To become a teacher in the United States, chances are you'll need a formal credential — especially if you plan to work in the public school system. Credentialing standards vary by state, but most require you to hold a license or certification to qualify for instructional roles in public K-12 schools.
Learn how to get a teaching license with this career prep guide: It covers the teaching degrees, professional preparation, examination, and background check requirements you'll need to meet to move forward with your career plans.
What Is a Teaching Credential?
Each state issues a teaching credential, which, depending on your location, may be called a teaching license, certification, or certificate. These are specific to grades or your area of expertise. For example, an elementary teacher certification usually covers grades K-6.
States typically issue temporary, initial, or conditional teaching licenses to first-time teachers. Depending on the state, these are usually good for 1-3 years and are nonrenewable.
After demonstrating your proficiency as a teacher and possibly taking one or more courses in an approved credentialing program, you can apply for a standard or permanent teaching license. You typically must renew this license every 4-5 years.
Many states have initiated three-level licensure. The third level requires additional experience and, in some cases, a master's degree in education or any field.
Endorsements are attached to your teaching license. These designate the areas you're qualified to teach. Some examples of teacher endorsements include elementary, early childhood, and special education; English as a second language; biology; math; music; and physical education.
How to Get a Teaching Certificate: Step-by-Step Guide
Students can take varying paths to become educators depending on their state's requirements. The sections below outline the general process. However, learners should consult with their state's teacher licensing board to learn specifics.
Did You Know…
In the 2020-21 school year, 51% of public school teachers held a master's degree.
Explore Teacher Credentialing in Your State
Do You Need a Teaching License to Teach?
Depending on where you teach, professional licensure may not be required.
Generally, preK-12 public school teachers are required to hold a state-issued teaching credential. In some cases, those with a bachelor's degree pursuing alternative licensure may start teaching while fulfilling additional requirements toward earning their certification.
Requirements in private schools vary. Religious schools, Montessori schools, and Waldorf schools usually only require teachers to hold a bachelor's degree. These institutions often follow their own certification process. For example, Montessori-certified teachers must complete about one or two years of training. Even when licensure is not required, some private schools may prefer to hire teachers with it.
College professors and private tutors typically do not need a teaching license; however, professors generally need at least a master's degree.. If you're considering teaching abroad, most international schools require a U.S. teaching license. However, many English language teaching positions may not require certification.
Which States Have Teaching License Reciprocity?
States with reciprocity agreements may accept your teaching credential earned in a different state. The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification created the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, a collection of 50 agreements that outline what licenses a state accepts.
The following eight states offer full reciprocity for fully licensed teachers: Arizona, Florida, Hawai'i, Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, and Oklahoma. These states require paperwork and a fee, but little, if any, additional assessments.
Some states require a certain level of experience. Others mandate extra training, additional coursework, or assessments. It's best to contact the state licensing board to determine specific requirements for licensure reciprocity.