PESB is responsible for setting policy and overseeing Washington's system of educator preparation, certification, continuing education and assignment.

The PESB was created in 2000 as primarily an advisory board to the Governor, Legislature, State Board of Education and Superintendent of Public Instruction on the full range of policy issues related to certified education professionals, including teachers, principals, superintendents and educational staff associates. In addition, the PESB was charged with creating alternative routes to teacher certification and administering new basic skills and subject knowledge assessments for teacher certification.

Five years later, Governor Gregoire signed into law ESSB 5732, which gave the PESB responsibility and authority for policy and oversight of Washington's system of educator preparation, certification, continuing education and assignment.