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Teaching Certification

Certification is a must for public school teachers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Some states require that private school teachers be certified as well. State education boards or licensing committees grant teaching certificates that cover specific grade levels and/or specialized subjects.

Requirements for certification are typically a bachelor’s degree, completion of an approved teacher training program, and practice teaching. Depending on the state and type of license, you may have to meet additional requirements such as passing a basic skills test, demonstrating subject matter expertise, completing graduate work, and/or meeting continuing education requirements.

Some states have special programs that help teachers become certified. Alternative certification programs provide expedited alternative licenses to teachers in high demand areas such as math and science. Also, reciprocity agreements between some states help teachers who are certified in one state become licensed in another. Some states certify knowledgeable vocational education teachers who do not hold bachelor’s degrees.

If you’re planning to become a teacher, be sure to check out your state’s certification requirements.