How to Get a Teaching Certificate: Tips & Requirements

Published on: March 25, 2020 | 11 minutes read

By: Alliant University

Education

The term “teaching certificate” is a surprisingly complicated one. In some states, your “professional certificate” is simply the printed or electronic verification that proves you have completed a professional teaching program. It is a part of the requirements to become a teacher, but it is not your ticket to working as a licensed teacher.

In other places, a teaching certificate is the same as a teaching credential or license. In states like Alaska, Kentucky, New York, and Washington, having a “teaching certificate” means you have a license to teach. It shows that you have met all of the state’s requirements, including a degree, teacher training, student teaching, and the basic skills and subject-matter proficiency.

Depending on the state, these terms are sometimes used interchangeably. However, no matter where you are, a teaching certificate is usually required to work as a teacher, whether the term refers to a piece of paper or a license.

In any case, if you want to earn a teaching certificate, you will generally need to earn a teaching degree. An institution like Alliant University can prepare you for your teaching preparation program, classroom training, and beyond.

If you are wondering how to get a teaching certificate to complete the requirements to work as a licensed teacher, you are in the right place.

Key Takeaways

To earn a teaching certificate, you must graduate with a bachelor’s degree, complete a teaching certificate program, and apply for certification.
From start to finish, obtaining a teaching certificate can take four to five years, depending on your location and career goals.
Many universities now integrate educator preparation programs into their curricula to give teaching students an advantage.

How to Get a Teaching Certificate

Every public school educator must earn a teaching credential. On the other hand, not every private school requires educators to hold a teaching credential. It is important to look into which teacher education programs best fit your needs.

Because a teaching certificate shows that you have completed some of the necessary training required to teach, having one is never a bad idea. Here are the steps for an applicant to obtain a teaching certificate.

Step 1: Earn Your Teaching Degree

At a minimum, you will typically need a bachelor’s degree to teach. With that said, the degree you need depends on the subject and grade level you intend to teach, and whether you want a teacher training program embedded in your teaching degree from a college or university. Some educators choose to pursue a master’s program immediately to increase their expertise.

The requirements for each level of education are as follows:

Elementary school teachers – These professionals commonly pursue degrees in Early Childhood Education (for preschool and kindergarten) or Elementary Education (K-5). Typically, these degrees emphasize general classroom teaching, and elementary teachers usually become certified in multiple subjects. However, some states may recommend or require that elementary teachers—especially upper elementary—specialize in a subject like math, science, or social studies. Teachers in specialty fields, such as music, physical education, library, and computers, often pursue single-subject certification. Most Education degrees include teacher training and may be designed to meet the expectations of local school districts. This is particularly important if you’re researching how to become a teacher in California and want to meet state-specific standards.^[1]
Middle and high school teachers – These educators typically specialize in a particular content area, and therefore earn a single-subject degree and certification. Many colleges offer degrees in Secondary Education; in those programs, you study a content area of focus and complete an embedded teacher training program. There are also single-subject Education degrees, like Music Education, that include teacher training. If you pursue a non-Education degree, you will need to complete a separate teacher certification program through an approved program.
Special education teachers – These professionals pursue a specialized Education degree that equips them to support students with various disabilities. The degree allows them to work with all K–12 grades, though special education teachers often focus on one level of schooling, moving from general to more specific content as they work with older students. Individuals with special education degrees can pursue certification, such as the Credential in Education Specialist Instruction, Mild/Moderate Disabilities.

Note that each state may have more nuanced certification criteria. Research the requirements in your own state, or even if you plan to teach out-of-state, to know which degree program is right for you.

Step 2: Complete a Teaching Certificate Program

Once you complete a teacher certification program, you are qualified to teach in a particular subject area or grade level. Whether you pursue a teaching certificate in a single subject, multiple subjects, or special education, your teacher training program curriculum will include coursework in technology, differentiated learning, curriculum, and instructional practice.

Depending on the institution hosting the educator preparation program, courses may be offered in traditional classroom settings or through online programs. Your teacher preparation training will also include a practicum where you are placed in a local classroom.

Some educator certification programs give you options for completing your practicum.

The student teaching option typically includes 16 weeks of classroom observation and 16 weeks of classroom teaching under a “master teacher,” where you gradually take over a portion of the teaching duties. During your time as a teacher candidate, a program supervisor observes and evaluates your lessons, then helps you refine your instructional practices. This option may be best for an aspiring teacher with minimal teaching experience because classroom responsibilities are handed over gradually.

Other options allow you to complete your teacher certification while getting paid as a working teacher-of-record. The standard intern option also typically amounts to 32 weeks, during which you will be fully responsible for a classroom as a salaried teacher-of-record. (There is also an early completion option, which is an accelerated version of the standard intern option.) Because these intern options require a higher degree of responsibility and classroom competence, they are especially suited to those certificate candidates with prior teaching experience.^[2]

If your degree does not include teacher training, the credits you earn from the training program may be applicable toward a master’s degree. Keep this in mind as you research options for your degree and teaching certificate program.

Step 3: Fulfill Other State Requirements

In addition to your degree and teacher training, states may also require you to demonstrate competency in basic skills (reading, English, and mathematics) as well as your subject matter of focus. Some of these requirements can be satisfied through your state-approved degree program, but some of them must be satisfied through testing. Make sure to review the specific testing requirements set by your state’s teaching board and verify that you meet all criteria.

