Licensing across the United States

Please click the links below for information about becoming licensed to teach across the United States.  The information provided below is not intended to be comprehensive instructions for applying for licensure in other U.S. states, but merely a helpful resource for our students.

• Alabama – Through the certificate reciprocity approach to certification, Alabama recognizes valid professional educator certificates issued by other states, the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, or the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) as the basis to offer professional certification in Alabama.  The certificate(s) prsented must be at a degree level, in a teaching field or instructional support areas, and at a grade level in which Alabama offers comparable certification.  See the Alabama Department of Education website for additional information. (This information is current as of September 2016.)
• Alaska – The state of Alaska requires that candidates hold an Alaska teaching certificate in order to be employed as a teacher in a public school district.    Applicants must meet Alaska Out-of-State Teacher Certification requirements to qualify for licensure.  A Program Verification Form must be completed by the School of Learning and Teaching.  Submit the form to the Manager of Administrative Services for completion.  See the Alaska Department of Education website for additional information. (This information is current as of September 2016.)
• Arizona – The state of Arizona has requirements for licensure reciprocity.  Applicants must complete an application for certification and a complete the fingerprinting process for the State of Arizona.  (This information is current as of September 2016.)
• Arkansas – Arkansas does issue licenses by reciprocity based on Arkansas Department of Education licensure rules and/or the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement for Educator Licensure.  However, licensure in another state or country does not mean licensure in Arkansas will automatically be granted.  See the Licensure by Reciprocity page on the Arkansas Department of Education website for more information. (This information is current as of September 2016.)
• California – In the state of California, there are different requirements for Single Subject Teaching Credentials and for Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials.  Candidates should review the out of state applicants page and follow the instructions for applying for general education teaching or special education teaching.   Transcripts verifying degree completion are required for California teaching applicants.  Transcripts may be ordered through the Transcript Request link on BoxerOnline.  (This information is current as of September 2016.)
• Colorado – The state of Colorado will recognize the NASDTEC reciprocity agreement if applicants meet the requirements for Colorado licensure. In addition to applying for an Initial Teacher License, candidates must submit an Approved Program Verification Form which is completed by the School of Learning and Teaching.  Submit the form to the Manager of Administrative Services for completion. (This information is current as of September 2016.)
• Connecticut – Connecticut does not have reciprocity agreements with other states, but does participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement.   Connecticut may accept completion of a state-approved educator preparation program at a regionally accredited college or university from another U.S. state, or a minimum of 30 months of successful full-time experience under the other state’s valid educator certificate.  See additional information in the Obtaining Connecticut Educator Certification information packet.  (This informaton is current as of September 2016.)
• Delaware – Delaware may accept completion of an out of state, state-approved educator preparation program for licensure/certification.  See information for holders of out-of-state credentials for more required documentation.   Candidates  must complete an application and provide all documentation requested in order for a licensure application to be processed.  Transcripts verifying degree completion are required for Delaware licensure applicants.  Transcripts may be ordered through the Transcript Request link on BoxerOnline.  (This information is current as of September 2016.)
• Florida – The state of Florida has two reciprocity routes for certified teachers to qualify for a Professional Certificate.  See the Reciprocity for Out of State Teachers page for more information.  Florida may require that graduates complete additional certification exams.  Steps for Florida certification are available online by clicking here. Transcripts verifying degree completion are required for Florida licensure applicants.  Transcripts may be ordered through the Transcript Request link on BoxerOnline.  (This information is current as of September 2016.)
• Georgia – In the state of Georgia, it is possible to get a reciprocal Georgia teaching certificate if the out of state certificate meets certain requirements.  It is important to note that reciprocity does not mean that an out-of state educator will automatically qualify for a Georgia certificate.  Applicants may need to fulfill some Special Georgia Requirements before receiving a Georgia Certificate. (This information is current as of September 2016.)
• Hawaii – The Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB) may issue licenses to out-of-state applicants through the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement.  Hawaii applicants who completed their educator preparation program through the School of Learning and Teaching at Pacific University must submit an Educator Preparation Program Recommendation form (HTSB Form LA3009) to the HTSB and complete an online application. (This information is current as of September 2016.)
