Alabama Teaching License

Find out what you need to do to become a teacher in Alabama. Also, learn how to use an Alabama teacher license lookup tool to check a teacher’s credentials.

How do I get certified to teach in Alabama?

All prospective teachers in Alabama must have at least a bachelor’s degree and have completed an approved teacher preparation program in order to earn a teaching certificate. Typically, an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 is required. Those with a lower GPA may be eligible for a certificate if they have completed their master’s or a second bachelor’s program with a GPA of at least 2.5.

Candidates wishing to obtain the certification of Alabama teacher must take two tests. The first exam, the Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program: Basic Skills Assessment, must measure the level of proficiency in reading, writing, and math. Applicants must also pass the Praxis II exam(s) appropriate to the endorsement areas they are seeking. You can search for the required Praxis II exam(s) through the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

To complete the Alabama teacher certification application process, you need to complete the following steps:

• Go through background checks and fingerprints with the Alabama Bureau of Investigation and FBI.
• Send an application to the Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program and Praxis with required documentation, including official transcripts and verification of test results.
• Pay a non-refundable registration fee.
  The requests should be submitted to:
  Alabama State Department of Education
  Educator Certification Section
  PO Box 302101
  Montgomery, AL 36130-2101

Visit the Alabama State Department of Education for more information on Alabama teacher certification.

How do I transfer my teaching license to Alabama?

Applicants must:

• Pass the Alabama-prescribed Praxis Subject Area Test(s),
• Verify that a content knowledge examination for the issuance of a valid professional educator certificate in the issuing state of the applicant has been passed,
• Require verification of her/his professional work experience in lieu of these assessment requirements.

Reciprocity agreements are one way in which current teachers from other states (and some Canadian provinces) can make concessions, leading to certification in Alabama. This list shows the states that currently have reciprocity agreements with Alabama for various levels of teaching and administrative certifications. To find information about your particular case, or get information regarding your specific case, contact the Alabama Department of Education through their website or call – (334) 353-8567.

How do I renew my expired teaching certificate in Alabama?

To reinstate an expired Professional Educator Certificate with a valid period beginning July 1st, you will need to validate it by completing the requirements by September 1. And your application must be submitted no later than December 31st of the same calendar year by the Teacher Education and Certification Office of the Alabama Department of Education.

A Professional Educator Certification can be restored by checking one of the following options:

• 9 semester hours of eligible credits earned within last 5 years;
• 6 semester hours of acceptable credits and 50 clock hours of acceptable professional development earned over the last 5 years.

To learn more about your options and to request materials to apply, call the Alabama Department of Education at (334) 353-8567.

How do I become a substitute teacher in Alabama?

You must have a high school diploma, pass a background check, and obtain a substitution license from the state to become a substitute teacher in Alabama. Only with the recommendation of the employing school district a substitute license is given. You will also find an Alabama substitute teacher license lookup tool at the top of this website.

You can also use the public teacher license lookup Alabama tool on this website to find your license number. Simply enter your name and carry out the search. The teacher license lookup Alabama tool will provide you with your license information.

How do I get an emergency teaching certificate in Alabama?

An emergency certificate may be requested by the head of the employer’s school if there are no qualified teachers to fill the vacancy. An applicant for an emergency certificate must at least have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.

Can you be a teacher without a teaching certificate?

Can I become a teacher without a degree? To teach in most state schools, you need qualified teacher status (QTS). To earn QTS, you must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualifications. Some state schools, academies and free schools are also allowed to recruit teachers who do not have QTS.