The application process also includes background checks and fingerprinting. Teacher certification requirements vary, so check your state’s Department of Education website.

Step 4: Apply for Your Teaching Certificate

After you have checked off all the requirements, your final step is to fill out your state’s application for teaching certification. You will need to include:

An official university transcript
Your state exam results
Proof of any other requirements
The application fee

Teacher Preparation Programs That Lead to Certification

As part of the certification process, most aspiring teachers will complete a state-approved educator preparation program. Some universities include these programs within an Education degree or post-baccalaureate credential program; others will simply help students enter and complete the program elsewhere through an accredited provider.

However you approach your educator preparation program, it is a vital part of the teaching certification journey. These programs typically cover:

Pedagogy and curriculum coursework – Future instructors learn the psychology and science of education, then explore ways to incorporate those topics into developing course content.
Classroom management training – The best teachers know how to create and maintain a safe, welcoming, and productive environment for every student.
Supervised student teaching or internships – An invaluable part of the process is the hands-on, in-classroom experience gained under supervision from a “master teacher.”
Preparation for state licensing exams – Institutions like Alliant University integrate exam readiness into the program, assisting graduates with state-specific strategies.

How Long Does a Certification Program Take?

If you follow a traditional college route with a major in Education, you may be able to earn your teaching certificate or teaching license in four or five years. On an accelerated track, you should be able to earn your certificate sooner than that, or at least work as a salaried teacher while completing your coursework.

A small portion of your timeline involves waiting for your actual certification. Submitted teaching certificate applications may take several weeks to process.

As you plan your professional development and career to be a certified teacher, think about these questions and how your choices will affect your own timeline:

Will you pursue an Education degree with embedded teacher training, or will you pursue a non-Education degree and take a separate teacher certificate program? Taking a separate, post-baccalaureate teaching program lengthens your timeline.
Will you be a full-time or part-time college student? Will you work while enrolled? Naturally, the more classes you take per semester, the faster you will graduate. However, taking a full course load may not be possible if you also have a job or family.
Will you enroll in a traditional or accelerated degree program? If you do need separate teacher training, accelerated programs are faster, but they are also more intense.
Will you take courses in a classroom or online? Some people prefer the structure of traveling to a physical space at a particular time. But many people enjoy the flexibility of online courses and the potential to take more units at a time.
Will you be a student teacher or a paid intern? Remember that previous teaching experience is necessary if you take the paid intern route.

Teaching Certificate Programs

Other Certificates for Teachers

Aside from a standard teaching certification, there are specialized programs that help teachers develop specialized skills or meet additional state requirements. Additionally, several states offer alternative paths to obtaining certification with the goal of increasing the number of competent teachers in classrooms.

These alternative options commonly include:

Certification through a structured alternative teacher preparation program
English as a Second Language (ESL) training
Transition to teaching
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification
Emergency and provisional teaching certification
In-district training
Teaching experience evaluation and portfolio assessments

Certificates give you additional professional qualifications without a lengthy degree program. You can find all kinds of certificate programs that supplement your degree and provide training in a particular topic. For example, Alliant University offers a Certificate in California Teachers of English Learners (CTEL) that helps prepare you to effectively teach students of all language backgrounds.

FAQs

Can You Get a Teaching Certificate Online?

Many elements of a teacher preparation program can be completed online. Some programs combine online lectures or hybrid coursework with in-person classroom placements.

Hybrid teaching programs—like those at Alliant University—offer flexibility for working professionals or students with young families since much of the work is self-directed. Best of all, a teacher can remain in their community and finish their student teaching in local classrooms, all while doing their coursework remotely.

What is the Difference Between a Certified Teacher and a Licensed Teacher?

In general, there is no distinction between a certified and licensed teacher. The term “certification” is commonly used to describe the required credential to teach in public schools, while some states use “certificate” and others use “license.” However, the terms may be used interchangeably.

Teachers who hold a state license may opt to earn additional certifications, such as National Board Certification. This voluntary certification is not referred to as a license since it is provided by the state.

What is the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification?

National Board Certification (NBPTS certification) is a sought-after and demanding credential for state-certified teachers to demonstrate their mastery in the profession. Obtaining National Board Certification is voluntary.

Start Your Teaching Career on the Right Foot with Alliant University

Obtaining teacher certification can be a complex process with several forks in the road. But wherever you hope your teaching certificate will take you, your journey must begin with an exceptional education.

The teaching programs at Alliant University are specifically designed with future teachers in mind. Throughout your degree, you will acquire the necessary skills to teach in any classroom and enjoy early preparation for state licensing requirements. You will also complete a built-in educator preparation program, accelerating your teacher certification timeline.

To learn more about our teaching programs, contact the admissions team today.

Sources:

^[1] Stoffle, Audrey. “Elementary School Teacher Career Guide.” Teacher Certification Degrees. Accessed March 31, 2026. https://www.teachercertificationdegrees.com/careers/elementary-school-teacher/.

^[2] “District Intern Credential for Multiple Subject, Single Subject, and Education Specialist Instruction Teaching.” Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Accessed March 31, 2026. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/district-intern-credential-(cl-707b).