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How to become a certified teacher in Alabama. Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution required. Primary exam: Praxis Subject Assessments. Government fees: $500–$650. Substitute requirements: High school diploma (standard); 60 semester hours of college credit (emergency substitute). Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Alabama
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Alabama. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE).
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Degree Required
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
Primary Exam
Praxis Subject Assessments
Total Gov Fees
$500–$650
Initial Cert
5 years
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution |
| Teacher Prep Program | Required |
| Student Teaching | Required |
| Background Check | Required |
| Fingerprinting | Required |
| GPA Requirement | 2.5 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. |
content knowledge
Passing score: Varies by subject area
Subject-specific content knowledge test required for the certification area sought. Part of the Alabama Educator Certification Assessment Program (AECAP).
pedagogy
Passing score: Varies by content area
Required in place of the Praxis PLT since September 2018 for most certification areas. PLT is still used for Computer Science, Gifted Education, Health Science, and Technical Education.
reading instruction
Passing score: 190
Required for initial certification in Early Childhood Education (P-3), Elementary Education (K-6), and Collaborative Teacher (K-6).
Initial certificate issued to teachers who have completed a bachelor's degree and an approved teacher preparation program. Valid for 5 years and renewable.
Advanced certificate issued to teachers who have completed a master's degree in their teaching field. