Become a Teacher
in Arizona
Certification Roadmap
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Prerequisite Coursework
Teacher Preparation
Certification Reciprocity
Teacher Salary
Required Tests
Teacher Certification Information & Links
Arizona Highlights
To become a certified teacher in Arizona, you will need to fulfill all prerequisite coursework, teacher preparation, and testing requirements.
Our goal is to make this process as easy as possible, and we are dedicated to updating the site with new information on a regular basis. To stay up-to-date with the latest in teacher certification, please complete the form in the right sidebar.
Teacher Preparation
Teacher preparation includes the completion of an accredited teacher education program.
Alternative Certification
Graduates of accredited colleges or universities whose bachelor’s degree was not in education, and who have not yet earned a traditional teaching certificate, can still receive an alternative teaching certificate by satisfying certain requirements. Information about alternative certification in Arizona is coming soon!
Typically teacher education programs consist of a combination of curricula and fieldwork. The curricula often includes instruction on foundational knowledge and skills, pedagogy (or the art and science of teaching), and preparing students to research, design and implement learning experiences in their field of study. The fieldwork component can include field observations, student teaching, and an internship.
Certification Reciprocity
Arizona will accept some teaching credentials from the following states. Contact the Arizona Department of Education to inquire about your specific situation. Please see our interstate reciprocity disclaimer for more information.
| Alabama | Arkansas | California | Colorado | |
| Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | |
| Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Kansas | |
| Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | |
| Michigan | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | |
| Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | |
| New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | |
| Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | |
| Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | |
| Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | |
| Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming |
Required Tests
In order to become a certified teacher, you must satisfactorily complete the Basic Skill Test requirement and any Subject Area Competence assessments needed for your desired area of instruction.
Basic Skills Test
- Elementary: A passing score on the Professional Knowledge Elementary portion of the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA)
- Secondary: A passing score on the Professional Knowledge Secondary portion of the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA)
Subject Area Competence
A passing score on the Subject Knowledge Elementary Education portion of the AEPA (Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment)