• Idaho – If an applicant holds a current, valid teaching certificate from another state and submits a complete application, the applicant may receive a three (3) year Idaho interim certificate upon clearance of the background investigation check. In addition to completing an application, candidates must also submit an institutional recommendation form which is completed by the School of Learning and Teaching.  Submit the form to the Manager of Administrative Services for completion. (This information is current as of September 2016.)
• Illinois – The state of Illinois has specific requirements for out-of-state applicants.  Graduates of Pacific University licensure programs may qualify for licensure in Illinois.  See the licensure requirements and Educator Licensure pages for more information.
• Indiana – Out-of-State candidates can apply for Indiana licensure if they possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.  Meeting the minimum requirements for evaluation does not guarantee issuance of an Indiana instructional license.   CPR/AED/Heimlich training is required, as is Suicide Prevention Training.  For additional information, see the Out-of-State Graduates – How to Apply? page.  Step by step instructions are listed on that page.  (This information is current as of September 2016.)
• Iowa – The state of Iowa requires out-of-state applicants to apply for an Iowa teacher license. This process asks for an out-of-state license, transcripts from all other colleges/universities and the email of the college’s certification officer, experience forms and Highly Qualified verification.  Any law enforcement center will provide applicants a background packet when ordered.  The remit payment is $223 for application, evaluation and background fees.  More specific directions and links are provided here.  (This information is current as of November 2016.)
• Kansas – In the state of Kansas candidates must complete the Form 2 to apply for out-of-state teacher licensure.  This form include a bachelors degree, completion of a teacher preparation program, an out-of-state teaching license, background clearance (fingerprint), one year of teaching experience, and Content and Pedagogy testing requirement OR out-of-state tests or experience.  Candidates who are licensed as secondary teachers in another state and offered an employment opportunity in Kansas for 8^th-12^th grade must meet all the previous requirements, however, they do not need to provide verification from their teacher preparation program.  Instructions for obtaining School Leadership and School Specialist licenses are also included on this webpage.  (This information is current as of November 2016.)
• Kentucky – The Education Professional Standards Board provides an Overview of Kentucky Testing Requirements for all candidates attempting to get licensure.  These requirements include completion of an approved educator preparation program, passing the Praxis® for their certified area, completion of Kentucky Teacher Internship Program, and submission of certification forms and fees. The state of Kentucky also requires a recommendation from candidate’s initial teacher preparation program.  (This information is current as of November 2016.)
• Louisiana – The state of Louisiana offers two valid types of teaching certificates for candidates with out-of-state teaching certificates who wish to teach in the state.  Those who have completed the Louisiana PRAXIS and/or NTE requirements obtain a Level 1 Professional Certificate. This is a standard, three-year certificate that allows certification for levels or subjects available in the state and current on candidate’s out-of-state certificate.  A Level 2 Out-of-State Certificate is given to candidates who have not completed the PRAXIS and/or NTE requirements.  This certification is a standard, three-year, non-renewable Louisiana teaching certificate that allows certification for the levels or subjects available in Louisiana and current on candidate’s Out-of-State Certification.  The applications for both types of certification are provided here.  (This information is current as of November 2016.)
• Maine – The state of Maine does not provide specific information for out-of-state certification, but does provide step-by-step instructions on applying for an Initial teaching credential.  Complete the Application for Initial Certification and enter “88” for your Campus Code.  Once your application packet is complete, mail to the Department of Education at the address listed on the instruction page.  (This information is current as of November 2016.)
• Maryland – The Maryland Department of Education outlines the state’s requirements for out-of-state certification.  These requirements include official transcripts, Basic Skills test scores, Content and Pedagogy test scores (if necessary), an initial application for certification and a cover letter, including: name, mailing address, last 4 digits of SSN, date of birth, personal email address and area of desired certification. Packets may be submitted electronically or via mail; both address are provided on the state’s requirements page above.  (This information is current as of November 2016.)
