What you need to become a licensed teacher
A teaching license is a credential issued by your state that says you have met the requirements to teach in public schools. You cannot teach in a public school classroom without one. The path to getting licensed involves completing a teacher preparation program, passing a content exam in your subject area, and passing a pedagogy exam that tests your knowledge of how to teach. After that, you submit your paperwork to your state's education department for final approval.
The exact steps and timeline depend on which state you live in and what grade level or subject you want to teach. Some states have faster routes than others. Some let you start teaching while your paperwork is still processing; others require full approval before your first day. The cost ranges from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on whether you pursue a bachelor's degree in education or a faster alternative program.
Key Takeaways
- You must complete a teacher preparation program, which can be part of a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, or a standalone alternative program that takes a few months.
- You will take at least two exams: one on the subject you want to teach and one on teaching methods and classroom management.
- Your state education department issues the actual license after you submit proof of program completion and passing exam scores.
- Some states let you teach on a provisional or temporary license while your final paperwork processes; others require full approval first.
- The timeline from starting a program to holding a full license ranges from one year for alternative programs to four years for a bachelor's degree.
The three main routes to a teaching license
The bachelor's degree in education is the traditional path. You earn your degree in education or in a subject area with an education minor, and teacher preparation is built into your coursework. You take education classes alongside your subject courses, do student teaching (usually a semester-long placement in a real classroom), and graduate with your degree and teaching license in hand. This takes four years and costs what a bachelor's degree costs at your school.
The master's degree in education is for people who already have a bachelor's degree in any field. You complete a one- or two-year master's program that includes teacher preparation, student teaching, and exam preparation. This route is faster than starting over with a bachelor's degree but costs more per year because it is a graduate program.
The alternative certification program is the fastest route. These are programs run by universities, nonprofits, or private companies that compress teacher preparation into a few months to a year. You take intensive coursework in teaching methods, often while working as a teacher of record (meaning you are already in a classroom, sometimes earning a salary). You pass your exams and submit your paperwork while or shortly after the program ends. Alternative programs cost less than a degree program but more than a bachelor's degree alone, usually between $2,000 and $8,000.
The exams you must pass
Every state requires you to pass a content exam in the subject you want to teach. If you want to teach high school biology, you take a biology content exam. If you want to teach elementary school, you take a general elementary content exam. These exams are usually administered by Pearson or Educational Testing Service (ETS) and are called by different names in different states — some call them Praxis exams, some call them state-specific exams. You find out which exam your state requires by checking your state education department's website.
You also must pass a pedagogy exam, which tests your knowledge of teaching methods, classroom management, child development, and how students learn. This exam is also usually a Praxis exam or a state-specific version. Some states combine the content and pedagogy into a single exam; others keep them separate.
Most people take these exams after completing their teacher preparation program, when they have studied the material in their coursework. You register for the exams through the testing company's website, pay a fee (usually $100 to $200 per exam), and take them at a testing center. You get your score within a few weeks. If you do not pass, you can retake the exam, usually after waiting a set period and paying the fee again.
How to find your state's requirements
Your state education department is the official source for what you need to do. Search online for "[your state] department of education teacher licensure" or "[your state] teaching license requirements." You will land on a page that lists the exams you need, the programs that are approved in your state, the process process, and the fees.
Some states have a single pathway; others have multiple routes with different requirements. Some states let you hold a temporary or provisional license while you finish your exams or paperwork; others do not. Some states have teacher shortages and offer faster approval or fee waivers for certain subjects like math, science, or special education. Your state's website will tell you whether any of these explore to you.
If the state website is hard to navigate, call the teacher licensure office directly. They can tell you exactly which exams to take, which programs are approved, and what the timeline looks like for your situation.
Choosing a teacher preparation program
If you already have a bachelor's degree and want to move quickly, an alternative certification program is usually the fastest and cheapest option. Programs like Teach for America, iTeach, and state-specific programs run by universities can get you licensed in one year or less. These programs are competitive — some have acceptance rates below 20 percent — but they move fast and often help you find a job.
If you do not have a bachelor's degree yet, a bachelor's degree in education from a university is the traditional choice. You can also look for universities that offer accelerated bachelor's programs in education, which compress the four-year degree into three years by running year-round.
Before you enroll, check that the program is approved by your state. An approved program means the state recognizes it and will process your license process when you finish. An unapproved program means you may have to do additional work or take additional exams to meet state requirements. Your state education department website lists approved programs.
The process and approval process
After you finish your teacher preparation program and pass your exams, you submit an process to your state education department. The process includes your program completion certificate, your exam score reports, a background check (usually fingerprinting), and an process fee (typically $50 to $200). You submit this through your state's online portal or by mail, depending on what your state offers.
Processing time varies. Some states issue a license within two weeks; others take six to eight weeks. During this time, some states let you teach on a provisional or temporary license if you have a job offer from a school. Other states require full approval before you can start teaching. Check your state's rules before you accept a job.
Once your license is approved, you receive a certificate or digital credential that you can show to employers. Most licenses are valid for five to ten years, after which you renew by completing continuing education credits and paying a renewal fee.
What happens if you move to a different state
A teaching license from one state does not automatically work in another state. Each state has its own requirements and approval process. However, many states have reciprocity agreements, meaning they recognize licenses from certain other states without requiring you to repeat everything. Some states let you transfer your license with just a fee and a background check; others require you to pass additional exams or complete additional coursework.
If you think you might move, check the reciprocity rules between your current state and the state you are considering before you enroll in a program. Some programs are designed to meet multiple states' requirements, which can save you time and money later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I teach without a license while I am working toward one?
It depends on your state and your situation. Some states issue a provisional or temporary teaching license that lets you teach while you complete your program or exams. Other states require full licensure before you can enter a classroom as the teacher of record. A few states let you teach in private schools without a license. Check your state's rules and ask your teacher preparation program what options are available to you.
How much does it cost to get a teaching license?
The cost depends on your route. A bachelor's degree in education costs what a bachelor's degree costs at your school, usually $20,000 to $100,000 total. A master's degree in education costs $15,000 to $40,000. An alternative certification program costs $2,000 to $8,000. Add exam fees ($100 to $200 per exam) and process fees ($50 to $200). Some programs offer payment plans or scholarships.
What if I fail one of the required exams?
You can retake the exam. Most states let you retake it after a waiting period of a few weeks to a few months. You pay the exam fee again each time you take it. Many people pass on their second or third attempt. Your teacher preparation program usually offers study materials and tutoring to help you prepare for a retake.
Do I need a master's degree to teach?
No. A bachelor's degree with teacher preparation is enough to get licensed and teach. Some teachers earn a master's degree later for a salary increase or to move into leadership roles, but it is not required to start teaching.
How long does it take to get a teaching license?
If you already have a bachelor's degree, an alternative certification program can get you licensed in six months to one year. If you do not have a bachelor's degree, a bachelor's degree in education takes four years. A master's degree in education takes one to two years. Add a few weeks for the state to process your final process after you submit it.