How to get a teaching certificate
Table of Contents
Are you passionate about becoming an educator? Then you'll want to learn about the process of obtaining a teaching certificate.
Discover how to determine your goals, fulfill the educational requirements of your state, pass your state-required tests, and apply for a teaching certificate in your state of choice so that you can pursue the career of becoming a teacher.
Steps to get a teaching certificate
Step 1: Determine your teaching goals
You've decided to become an educator, but have you considered what you want to teach? Educational requirements vary across grade levels and subject or specialty areas.
When evaluating your teaching goals, consider the following types of teachers.
- Preschool teachers focus on developmental skills (motor, social, language) for children under five years old.
- Elementary school educators often teach multiple subjects, including math, science, and social studies, to a single class.
- Middle school educators work with grades six to eight and typically teach one subject to multiple groups.
- English as a second language (ESL) educators instruct non-native English speakers in reading, speaking, and writing English. They work in kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) schools, adult education programs, community centers, and other learning institutions.
- Special education teachers work with students across grade levels with learning, emotional, or other disabilities.
Step 2: Fulfill the educational requirements of your state
Earning a bachelor's degree in education from an accredited program, whether in person or online, is the traditional path to becoming a teacher. Coursework is typically supplemented by in-person, supervised classroom experience and preparation for state-required licensure exams.
To teach a specific subject, you can consider majoring in that subject while completing educator coursework. Check with your student advisor to ensure you take the necessary courses to meet your teaching goals.
If you already have a bachelor's degree but it's in an unrelated field, you can become a teacher by completing a state-approved educator preparation program (EPP). These programs may be online or in person and include supervised experience in an actual classroom. The typical timeline for completion is one to two years.
In some states, you can receive a provisional teaching certificate, begin teaching in schools, and earn a salary while you complete your educator preparation program. There are also residency models through which you gain practical experience and earn a salary while completing a master's in teaching (MAT) program. A bachelor's degree is required for both certification pathways.
Keep in mind …
All states require a bachelor's degree to be eligible to take state licensure exams. Some education positions may require a master's degree. You should reference your state's official education department or teaching board to confirm all requirements.
Step 3: Take state-required tests
The corresponding tests for certification will vary by area of certification and location. Note that you may need to take multiple tests for your chosen certification.
Required tests may cover:
- Ethics
- Pedagogy
- Academics
- Teacher readiness
Specific tests you may encounter include the edTPA, which evaluates planning, teaching, and assessment skills. Another test is Praxis, which offers multiple teacher certification tests, including core academic skills and assessments according to subject and grade level. However, some states have their own examinations, e.g., the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE).
To take the teacher certification exams, you may need approval from your educational institution, educator program, or a state board.
Additionally, exam fees can range from $64 to $300 per test. Most testing programs offer preparation resources, both free and paid.
Step 4: Apply for a teaching certificate
After you've completed the required certification tests, you can apply for a teaching certificate.
In general, most states require:
- A completed application
- An application fee of $50 to $150
- A background check
- Institutional recommendations
- Official transcripts
Look to your state's education board for details on how to apply. Contact the board directly for assistance if you are unsure about the process.
Did you know…
In 2023, the median income for teachers was higher than for all workers.
The U.S. Census Bureau 2023 American Community Survey reported the median income for all workers at $60,070.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported the following median annual salary information for teachers as May 2023:
- Kindergarten and elementary: $63,670
- Middle school: $64,290
- High school: $65,220
- Special education teachers: $65,910
Educators with master's degrees, such as a master of education (MEd), may qualify for higher-paying roles, including leadership positions.
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