About Certification Map

Certification Map is a comprehensive resource for teacher certification information. It provides state specific information on how to become a teacher, teacher salaries, teaching credentials, teacher certification tests, alternative teacher certification, and teaching certificate reciprocity. Our aim is to provide all the information necessary to become a teacher no matter where you live.

What are Teacher Certification Programs?

Teacher certification programs are the processes one must go through to obtain a teacher certification in a particular state. It is vital to note that every state has a specific outlined program you must follow in order to receive your teacher certification. On Certification Map, you can browse the programs and requirements of all fifty states. Most teacher certification programs share a number of common elements.

First, prospective teachers need to have a bachelor’s degree in education or, if your university or college does not offer a degree in education, you should have a regular academic degree supplemented with teacher education courses. Another element of most programs is fieldwork in a classroom that aids a teacher’s development.

In addition, all states require that prospective teachers complete some basic skill test in addition to subject tests in any areas they wish to teach. Since teacher certification programs across states are fairly similar, it is often possible to become a teacher in another state without going through that state’s full teacher certification program. However, this option is not available for all states, so it is important to understand the specific requirements of the teacher certification program in the state where you wish to teach.

What are the Teacher Certification Requirements?

Every state has its own set of teacher certification requirements. All prospective teachers must have a bachelor’s degree in an academic subject (e.g. English, social studies, science, foreign language) from an accredited college or university. In addition to receiving a bachelor’s degree, the teacher certification requirements of all states call for a certain number of hours of field work. This field work allows prospective teachers to obtain actual work experience before becoming a full-time teacher. After you have completed the necessary post-graduate teacher certification work, all states require that you take and pass a state or national teacher certification exam. After passing this exam, you will have fulfilled all the necessary teacher certification requirements and will be able to pursue an exciting career as a teacher.