Teaching License & Certification: Requirements, Tests & Alternative Paths
Teaching is one of the few professions where licensing requirements differ dramatically between states — from the type of degree required to the specific exams you must pass. Whether you’re coming from a traditional education program or switching careers through alternative certification, here’s what you need to know.
Teaching License vs. Certification
States use different terms for the credential that allows you to teach in public schools:
- License: Used by most states (e.g., Texas, California, New York)
- Certificate/Certification: Used interchangeably with license in many states
- Credential: California’s preferred term
Regardless of the term, the credential serves the same purpose: legal authorization to teach in public K-12 schools. Private schools often have more flexible requirements.
Traditional Path (Education Degree)
The most common path to teaching:
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Education
- Duration: 4 years
- Includes: Subject matter coursework + education methods + student teaching
- Student teaching: 12 to 16 weeks of supervised classroom experience (unpaid)
2. Pass Required Exams
Most states require one or more standardized tests:
| Exam | Purpose | States Using |
|---|---|---|
| Praxis Core | Basic skills (reading, writing, math) | ~30 states |
| Praxis Subject | Content knowledge in your subject area | ~30 states |
| edTPA | Teaching performance assessment | ~20 states |
| State-specific exams | Some states have their own (e.g., Texas TExES, California CBEST/CSET, New York NYSTCE, Illinois ILTS) | Various |
Exam fees range from $90 to $300 per test. Most candidates take 2 to 3 tests total.
3. Apply for Your License
After degree and exams:
- Submit application to your state’s Department of Education
- Background check and fingerprinting (all states)
- Pay application fee ($50 to $200)
- Processing: 4 to 12 weeks
Alternative Certification (Career Changers)
Every state offers some form of alternative certification for people who have a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field:
Popular Alternative Programs
| Program | Duration | Cost | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teach for America | 2-year commitment | Free (you’re paid a salary) | In-classroom with coaching |
| TNTP Teaching Fellows | 1 year | Subsidized | Summer training + school year |
| iTeach | Self-paced | $4,500 – $6,000 | Online + clinical experience |
| ABCTE | Self-paced | $2,000 – $3,000 | Online (accepted in ~12 states) |
| University-based programs | 1 – 2 years | $5,000 – $20,000 | Evening/weekend + clinical |
How Alternative Certification Works
- Have a bachelor’s degree (any field — your subject area may determine what you can teach)
- Enroll in an approved alternative program
- Complete training (ranges from intense summer to year-long)
- Pass required exams (same exams as traditional path)
- Teach under a provisional/probationary license while completing the program
- Receive standard license after program completion
Alternative certification is especially common for high-need subjects: math, science, special education, and bilingual education.
Cost to Become a Teacher
Traditional Path
| Expense | Range |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree (4 years) | $40,000 – $120,000 |
| Exam fees (2-3 tests) | $180 – $600 |
| Application fee | $50 – $200 |
| Background check | $30 – $80 |
| Post-degree costs | $260 – $880 |
Alternative Certification
| Expense | Range |
|---|---|
| Alternative program | $2,000 – $20,000 |
| Exam fees | $180 – $600 |
| Application fee | $50 – $200 |
| Total | $2,230 – $20,800 |
Teacher Salary by State
Teacher salaries vary enormously by state:
Highest-paying states:
- New York — $92,222/year average
- Massachusetts — $89,903/year
- California — $87,275/year
Lowest-paying states:
- Mississippi — $47,162/year
- West Virginia — $50,238/year
- South Dakota — $50,895/year
These are averages — starting salaries are typically 20% to 30% lower. Compare all states at our teacher salary data.
License Reciprocity Between States
Teaching license reciprocity is improving but still inconsistent:
- Interstate Agreement: Most states participate in NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which facilitates license transfer
- Reality: Many states accept out-of-state licenses but may require additional steps:
- State-specific exam (common)
- Additional coursework (some states)
- Mentoring program (some states)
- Processing time: 4 to 16 weeks for out-of-state transfers
Tip: If you’re planning to move, check both states’ requirements before relocating. Some transitions are seamless; others require significant additional work.
View requirements by state at LicenseCompass.
Continuing Education & Renewal
Teaching licenses must be renewed periodically, typically every 3 to 5 years:
- Professional development hours: 60 to 150 hours per cycle
- Graduate credits: Some states require or accept graduate coursework
- Mentoring: New teachers often must complete a mentoring program in their first 1 to 2 years
- Renewal fee: $25 to $100
- Advanced credentials: National Board Certification (NBPTS) is a voluntary advanced credential that can increase salary ($2,000 to $10,000 annual supplement in many states)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I teach without a teaching degree? Yes, through alternative certification programs. Every state offers pathways for career changers with bachelor’s degrees in other fields.
Which teaching exams do I need? It depends on your state and the subject/grade level you want to teach. Most states require a basic skills test plus a subject-area test. Check your specific state at LicenseCompass.
How long does it take to become a teacher through alternative certification? Most programs take 1 to 2 years. Some allow you to start teaching (under a provisional license) within a few months while completing the program.
Do private schools require a teaching license? Generally no. Most private schools set their own hiring requirements. However, having a state license is still advantageous for credibility and career flexibility.
Is teaching a good career financially? The average teacher salary ($66,397 nationally) is modest compared to other professions requiring a bachelor’s degree. However, benefits (pension, health insurance, summers off) and job security are significant advantages. States like New York, California, and Massachusetts offer competitive salaries above $80,000 for experienced teachers.
Data sourced from CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) and the National Center for Education Statistics. Requirements change frequently — verify with your state Department of Education.