• Massachusetts – The Office of Educator Licensure describes how out-of-state candidates can choose between the three types of Academic PreK-12 educator licenses; the types include Temporary, Preliminary and Initial licenses.  Candidates who have valid comparable licenses from other states and have three years of experience working under it can qualify for temporary licenses.  Candidates who have valid comparable licenses from other states and have worked under it for three of-the-past seven years OR one of the following:  A ‘traditional’ higher education state/jurisdiction-approved educator preparation program outside of Massachusetts, a state/jurisdiction approved ‘alternative/non-traditional’ educator preparation program and possess the equivalent of an initial license from that state/jurisdiction, or an educator preparation program sponsored by a college or university outside of Massachusetts that has been accredited by one of the following (NCATE), (TEAC), and (CAEP) may qualify for an initial license. Please note that additional requirements may apply to this type of license and could include but may not be limited to: passing all required MTEL tests and earning the Sheltered English Immersion Endorsements (SEI).  Applicants who have completed all of the requirements for initial licensure but do not hold the SEI endorsement may qualify for the preliminary license. The preliminary license is good for five years of employment.  (This information is current as of November 2016.)
• Michigan – The State of Michigan requires applicants for Michigan licensure to create an account with MEIS (Michigan Educator Information System), and register with MOES (The Michigan Online Educator Certification System). Then, candidates must submit a certificate application, pay a non-refundable fee, and print the cover letter from MOES.  Packets may be submitted, with their individual cover letter, via mail; the address is provided on the state’s requirements page above.  (This information is current as of November 2016.)
• Minnesota – The State of Minnesota outlines steps for certification for out-of-state applicants in Out-of-State Applicant Information and Instructions. These requirements include official transcripts, Basic Skills test scores, Content and Pedagogy test scores (if necessary), an initial application for certification and a cover letter, including: name, mailing address, last 4 digits of SSN, date of birth, personal email address and area of desired certification. Applications for initial licensure must be submitted through Minnesota’s online licensing system.  (This information is current as of November 2016.)
• Mississippi – A five-year license is granted to applicants who hold a valid standard out-of-state license (K-12) in an area in which Mississippi issues an endorsement. The department shall grant a standard license to any individual who possesses a valid standard license from another state and meets minimum Mississippi license requirements or equivalent requirements as determined by the State Board of Education. Applicants must submit to the Office of Educator Licensure: Licensure application, original valid out-of-state license, sealed copy of all college transcripts, or documentation must be provided to show a passing score on a core subject test required for certification by the issuing state. Any applicant with a valid, standard license (excluding provisional, emergency, and non-renewable licenses) from another state who has not met minimum certification requirements for MS certification may apply for a two-year educator license through reciprocity. Applicants must submit the same materials as those applying for a five-year license.
• Missouri – If an applicant holds a current, valid teaching certificate from another state and submits a complete application, the applicant may be given a Missouri teaching certificate in the area associated with the applicant’s initial certificate. If the applicant has teaching experience, he or she should complete the Verification of Teaching Experience form for the state of Missouri. Other materials can be sent via mail; the address is provided on the state’s requirements page above.  (This information is current as of November 2016.)
• Montana – Montana does not have reciprocity with any state for teacher licensure. To get a Montana teaching license you will need to go through the application process. Applicants will need to submit an application, transcripts, a fingerprint background check, a copy of current out of state license, a university recommendation, and a licensure fee that verifies you have completed a teacher preparation program which included student teaching and that you qualify for the endorsements you are applying for.  (This information is current as of November 2016.)
