How to Get a Teaching Credential
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To become a teacher in the United States, chances are you’ll need a formal credential — especially if you plan to work in the public school system. Credentialing standards vary by state, but most require you to hold a license or certification to qualify for instructional roles in public K-12 schools.
Learn how to get a teaching license with this career prep guide: It covers the teaching degrees, professional preparation, examination, and background check requirements you’ll need to meet to move forward with your career plans.
What Is a Teaching Credential?
Each state issues a teaching credential, which, depending on your location, may be called a teaching license, certification, or certificate. These are specific to grades or your area of expertise. For example, an elementary teacher certification usually covers grades K-6.
States typically issue temporary, initial, or conditional teaching licenses to first-time teachers. Depending on the state, these are usually good for 1-3 years and are nonrenewable.
After demonstrating your proficiency as a teacher and possibly taking one or more courses in an approved credentialing program, you can apply for a standard or permanent teaching license. You typically must renew this license every 4-5 years.
Many states have initiated three-level licensure. The third level requires additional experience and, in some cases, a master’s degree in education or any field.
Endorsements are attached to your teaching license. These designate the areas you’re qualified to teach. Some examples of teacher endorsements include elementary, early childhood, and special education; English as a second language; biology; math; music; and physical education.
How to Get a Teaching Certificate: Step-by-Step Guide
Students can take varying paths to become educators depending on their state’s requirements. The sections below outline the general process. However, learners should consult with their state’s teacher licensing board to learn specifics.
- 1
Earn a bachelor’s degree.
Public school educators need a bachelor’s degree. Aspiring teachers often choose an education major with an emphasis in 1-2 subjects. Some concentrations take longer to complete. For example, music education or art education majors may spend longer on their degrees. Full-time enrollees can usually earn a bachelor’s degree in four years.
- 2
Complete a teacher-preparation program.
Prospective teachers should complete a teacher-preparation program. These programs align with state licensure guidelines. Bachelor’s degrees in education that are licensure-track have the teacher-preparation program built into their curriculum. If you’ve already earned your bachelor’s degree and it was in a different field, then you’ll need to complete a separate teacher-preparation program.
Coursework covers topics like issues in education and education psychology. A teacher-preparation program also requires classroom experience. Learners gain experience through practicums and student teaching. Most states require you to complete one semester of full-time student teaching under the supervision of a licensed educator.
- 3
Take state licensure exams.
All states require potential teachers to take exams, with more than 40 of them using the Praxis exams. Each state sets its own requirements for passing scores. Aspiring educators take multiple Praxis exams depending on their state’s requirements and intended teaching subject. Exams cost $90-$209.
Learners can prepare by taking interactive practice tests. The Educational Testing Service, the organization that offers the exam, also publishes study plans. Students can take the tests as many times as they want. However, they must wait 21 days between attempts.
Depending on which state you live in, you might take your exams before beginning student teaching.
- 4
Pass a background check.
Teaching certification requires background checks. One background check examines criminal history. Applicants submit their fingerprints. Non-violent offenses, like traffic tickets, rarely impact a background check. Another background check verifies professional license and degree validity. To avoid failing this check, learners should ensure they complete an accredited teaching program. Background checks cost about $20 each. Most school districts also require drug tests. Some schools regularly drug test their current employees.
- 5
Apply for your teaching license.
As a teacher candidate, you’ll usually apply for your formal license through your state’s board of education. Details of the process differ from state to state, but you’ll generally need to meet all requirements in full before becoming eligible to submit your application.
Most states charge application fees, and some also attach an additional administrative or processing fee before issuing your license. Processing times vary, but you can generally expect a wait time of about 6-12 weeks.
- 6
Earn national certification.
Most teaching positions do not require national certification. However, certification can give job candidates a competitive edge. National certification may also position educators as leaders in their field. Aspiring school administrators often pursue board certification. The American Board and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) offer national certification options. Both of these organizations charge fees for the certification exams. For example, NBPTS charges $1,900.
- 7
Renew or upgrade your license.
States require teachers to renew their license every 4-5 years. Most states require teachers to obtain about 150 continuing education (CE) hours for renewal. Some school districts host in-house CE seminars, while some companies, like Learners Edge, offer online CE opportunities.
Teach.org provides information on renewal requirements for teachers. Educators with provisional certification can work full time. However, they must make progress on their teacher certification programs each year. Teachers who want to move states may need to reapply for a teaching license. The new state’s licensing board evaluates credentials. The board determines whether candidates must meet additional requirements.
Did You Know…
In the 2020-21 school year, 51% of public school teachers held a master’s degree.
Explore Teacher Credentialing in Your State
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Do You Need a Teaching License to Teach?
Depending on where you teach, professional licensure may not be required.
Generally, preK-12 public school teachers are required to hold a state-issued teaching credential. In some cases, those with a bachelor’s degree pursuing alternative licensure may start teaching while fulfilling additional requirements toward earning their certification.
Requirements in private schools vary. Religious schools, Montessori schools, and Waldorf schools usually only require teachers to hold a bachelor’s degree. These institutions often follow their own certification process. For example, Montessori-certified teachers must complete a short teacher training. Even when licensure is not required, some private schools may prefer to hire teachers with it.
College professors and private tutors typically do not need a teaching license; however, professors generally need at least a master’s degree.. If you’re considering teaching abroad, most international schools require a U.S. teaching license. However, many English language teaching positions may not require certification.
Which States Have Teaching License Reciprocity?
States with reciprocity agreements may accept your teaching credential earned in a different state. The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification created the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, a collection of 50 agreements that outline what licenses a state accepts.
The following eight states offer full reciprocity for fully licensed teachers: Arizona, Florida, Hawai’i, Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, and Oklahoma. These states require paperwork and a fee, but little, if any, additional assessments.
Some states require a certain level of experience. Others mandate extra training, additional coursework, or assessments. It’s best to contact the state licensing board to determine specific requirements for licensure reciprocity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teaching Credentials
You will generally need at least a bachelor’s degree to qualify for a teaching license in the United States. While some states offer alternative pathways to teaching licensure, a large majority of these pathways include a degree from an accredited school as a firm requirement. However, you may not necessarily need a teaching degree, depending on your state’s rules and the qualification pathway you follow.
