How to Obtain a Teaching License
- 1). Decide what subject you want to teach. This will help you to determine where you need to go to school and which type of degree program you need to pursue. Most states certify elementary school teachers separately from secondary school teachers with different requirements for each.
- 2). Visit your state's department of education website to determine what the specific requirements are for your state. Each state has its own set of licensing and certification requirements. For the most part, the process is the same for most states, but supporting documentation, application forms and certification exams can vary. It will help you to know these requirements before starting the application process.
- 3). Complete a bachelor's degree program. Some states will require you to complete a bachelor's degree in education and allow you to have a concentration in the field in which you intend to teach. Others, like Texas and California, only require that you complete a bachelor's degree in the subject you wish to teach and then take additional curriculum that constitutes the teacher education program. Most bachelor's degree programs leading to a teaching credential take four years to complete.
- 4). Pass the certification exams required by your state's department of education. The number of exams required varies by state and usually ranges between one and three. Exams usually include a preprofessional skills assessment that tests you ability and knowledge in essential math, reading and writing skills needed by all teachers. Some states also require you to pass a professional teaching practice exam that examines your knowledge of how to handle the classroom and ethical issues. The third exam is the subject-area exam. It is the one most commonly required by all states. The subject-area exam tests your knowledge of the subject you intend to teach.
- 5). Apply for a teaching license through your state's education office. This usually entails submitting an application, fingerprint cards (for a background check), an application fee, college transcripts, a recommendation or endorsement from your college and notarized copies of your certification exam scores.
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