• Nebraska – The Nebraska Department of Education describes how out-of-state candidates can choose between three types of teaching certifications: initial, standard, and professional. Initial and Standard licensure both require completion of a teacher education program at a state approved college or university, completion of the Human Relations Training Requirement, completion of the Special Education Training Program, Basic Skills Test, Content Test, and recent college credits or employment experience within the past 5 immediate years. Standard licensure also requires a baccalaureate degree and 2 years of teaching experience as a contractual teacher. A teaching professional certificate in the State of Nebraska requires completion of a baccalaureate degree, a master’s degree, completion of a teacher education program at a state approved college or university, completion of the Human Relations Training Requirement, completion of the Special Education Training Program, Basic Skills Test, Content Test, and recent college credits or employment experience within the past 5 immediate years. Standard licensure also requires a baccalaureate degree and 2 years of teaching experience as a contractual teacher.  (This information is current as of November 2016.)
• Nevada –The Office of Educator Licensure encourages currently licensed educators from other states to apply for reciprocal licensure in Nevada, but not all other states’ licenses are eligible for reciprocity. An educator who holds a current, unexpired educator license in any state, and who also holds a current, valid National Board of Professional Teaching Standards Certificate, may receive a reciprocal Nevada license. Review the state licensure matrix provided on the state website listed above before applying, to ensure that your current educator license will be accepted for review. (This information is current as of November 2016.)
• New Hampshire – The State of New Hampshire provides an Alternative 2 certification process for candidates who have graduated with a baccalaureate degree or higher from an approved professional education preparation program outside of New Hampshire OR who have at least three years of fulltime regular teaching experience in the past seven years under a valid credential from a jurisdiction other than New Hampshire.  Candidates who have graduated from an approved professional educator preparation program can start this certification process by completing an online Application for Certification.  Next these candidates must provide an official transcript, scores of all relevant testing and a non-refundable application fee of $130.  Candidates who possess a valid educator credential AND three years of fulltime regular teaching experience complete the same online Application for Certification. They must also provide copies of their valid educator credentials, official college transcripts, letters of verification from school system(s) of employment, scores of relevant testing and a non-refundable application fee of $130.  See the New Hampshire Department of Education website for more information.  (This information is current as of November 2016.)
• New Jersey – The State of New Jersey must issue the equivalent of whatever subject area or grade level out-of-state license applicants hold in order for candidates to receive certificates through reciprocity.  The NJ CE requirements include holding the equivalent of a valid CEAS following completion of a CEAS educator preparation program that includes student teaching.  Also applicants must demonstrate passage of subject-matter test and candidates who start teaching in or after the 2017-2018 school year must also demonstrate passage of state-approved performance assessment.  (This information is current as of November 2016.)
• New Mexico – New Mexico’s Department of Education provides 4 options for teacher certification (pg. 3).  Out-of-state candidates must meet the requirements of Option 2: possess a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university; possess a current valid and standard certificate/license from another state or country; provide proof of having completed an approved teacher education program; provide proof of passage of a teacher competency exam from that out-of-state/country certificate, and provide evidence of having satisfactorily taught under the out-of-state certificate from the school and/or supervisor where the candidates taught.  (This information is current as of November 2016.)
• New York – The State of New York provides two options for candidates attempting to receive out-of-state licensure.  Candidates must have completed a teacher or school administration program at a college in another U.S. State or Territory OR have completed three years of certified public school experiences in another single U.S. State or Territory within the last 5 years.  The Applicants from Other States page then provides links for applicants who meet one of the previously mentioned categories and who wish to be classroom teachers.  (This information is current as of November 2016.)
• North Carolina – North Carolina’s Professional Educator’s License Qualifications break up Initial Licenses and Continuing Licenses for both in-state and out-of-state educators. Initial Licenses are intended for teachers of 0-2 years of teaching experience, and are valid for 3 years.  Candidates must have completed another state’s approved alternative route to licensure and earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college and passed the relevant tests (Praxis II Testing and Pearson Testing for North Carolina: Foundations of Reading and General Curriculum).  The Continuing Licenses are intended for teachers with 3 or more years of experience, and are valid for 5 years.  Teachers who are fully licensed in another state who have 3 or more years of teaching experience AND who meet NC State Board of Education approved licensure exam requirements OR have National Board Certification are issued the Professional Educator’s Continuing License.  (This information is current as of November 2016.)
