Become a Teacher in Utah

Important Note: Education licensure requirements, statistics and other information are subject to change. CertificationMap.com makes its best effort to keep content accurate; however, the official sources are the state education departments. Please confirm licensing requirements with your state before applying for licensure or renewal. Last updated: 11/17/2016

This page is sponsored by our partner Rossier Online, a master level teaching degree program delivered online that enables you to earn a Master’s degree and teaching credential. Learn more about how the University of Southern California can help you become a transformative teacher in Utah.

To become a certified teacher in Utah, you will need to fulfill these requirements:

• Step One: Complete a bachelor's degree and other prerequisite coursework required.
• Step Two: Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program
• Step Three: Pass required exams.
• Step Four: Submit a Utah teaching credential application.

Our goal is to make this process as easy as possible, and we are dedicated to updating CertificationMap.com with new information on a regular basis.

Step One: Utah Prerequisite Coursework

Generally, states require that certified teachers hold, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, some states have undergraduate credit hour requirements for certification in specialty areas; Utah has no such requirements, according to the state Administrative Code.

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Master’s Requirements

Many schools of education now offer online MAT programs that provide increased flexibility by allowing aspiring or working teachers to attend class and complete coursework from any location that has an Internet connection. Online MAT programs are a practical option for students who have professional and personal commitments that make it difficult to obtain teaching certification through a full-time program.

The best online programs offer the same curriculum as the school’s on-campus program and apply the same admission requirements. Providing students with the ability to communicate with instructors and classmates in a face-to-face online environment is another hallmark of a good online program. In addition, candidates in online MAT programs should be provided with the opportunity to complete student teaching fieldwork in the local community.

Click to learn more about getting your MAT online with our partner USC Rossier School of Education.

Step Two: Utah Teacher Preparation

The traditional route of teacher preparation includes the completion of an accredited teacher education program. Typically, teacher education programs consist of a combination of curricula and fieldwork. Coursework often includes instruction on foundational knowledge, skills, and pedagogy (the art and science of teaching), as well as preparation in researching, designing and implementing learning experiences in various fields of study. The fieldwork component can include field observations, student teaching, and internships.

While education programs may seem financially daunting, a number of resources exist specifically for teachers. For more information, visit the Certification Map page on scholarships for teachers. For scholarships specific to teachers in Utah, visit Certification Map Utah Teacher Scholarships page.

Alternative Certification

Graduates of accredited colleges or universities whose bachelor’s degree are not in education, and who have not yet earned a traditional teaching certificate, can still receive an alternative teaching certificate by satisfying certain requirements. The state of Utah officially recognizes American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) certification as one alternative route to earning  Utah teacher certification. Learn more about earning your alternative certification in Utah on Certification Map.

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Step Three: Utah Required Tests

Teaching candidates who are pursuing their initial licenses in Utah must successfully complete the Praxis Content Area Assessments for their desired area of certification. Individuals who wish to obtain their Level 2 licenses must also successfully complete the Principles of Learning & Teaching (PLT) test for their designated grade level.

Content Area Assessment 

PLT for License Upgrade 

Visit Utah’s Praxis Requirements for a complete list of available assessments.

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Step Four: Utah Application Requirements

According to the Utah Administrative Code, applicants interested in obtaining their initial teaching licenses in Utah through the traditional route must meet the following requirements:

• Be recommended by an approved educator preparation program;
• Satisfactorily complete a background check;
• Pay the applicable fee;
• Pass the relevant Praxis II Content Test(s);
• Complete an Educator Ethics Review;
• Submit original transcripts from all attended colleges and universities.

Background Check

The Utah State Office of Education’s Educator Background Check handles the necessary state and federal clearance.

Teach Utah

Teach Utah is an online job opportunity database that allows licensed educators to register, search and apply for teaching positions within the Utah public school system.

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Utah Certification Reciprocity

Utah will accept some teaching credentials from other states. Contact the Utah State Board of Education to inquire about your specific situation. Please see the Certification Map interstate reciprocity disclaimer for more information.

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Utah Teacher Salary

• Incentives to teach in high-needs schools or shortage subject areas: Utah provides differential pay support for teachers teaching in shortage subject areas.
• Policies in place that articulate elements of effective induction: Utah has strong induction policies in place, particularly the Entry Year Enhancement (EYE) program, which provides new teachers support for their first three years in the profession.
• Average Elementary Teacher Salary: $53,730
• Average Secondary Teacher Salary: $57,020
• Average Number of Vacation Weeks Per Year: 16

Figures regarding teacher salaries are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2015 Occupational Employment Statistics report.

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Utah Certification Resources & Links

• Utah State Board of Education

250 East 500 South
P.O. Box 144200
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114
801-538-7500

• Utah Teacher Tenure
• Troops to Teachers Utah: In Utah, Troops to Teachers is managed by the National Office.
• Teachers Test Prep: Free online Praxis Study Guides and Praxis Practice Tests, as well as a variety of preparation options to meet your individual needs, including prep classes, private tutoring, and online prep.