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Earn your Arizona Teacher Certification!

Learn everything you need to know about Arizona Teacher Certification.

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Arizona Teacher Certification Requirements

To become a teacher in Arizona, you must complete the follow steps:

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

  • The first step in becoming a teacher in Arizona involves earning a bachelor’s degree in education.
  • You can attend a state-approved teacher preparation program, which is an education program that provides you with classroom and practical training.

Practical Experience

  • During the final year of your teacher preparation program, you can complete a student-teaching experience.
  • Your mentor-teacher can provide your program’s administration with information on your teaching progress and skill advancement.

Pass Required Exams

  • The Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) are the exams educators can/must pass to receive their teaching license.
  • The type of exam that you take depends on the grade level that you may teach.

Pass Background Check

  • Before submitting an application for a teaching license, you can pass a background check with the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
  • The state requires that all teachers have a valid Arizona Identity Verified Prints (IVP) fingerprint card.

Apply for Certification

  • Entry-level educators in Arizona can earn a 3-Year Provisional Certificate to start their teaching career.
  • To apply for your teaching certification, go to the Arizona Department of Education’s website to download and print an application.

Start Looking for Jobs

  • You are now qualified and can begin seeking out teaching jobs in Arizona.
  • Use online resources to find jobs that fit your criteria.

Other Pathways to Becoming a Teacher in Arizona

  • Alternative Educator Preparation Certificate Program (including classroom-based programs) Completing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, then enrolling in a State Board-approved Educator Preparation Program that will allow students to complete the program requirements for certification while being employed as a full-time Arizona teacher with an Alternative Teaching Certificate. Completing the program requirements, certificate requirements, and verified teaching experience will lead to certification.
  • Traditional or Alternative Post-Baccalaureate Educator Preparation Program Completing a bachelor’s degree and completing a post-baccalaureate certificate program or a master’s degree program at an accredited institution. The program may include a culminating capstone 12-week student teaching experience leading to certification or may be completed while being employed full-time as an Arizona teacher.

How to Register For the Exams?

You can follow the following steps to register for your teacher certification exams:

  • Identify Your Exams: Determine the specific teacher certification exams you need to take. If you are a part of a certification program you should talk to your program advisor to determine which exams you need to take.
  • Create an Account: Visit the official testing service website and create an account.
  • Select Exam and Date: Login, choose your exam, and select a convenient test date and location.
  • Complete Registration: Follow instructions, provide necessary information, and pay exam fees online.

How To Study for Your Arizona Teacher Certification Exam

To become a certified teacher you must pass your required exam(s). Luckily, we offer a wide variety of study guides to help you pass your exams and get closer to getting that teacher certificate. Our study guides offer practice questions, video lessons, quizzes and full length practice tests to ensure you are ready come test day!

Our curriculum team studies all of the standards and competencies for the exams and cross-references them with the current and previous questions released by the official testing company. We then work with content and teaching experts to distill down what test-takers need to know. No matter where you are in the study guide, you can always see how the concept you are learning is aligned to the test standards.

Best Education Schools in Arizona

  • Arizona State University (Fulton)
  • University of Arizona
  • Northern Arizona University
  • American InterContinental University
  • Arizona State University–Downtown Phoenix
  • Arizona State University–West
  • Grand Canyon University
  • Northcentral University
  • Prescott College

Arizona Teacher Salary Information

As of Feb 27, 2024, the average annual pay for a Teacher in Arizona is $40,016 a year.

Take the Next Step Towards Your Arizona Teacher Certification!

50,000 Teachers passed their exam last year with the help of 240!

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Arizona Teacher Certification FAQs

How long does it take to become a teacher in Arizona?

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement, typically taking four years to complete.

Can you teach in Arizona without a degree?

Yes, in limited circumstances. A change came in July 2022 when Governor Doug Ducey signed Senate Bill 1159 into law, allowing anyone enrolled in college to teach in a classroom, even if they do not yet hold a traditional teaching degree. However, these are again very limited and short-term options: not career-paths.

Are teachers in demand in Arizona?

Arizona classrooms continue to be understaffed, with more than 6,000 of them missing a qualified teacher. The latest survey from the Arizona School Personnel Administrators Association confirmed that the state’s teacher shortage has now entered its eighth year.

What is the fastest way to become a teacher in Arizona?

For a prospective teacher with a bachelor’s degree, the fastest way to become a teacher in Arizona is through an alternative certification program.

Does Arizona have reciprocity with other states for teaching licenses?

Yes, Arizona has reciprocity agreements with 45 other states.

Not sure what to study, or if you are going to pass? We can help!

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Teachers can come from many paths, even if you don't have an education degree.

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If you're interested in how to become a teacher in certain subject areas or states, please visit these resources to get you started.

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You will likely need to get a certification to start teaching. We'd recommend an Alternative Certification program.

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