• North Dakota – If an applicant has earned a teacher education degree from an out-of-state college or university, but is missing some ND requirements, and agrees to complete requirements for full ND licensure within 2 to 4 years, the applicant may be considered for reciprocal licensure in the state of North Dakota. To qualify for an out-of-state highly qualified license, an educator must have earned a teacher education degree from an out-of-state college or university, and if an applicant has been granted highly qualified status by their issuing state agency and has met all testing requirements.
• Ohio – The State of Ohio Out of State Licensure page instructs candidates on how to submit an application.  Candidates must first create a SAFE account to fill out an application and submit payment.  The documents required to be uploaded during the application process include: copy of out-of-state teaching license; letter of eligibility; verification of completed out-of-state licensure exams; verification of experience; official transcripts; and college coursework completed outside the US requires a course by course analysis from an approved international credential evaluation service.  For more specifics, go to the Out of State Licensure page.  (This information is current as of November 2016.)
• Oklahoma – Oklahoma deems candidates with full teaching credentials in any state eligible for provisional certification in equivalent subject areas with the possibility of having to take Oklahoma tests.  First candidates are asked to complete an Application for Oklahoma School Standard Teaching Certificate.  Applicants must also provide official transcripts from all other colleges/universities; Proof of Teaching form and copy of teaching certificate valid during dates of experience listed; a $50 processing fee made to Oklahoma State Department of Education; and fingerprint cards and $59 for criminal history record search (other info here).  If candidates have completed an approved program from another state but did not get certified in that area, they must have this form filled out.  Applicants will be given a provisional certificate to complete Oklahoma testing requirements.  If candidates have passed teacher tests in another state, they may request review from the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability to determine if any out-of-state tests are comparable.  (This information is current as of November 2016.)
• Oregon – The Oregon Department of Education requires Out-of-State Applicants to qualify for Oregon Reciprocal Teaching Licenses in order to teach in Oregon public schools.  This license allows candidates to teach for one year while working to qualify for Oregon Preliminary or Professional Teaching Licenses.  In order to qualify for a Reciprocal Teaching License, applicants must hold a valid and active non-provisional teaching license from another state; have never held an Oregon educator license, charter school registration or completed an Oregon education preparation program; hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (regionally accredited or foreign equivalent); have completed an approved out-of-state teacher preparation program (official verification of completion is required); and pass a criminal background clearance, including fingerprints.
• Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania’s Department of Education website describes Out of State Application Route Selection.  These routes differ for candidates who hold valid National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Credentials comparable to Pennsylvania certificates in a subject and grade level scope; who hold active/valid out-of-state certificates with 2 years of successful classroom teaching experience; who have completed an approved preparation program outside of Pennsylvania; or who are submitting education from multiple preparation programs.   (This information is current as of November 2016.)
• Rhode Island – The State of Rhode Island provides PDFs outlining the requirements of applicants seeking certification broken up by the grade the applicant desires to teach.  The Complete Application Checklist describes the documentation necessary for submitting a complete application, such as: application, assessment information (test scores), transcripts, experience, and fees.  Applicants seeking out-of-state licensure must complete the Temporary Initial Application.  For more information, go to the Rhode Island Department of Education website.  (This information is current as of November 2016.)
• South Carolina – The Department of Education of South Carolina provides a list of out-of-state programs that are approved by the department.  The first step of certification includes a flowchart for candidates who have never held South Carolina certificates OR who have previously held or currently hold South Carolina certificates.  The next step includes completing an online or paper application, submitting a $105 processing fee, completing the fingerprint process, submitting a photocopy of Social Security Card by mail or fax (NOT email), submitting official transcripts, submitting photocopy of existing, valid out-of-state teaching certificate and submitting copies of any subject area or pedagogy test scores applicable.  For more help with submission, refer to the Department’s Submitting Application Materials webpage.  Step 3 includes completing the Verification of Teaching Experience Form.  The Department also includes Certification Regulations for Computing Experience for Teachers and guideline specifications to see if candidates qualify for professional certification.  (This information is current as of November 2016.)
