Becoming a certified educator in Arizona involves navigating specific requirements established by the Arizona Department of Education (ADE). The state maintains a structured process to ensure all teachers possess the necessary academic background and professional readiness to lead a classroom. Candidates must complete administrative prerequisites, demonstrate subject-matter expertise, and follow one of two main certification tracks. This process applies whether the applicant is a recent graduate or a professional seeking a career transition.
Obtain the Mandatory Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card
Securing the Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card is mandatory for anyone pursuing teacher certification in Arizona. This card must be obtained before beginning any formal teaching position, including student teaching or working under an alternative certification path.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) manages the application process and conducts state and federal criminal history checks. Applicants must submit their fingerprints, usually using a standard FD-258 card or an authorized Livescan service, along with the required application and fee. Completing this step promptly is important, as processing time can vary and may affect the start date of employment.
Understand Arizona’s Certification Pathways
Arizona offers two primary certification pathways: Traditional Certification and Alternative Certification. These routes are tailored to the applicant’s existing educational background and professional experience.
The Traditional Certification path is for individuals who have completed a structured, state-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP) at an accredited college or university. The Alternative Certification route is for career changers who hold a bachelor’s degree but lack formal teaching program training. The chosen pathway determines the required documentation, coursework, and classroom experience needed to meet the ADE’s standards.
Requirements for Traditional Certification
The Traditional Certification route requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Successful completion of an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP) is demonstrated when the university submits an Institutional Recommendation (IR) on behalf of the graduate.
Teachers certified in other states may apply through reciprocity. Arizona reciprocates with all other states, provided the applicant holds a valid, comparable certificate and is in good standing. Reciprocity applicants are generally exempt from Arizona educator exam requirements. Required documentation includes a copy of the valid out-of-state certificate, official transcripts, and verification of the IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
Utilizing Alternative Certification Routes
The Alternative Certification pathway is for professionals with a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field who wish to transition into teaching. This route allows individuals to begin teaching while concurrently completing professional training requirements.
Provisional Teaching Certificate
This certificate enables a candidate to be hired by a school district and begin teaching full-time. While teaching, the individual must enroll in and complete coursework through a Board-approved alternative program. Candidates must demonstrate subject-matter competence, often by passing the relevant subject knowledge exam, before starting classroom instruction.
Subject Matter Expert Certificate
This route is designed for individuals with significant expertise, such as those with a baccalaureate degree and multiple years of relevant work experience. This path allows a candidate to begin teaching without initially demonstrating professional knowledge proficiency, though they must complete that requirement within a set timeframe.
Pass Required Professional Knowledge Exams
Candidates must demonstrate competency by passing standardized tests administered through the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) or the National Evaluation Series (NES). Testing is divided into two categories: the Professional Knowledge (PK) exam and the Subject Knowledge (SK) exam.
The PK exam assesses the candidate’s understanding of general pedagogical theories and classroom management best practices. The SK exam measures proficiency in the specific academic area the candidate intends to teach, such as secondary mathematics or elementary education. Applicants should take the Subject Knowledge exam early in their preparation process. Additionally, candidates must satisfy a requirement concerning knowledge of the U.S. and Arizona Constitutions, which can be met by passing a specific test or completing approved college coursework.
Submit Your Application to the Arizona Department of Education
Once all requirements are met, the final administrative stage involves submitting the application package to the ADE online through the My Certification Portal. This portal serves as the centralized hub for educator licensure.
The application requires the submission of several documents:
- Official transcripts from all accredited institutions that granted the bachelor’s degree, submitted directly to the ADE.
- Verification of passing scores on the required AEPA or NES exams.
- Proof of a valid IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
A non-refundable application fee is required for each certificate or endorsement requested. Ensuring all information is accurate and complete prevents delays in issuance.
Maintaining and Renewing Your Certification
Standard Arizona teaching certificates are issued for a specific duration, typically six or 12 years, before renewal is required. Maintaining certification requires an ongoing commitment to professional development (PD) activities. The ADE requires 15 clock hours of PD for each year the certificate is valid.
For example, a 6-year certificate requires 90 clock hours of PD activities for renewal. This requirement can be satisfied through various means:
- Academic courses (one semester hour of college coursework equals 15 clock hours of PD).
- District- or school-sponsored training.
- Professional conferences.
- Serving in a leadership role within an educational organization.