State teaching certificate or license (public schools)
Granted by state education departments, not by a national exam alone. A bachelor's degree with a minimum grade point average and a teacher preparation program that includes student teaching (BLS). Every state also has an alternative route for people who already hold a bachelor's degree.
Granted byState education departments and educator certification boards
National exams5General teaching test + subject test (the state's choice) · Praxis (Pennsylvania and ot...
ExperienceStudent teaching inside the preparation program; some states then require a master's degree after you are certified and hired (BLS).
Other statesApply state by stateno compact list on this page
How to get licensed
A bachelor's degree with a minimum grade point average and a teacher preparation program that includes student teaching (BLS). Every state also has an alternative route for people who already hold a bachelor's degree.
- High school diploma
- Bachelor's degree (education, or a content major where the state asks for one)
- State-approved teacher preparation program with student teaching (or an alternative program)
- The state's tests: general teaching knowledge and your subject
- Background check and fingerprints
- State certificate or license for a grade level and subjectLicense
- Professional development to keep itLicense
The exams
National bodies write the exams; the state board decides who is licensed. ETS — writes the Praxis tests; Pennsylvania, for example, sets which Praxis tests and passing scores it requires; Pearson — runs state test programs such as New York's NYSTCE and some Pennsylvania tests.
- General teaching test + subject test (the state's choice)BLS: certification generally involves passing a general teaching certification test and a test of the subject you will teach. States pick the tests: Praxis, a Pearson program, or their own.
BLS
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- Praxis (Pennsylvania and other states)Pennsylvania assesses General Knowledge, Professional Knowledge and Subject Area Knowledge before it issues a certificate; its registration list names ETS/Praxis and Pearson. PK-12 candidates also take Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge (5511) on a first certificate.
PDE
Certification TestingPennsylvania Department of Education- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- NYSTCE (New York)Usually the Educating All Students (EAS) test plus the Content Specialty Test(s) for the certificate title.
NYSED
Certification Test RequirementsNew York State Education Department, Office of Teaching Initiatives- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- Florida General Knowledge Test and subject area examsA passing General Knowledge score counts for 10 years; a master's degree, a standard certificate from another state or set GRE scores can also meet the requirement.
FLDOE
General KnowledgeFlorida Department of Education- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- Texas certification examsYour educator preparation program approves you to test. Core Subjects EC–6 (391) is last offered on 31 August 2027 and is being replaced by new Core EC–6 exams with constructed-response questions.
TEA
Educator TestingTexas Education Agency- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
State rules and other states
All states require public school teachers to be licensed or certified in the specific grade level they teach (BLS). The tests, routes, fees and renewal rules differ by state, so follow your state's education department.
What 5 state boards publish
| State | What the board asks for | Exam | Fee | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Texas Education Agency (TEA) | Five requirements: a bachelor's degree from an accredited college; an approved educator preparation program (a university program if you have no degree; an alternative certification or post-baccalaureate program if you do); the certification exams your program approves; a state application; and fingerprinting for a national criminal background check. TEABecoming a Classroom Teacher in TexasTexas Education Agency
TEAEducator TestingTexas Education Agency
| |||
| California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) | Multiple Subject (elementary) preliminary credential, valid up to 5 years: a bachelor's degree; subject matter competence by exam, an approved subject matter program, coursework or a liberal studies major; a U.S. Constitution course or exam; an approved preparation program with reading instruction, CPR training and a Teaching Performance Assessment; and the program's recommendation. The clear credential comes through an induction program. CTCMultiple Subject Teaching Credential Requirements for Teachers Prepared in California (CL-561C)California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
| |||
| New York NYSED Office of Teaching Initiatives | A New York State certificate is required to teach in public schools; it confirms degree, coursework, test and experience requirements. Pathways include an approved New York preparation program, an alternative program, individual evaluation and applicants from other states. Tests usually include the EAS and the Content Specialty Test(s). NYSEDCertification from Start to FinishNew York State Education Department, Office of Teaching Initiatives
NYSEDPathways to CertificationNew York State Education Department, Office of Teaching Initiatives
NYSEDCertification Test RequirementsNew York State Education Department, Office of Teaching Initiatives
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| Florida Florida Department of Education | Temporary certificate (5 school years, not renewable): a bachelor's degree and subject area knowledge (an exam, or subject specialization with a 2.5 GPA); issued once a Florida school hires you and your fingerprints clear. Professional certificate (5 years, renewable): adds general knowledge and professional preparation and education competence. FLDOECertificate Types and RequirementsFlorida Department of Education
FLDOEGeneral KnowledgeFlorida Department of Education
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| Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) | At least 18, good moral character, a U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work, and a bachelor's degree. Finish a traditional preparation program (GPA of at least 3.0) or enroll in an intern program (a free intern certificate lets you teach up to 3 years). Pass the required tests and apply through TIMS; an instructional certificate application is typically $200. PDEGet Certified to Teach in Pennsylvania SchoolsPennsylvania Department of Education
PDECertification TestingPennsylvania Department of Education
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Each row is copied from that board's own page and cites it. A dash means the board page we read did not state it. Other states have their own rules: check the board where you will work, or open the state pages.
Good to know
Not always required
- Private school teachers typically do not need a license (BLS).
- College and university (postsecondary) teachers: no state teaching license, unless the subject they prepare students for needs one (BLS).
Changes to watch
- Texas: Core Subjects EC–6 (391) is last offered 31 August 2027; new Core EC–6 exams come no earlier than September 2027 (TEA).
- California: from 27 September 2026, candidates need a permit, a credential or an application for a Certificate of Clearance before a preparation program admits them (CTC).