• South Dakota – All educators new to South Dakota must complete the  initial certification requirements. The State of South Dakota Department of Education webpage outlines a five-year certificate and a one-year certificate. In order to receive a five-year certificate a candidate must have completed a teacher preparation program, have completed six credits within the past 5 years, have completed the required Praxis II tests, and have completed South Dakota Indian Studies.  Individuals may receive a one-year certificate if they have completed a teacher education program, but do not have the required six transcript credits obtained in the past five years, the required South Dakota Indian Studies course, and/or the required Praxis II tests.
• Tennessee – If you are licensed to teach in another state or if you received your teaching degree in another country, you will need to submit appropriate documentation to apply for a Tennessee teaching license. The Practitioner License is an initial license, valid for three years, that is issued to out of state applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree, have completed a preparation program approved by the State Board of Education, and have verified content knowledge. In order to be issued a Practitioner License as an Out of State applicant, the following requirements must be met: applicants must be 18 years old, must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, must have completed an educator preparation program approved for licensure by a state other than Tennessee or be enrolled in an approved out of state program that has a formal partnership with a Tennessee school district, must meet requirements in at least one area of endorsement, must also verify content knowledge by either submitting qualifying scores on all required content assessments or proof of an undergraduate major in the content area where the educator is seeking endorsement, must submit qualifying scores on all required assessments (content and pedagogical) at the time of application, must submit qualifying scores on required content assessments prior to renewal or advancement of the Practitioner License if an applicant holds a license comparable to the Tennessee Professional license, and applicants must ensure that the department has official transcripts of all credits earned through an institution of higher learning.
• Texas – If you hold a standard certificate issued by another state or United States territory and are seeking certification in Texas you must apply for a review of credentials. To do this, applicants must create an online account with Educator Certification Online System (ECOS), complete an application and pay a fee, submit official transcripts from all colleges, and submit copies of all certificates. The out-of-state certificate can now be sent through email; the directions can be found on the State’s webpage provided above. Once you have completed the review of credentials, you may be issued a One-Year non-renewable certificate.
• Utah – If you have a standard renewable educator license from another state and would like to apply for a Utah Educator License, the steps listed on the Utah State Board of Education website provided above outlines the steps to take. First of all, applicants must complete and sign the Application Form and pay the $75 application fee. Applicants must also complete a USBE Fingerprint Background Check at Educator Licensing Online Educator Licensing Online. To obtain your Comprehensive Administration of Credentials for Teachers in Utah Schools (CACTUS) number, please call Educator Licensing at (801) 538-7740, 24 hours after initiating a background check.  Complete appropriate Endorsement Application(s) for Secondary Education, Special Education, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) License Areas. For World Languages, an oral fluency test – also known as an oral proficiency interview (OPI) — is required. Applicants must also pass Praxis II Content Test, complete an educator Ethics Review, submit original transcripts of all colleges attended (USBE will accept electronic transcripts only if they are sent directly from the college/university through a transcript clearinghouse via transcripts@schools.utah.gov, if applicable complete and submit USBE Verification of Educator Experience, and include originals or clear copies of the front and back of all current educator license(s) that have ever been issued to you.
• Vermont – Eligibility for licensure through reciprocity  is determined by meeting requirements under the rules of reciprocity per the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement. Vermont currently has educator reciprocity with all states except: New York, New Mexico, South Dakota & Wisconsin. The NASDTEC Interstate Agreement is a statement by Vermont outlining which other states’ educator certificates will be accepted. Applicants may access this application through the State of Vermont Agency of Education’s webpage provided above.
