers significant advantages, there are practical considerations to navigate.
Time and Resources
Conducting the rigorous studies required for certification can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Planning ahead matters.
Maintaining Certification
Evidence levels may need to be re-evaluated periodically as standards evolve and certification bodies update their requirements.
Balancing Tiers
While Tier I is the “gold standard,” all tiers offer valuable validation. Lower tiers may be more feasible for products in earlier development stages or with limited research resources. Any certification shows a commitment to evidence-based effectiveness.
Interpreting Results
Understanding and accurately representing your evidence level is crucial. Overclaiming can damage credibility; clear and honest reporting builds trust.
ESSA certification FAQ
What is ESSA certification?
ESSA certification is an evidence-based standard showing that an EdTech product meets rigorous criteria for improving student outcomes, as defined under the Every Student Succeeds Act. It signals to educators and districts that a product’s effectiveness has been backed by research rather than marketing claims alone.
What are the four tiers of ESSA evidence?
Tier I (Strong) requires a randomized controlled trial. Tier II (Moderate) requires a quasi-experimental study with a comparison group. Tier III (Promising) requires a correlational study with statistical controls. Tier IV (Demonstrates a Rationale) requires a well-defined logic model grounded in existing research, paired with a plan to study impact.
How long does ESSA certification take?
It depends on the tier. A Tier IV rationale document can move in a matter of weeks to a few months. Tier III correlational studies typically take a few months once outcome data is available. Tier II Look Back studies, which use data you already have, take about four to six months. Real-time Tier II studies take roughly a school year, and a half-year Moderate study is possible. Tier I randomized trials take about 18 months.
How much of my team’s time does it take?
LXD Research is full service. An ESSA IV package can take a team weeks to produce on its own, so we do the work. Your team’s part is a 60–90 minute kickoff meeting and demo and two rounds of review, less than 5 hours in total. Studies at higher tiers take more coordination, but we handle recruitment, data agreements, IRB, and analysis, so your team’s role stays small.
How much does ESSA certification cost?
Cost scales with tier and timeline. Starting points vary by tier. Tier IV documentation is the most accessible entry point, costs rise with each tier, and prospective Tier I or Tier II studies are the largest investment because they involve new data collection across multiple sites. A free 30-minute conversation is the quickest way to find out what fits your product. A free consultation is the fastest way to get a realistic number for your product.
Which states require ESSA certification?
Over 40 states now tie some form of funding access to ESSA evidence documentation, though exact requirements vary widely — some states apply stricter rules than the federal definitions, and self-designated tiers can be adjusted by state review committees.
Ready to start your certification journey?
At LXD Research, we don’t just tell you which tier to pursue — we design the study, run the research, handle submission to Evidence for ESSA or EduEvidence, depending on the study design, and to Digital Promise at no charge, show you how to list your badges on the EdTech Index (free), and give you a clearinghouse link ready for your state submission.
Submit Your Research for Free Talk with Dr. Schechter See Our Client ResultsOr email us at info@lxdresearch.com