WHAT CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED TO TEACH AFTER I EARN A TEACHING DEGREE?

Updated December 1, 2022 · 1 Min Read

Here are some of the most common paths that prospective teachers take after earning their college degree but before completing their licensure as a teacher.

BestValueSchools.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

There is more than one way to earn certification after completing your teaching degree. Depending on the state that you reside in, you'll have multiple options in ways to earn classroom experience before becoming certified as an official teacher. The following are some of the most common paths that prospective teachers take after earning their college degree but before completing their licensure as a teacher.

Resource: 50 Best Value Colleges for a Teaching Degree

The Provisional Period

One of the most common things to do while working to become certified after earning a teaching degree is to undergo a temporary provisional period. While working on a provisional basis, you will be able to gain valuable experience in the field while demonstrating that you have the basic skills necessary to conduct classroom sessions.

Though you won't be certified immediately upon completing your provisional program, skills that you'll develop while working in a live classroom environment can be invaluable for being able to start your teaching career off on the right foot.

After you have passed your provisional teaching phase, you can then go on to complete an exam to receive your teaching certificate. In the event that you're able to make a good enough impression on your supervisors while you complete your provisional program, you can have very valuable references for entering into whatever educational institution it is that you have an interest in teaching at following the receipt of your certificate.

Praxis Exams

Unless you happen to be in one of the four states that does not offer them, you can complete the next phase towards earning your teaching certification by going through the Praxis tests. There are four different practice tests in total:

  • Praxis Content Knowledge for Teaching Assessments
  • Praxis Subject Assessments
  • Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators
  • Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching

Depending on the state that you reside in, you might be able to complete the Praxis series test before you apply for your provisional teaching certificate.

Consulting The Department Of Education

Keep in mind that depending on your state, the overall cost for completing the Praxis tests may vary. It would be wise to put aside at least $400 in order to be prepared for all of the requirements. After you've completed the series of Praxis test, you will be eligible to apply for a teaching exam to become certified with your local Department of Education.

If you are able to achieve a passing score on the Department of Education's teaching exam, you will be officially certified for anywhere between one and five years. Keep in mind that even after becoming certified, you will have to maintain certification through periodic coursework.

Alternative Programs

Some of the alternative programs that allow people to gain provisional experience while their teaching certificate credits include the American Board and the Teach for America program. If you're interested in exploring all of the potential avenues for getting certified in your particular state, then you would be well-advised to inquire with your local state board of education. Another reliable resource for learning what your state's options for getting certified are is the National Association for Alternative Certification program.

Teaching is a great way to impact the future of our country. With the proper education and certification, you can be a teacher in no time.

Get prepared for your next steps

Use articles and resources to uncover answers to common questions, get guidance on your goals, and learn about applying to schools.

Discover a program that is right for you.

Explore different options for you based on your degree interests.