• Virginia – The Virginia Department of Education outlines conditions for licensure for out-of-state candidates by reciprocity on its webpage provided above. Requirements for an individual coming into Virginia from any state may qualify for a Virginia teaching license with comparable endorsement areas if the individual has completed a state-approved teacher preparation program through a regionally accredited four-year college or university, or if the individual holds a valid out-of-state teaching license. An individual seeking licensure must establish a file in the Department of Education by submitting a complete application packet, which includes official student transcripts. Also, an individual coming into Virginia will qualify for a Virginia teaching license with comparable endorsement areas if the individual holds national certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) or a nationally recognized certification program approved by the Board of Education. Licensure by reciprocity is provided for individuals who have obtained a valid out-of-state license (full credential without deficiencies) that is in force at the time the application for a Virginia license is received by the Department of Education. The individual must establish a file in the Department of Education by submitting a complete application packet, which shall include official student transcripts. Individuals who hold a valid out-of-state license (full credential without deficiencies) and who have completed a minimum of three years of full-time, successful teaching experience in a public or accredited nonpublic school (kindergarten through grade 12) in a state other than Virginia are exempted from the professional teacher’s assessment requirements.
• Washington – Washington issues the Residency Teacher Certificate to most first-time and out-of-state applicants for a regular teaching certificate. Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from any accredited college/university. Out of state applicants must submit official transcripts verifying completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher, and who have completed a state approved program must submit Form 4020E for traditional preparation programs. Out of state and foreign trained applicants may be considered if they have held a regular teacher certificate issued by another state within the U.S. and have taught at the P-12 level outside of Washington for at least 3 years within the last 7 years, or those who are using experience and certificate in lieu of program completion must submit Form 4020F-1 to verify experience and submit a copy of their regular out of state teaching certificate. Applicants must pass a basic skills test (WEST-B or approved alternative/equivalent test) and an endorsement content knowledge test (WEST-E/NES or approved alternative/equivalent test) within 12 months of receiving a temporary permit. The State of Washington also requires a fingerprint and background check.
• West Virginia – Use this form, Form 20-A, when applying for certification upon completion of a teacher preparation program from a regionally accredited institution of higher education in a state other than West Virginia and when applying based on reciprocity. Out of state applicants seeking initial licensure in the state of West Virginia, based on reciprocity, are required to meet each of the following: hold a valid teaching certificate or a certificate of eligibility issued by another state, have graduated from a state-approved educator preparation program at a regionally accredited institution of higher education, have successfully completed a student teaching experience or equivalent in the state in which the approved program was completed, and send an official, seal-bearing transcript from the institution where the teacher preparation program was completed.
• Wisconsin – To become licensed in Wisconsin, an out-of-state applicant must verify completion of the following: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, a state-approved educator preparation program that is offered through an accredited four-year college or university, offered at the bachelor’s, post-baccalaureate, or master’s degree level for teaching offered at the master’s, education specialist, or doctorate level for pupil services or administrator licensure, or comparable to Wisconsin in its requirements for licensure based on Wisconsin Administrative Code PI 34. The following testing requirements apply to all out-of-state applicants: pass all tests required for licensure in the state where the educator preparation program is headquartered and be eligible for licensure in the state where their educator preparation program is headquartered, pass all tests required for Wisconsin licensure before a license will be issued—see Out-of-State Testing Information and Out-of-State Elementary Education Candidates. If the same tests are required by both states (Wisconsin and the state where the approved program is headquartered), the applicant must meet the higher of the two states’ passing scores. Applicants for initial licensure in Wisconsin as an elementary teacher, a special education teacher, a reading teacher, or reading specialist must receive a passing score on the Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Test, and must show evidence of regular employment in education within the five years immediately preceding the date on which the requested license will begin with a PI-1613 Employment Verification form. All testing requirements must be met before applying for a license.
• Wyoming – Wyoming participates in state-to-state reciprocity; however, reciprocity implies an “equal exchange.”  Therefore, the requirements an applicant met to obtain his or her out-of-state teaching license must be equivalent to Wyoming requirements.  Equivalent standards include: completion of a regionally or nationally accredited teacher education program, supervised student teaching, and passing the required test(s) for the state in which you hold a teaching license. Added endorsements are recognized in the same manner as described above. If you were required to take an exam in order to receive a license or certificate in another state or to be eligible for licensure in the state where you completed your educator preparation program, PTSB will accept that exam for licensure in Wyoming. For more information on requirements for becoming licensed, click here.