What you need to do to teach in public schools
To teach in a public school, you need a teaching license (also called a teaching certificate or credential). This is a document issued by your state that says you have met the requirements to teach a specific subject or grade level. You cannot teach in a public school without one, though some private schools have different rules.
The path to a teaching license has four main parts: earning a bachelor's degree, passing required exams, completing a teacher preparation program, and submitting your paperwork to your state's education department. The exact steps and timeline vary by state and by what you want to teach. Most people spend one to two years on this process after finishing their bachelor's degree, though some complete it while still in college.
Your state's education department is the body that actually issues the license. You do not explore to a federal office or a national organization. Each state has its own rules, its own exams, and its own process process, so the first step is finding out what your specific state requires.
Key Takeaways
- Every state requires a bachelor's degree in any subject, plus completion of a teacher preparation program that includes classroom observation and student teaching.
- You must pass your state's content exam (testing knowledge of what you want to teach) and a pedagogy exam (testing teaching methods), though exam names and requirements vary by state.
- Your state's department of education is where you submit your license process, and their website lists the exact documents and fees required.
- Some states let you earn a bachelor's degree and complete teacher preparation at the same time through a university education program; others require you to finish your degree first and then attend a separate program.
- Alternative certification programs exist for people who already have a bachelor's degree in another field and want to teach without spending two more years in a traditional education program.
The bachelor's degree requirement
You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. The degree can be in any subject—you do not have to major in education. Many people earn a degree in the subject they want to teach (like biology, history, or mathematics), while others earn degrees in unrelated fields and then complete a teacher preparation program afterward.
If you are still in college, ask your advisor whether your school offers a teacher education program or education major that lets you complete your bachelor's degree and your teacher preparation at the same time. This is often faster than doing them separately. If your school does not offer this, or if you have already finished your degree, you will need to enroll in a separate teacher preparation program after graduation.
Teacher preparation programs and student teaching
A teacher preparation program (sometimes called a teacher education program or certification program) teaches you how to actually teach. It covers classroom management, lesson planning, assessment, and how to teach your specific subject to students. Most programs last one to two years and include both coursework and student teaching—a semester or year where you work in an actual classroom under the supervision of an experienced teacher.
You can complete a teacher preparation program through a university education department, a standalone teacher preparation company, or sometimes through a school district itself. Universities are the most common route. Some programs are designed for people who already have a bachelor's degree in another field; these are sometimes called alternative certification programs or post-baccalaureate programs, and they often move faster than traditional university education programs because they skip general education requirements you have already completed.
Student teaching is a required part of every program. During this time, you teach real classes under supervision, usually for a full semester. Your supervising teacher and a university supervisor observe you and evaluate your teaching. You cannot get a license without completing student teaching, and you cannot get paid during student teaching—it is part of your training.
Exams you must pass
Every state requires you to pass at least two exams before you can be licensed. The first is a content exam that tests your knowledge of 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 an exam covering the subjects taught in elementary school (reading, math, science, social studies). The second is a pedagogy exam (sometimes called a teaching methods exam or professional knowledge exam) that tests your understanding of how to teach.
The most common exam system is Praxis, made by the Educational Testing Service. Many states use Praxis exams, though some states have their own exams or accept alternatives. Your state's education department website will tell you which exams you need to take, what they cost (usually between $100 and $300 per exam), and when you can take them. You typically take these exams after you have completed most or all of your teacher preparation program, though some states let you take them earlier.
You must pass these exams before you submit your license process. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam, usually after waiting a set period (often 30 days). There is no limit to how many times you can retake an exam, though each attempt costs money.
explore for your license through your state
Once you have completed your teacher preparation program and passed your exams, you submit an process to your state's department of education (sometimes called the department of public instruction or the state board of education). This is where the actual license is issued.
You will need to submit documents including your bachelor's degree transcript, proof that you passed your exams, your teacher preparation program completion certificate, and sometimes fingerprints for a background check. Some states require a small fee (usually $50 to $200). The process process is usually online through your state's education department website.
Processing times vary by state, but most licenses are issued within four to eight weeks of submitting a complete process. Some states issue licenses faster during the summer when many teachers are explore. Once your license is issued, you can begin teaching. Most licenses are valid for five to ten years and then must be renewed, though renewal requirements vary by state.
Different types of teaching licenses
Teaching licenses are specific to what you teach and what grade level you teach. A license to teach elementary school is different from a license to teach high school English. A license to teach mathematics is different from a license to teach special education. When you choose your teacher preparation program and take your content exam, you are choosing a specific license type.
Some people earn multiple licenses. For example, you might earn a license to teach both English and social studies, or both elementary education and special education. Each additional license usually requires passing another content exam and sometimes additional coursework, though some states let you add licenses more easily if you already hold one.
A few states offer emergency licenses or provisional licenses that let you teach while you are still completing your preparation program or exams, usually when there is a shortage of teachers in a particular subject. These are temporary and come with conditions—you typically must complete your full certification within a set time period, often one or two years. Emergency licenses are not available in all states and are not available for all subjects.
Timeline and cost
If you are currently in a bachelor's degree program and your school offers a teacher education program, you can often complete everything—your degree and your teaching license—by the time you graduate. This takes four years total.
If you already have a bachelor's degree, an alternative certification program typically takes one to two years. A traditional university education program for people with a bachelor's degree also takes one to two years, though some take longer.
The total cost varies widely depending on the program you choose. A university-based program might cost $10,000 to $30,000 for tuition and fees. Some alternative certification programs cost less; others cost more. Exam fees add another $200 to $600. Some states charge a small fee for the license process itself. Many teacher preparation programs offer financial aid, scholarships, or payment plans. Some states and school districts offer loan forgiveness programs for teachers who commit to teaching in high-need schools or subjects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I teach without a license?
Not in public schools. Private schools have different rules—some require a license, some do not. If you want to teach in a public school, you must have a license issued by your state. Some states offer emergency or provisional licenses that let you teach while completing your certification, but these are temporary and not available everywhere.
What if I already have a bachelor's degree in a different field?
You can still become a teacher. You do not need a degree in education. You will need to complete a teacher preparation program (which can be done through a university or an alternative certification program) and pass your state's content and pedagogy exams. Alternative certification programs are often faster and cheaper than traditional university education programs for people in your situation.
Do I have to student teach?
Yes. Student teaching is a required part of every teacher preparation program in every state. It is usually a semester or a full year where you teach in a real classroom under supervision. You cannot get a license without completing it, and you are not paid during student teaching.
How long is a teaching license valid?
Most teaching licenses are valid for five to ten years, depending on your state. After that, you must renew your license, usually by completing continuing education courses or professional development hours. Your state's education department will tell you the renewal requirements and timeline.
Can I teach in another state with my license?
Not automatically. Each state issues its own licenses and has its own requirements. If you move to another state, you will usually need to explore for a license in that state. Some states have reciprocity agreements that make it easier to transfer a license from another state, but you should check with the new state's education department to find out what you need to do.