LicenseCompass

TEACHER-PUBLIC SCHOOL License in District of Columbia

Quick Answer

To become a licensed public school teacher in DC, you need to complete required coursework and meet the Board of Education's requirements. Contact the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education for detailed requirements. DC offers both traditional and charter school teaching opportunities. Estimated costs are approximately $400 (excluding degree).

Exam
Praxis Exams
Total Cost
$400 (est.)
Timeline
4-5 years (including degree)
Renewal
Every 5 years

Requirements

TEACHER-PUBLIC SCHOOL license in District of Columbia

gold
Education
Specific course required
Exam
No exam required
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee
$50
Exam Fee
$200
Renewal Fee
$50
Total Estimated Cost
$400

Licensing Agency

Government of the District of Columbia~Board of Education

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your TEACHER-PUBLIC SCHOOL license in District of Columbia. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Application FeeEst.$50
Exam FeeEst.$200
Total Estimated Cost$250

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the District of Columbia licensing board.

TEACHER-PUBLIC SCHOOL Salary in District of Columbia

Entry Level

$62,280

Median

$94,730

Experienced

$123,560

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed TEACHER-PUBLIC SCHOOL in District of Columbia.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Specific course required

  2. 2

    Pass the Required Exam

    No exam required — Praxis Exams

  3. 3

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$50.

  4. 4

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 4-5 years (including degree).

TEACHER-PUBLIC SCHOOL Licensing in District of Columbia: What to Know

DC's COS data provides minimal information — 'Contact licensing agency for more information.' Specific coursework is required but no exam is listed. The DC Board of Education handles public school teacher licensing. DC's unique status as a federal district means teachers may work in traditional public schools, public charter schools, or federal schools. DC's high cost of living is offset by relatively competitive teacher salaries compared to national averages.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a TEACHER-PUBLIC SCHOOL license cost in District of Columbia?
The estimated total cost is $400, including application fees, exam fees ($200), and education costs.
How long does it take to get a TEACHER-PUBLIC SCHOOL license in District of Columbia?
The process typically takes 4-5 years (including degree), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a TEACHER-PUBLIC SCHOOL license in District of Columbia?
You need to pass the Praxis Exams. No exam required

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.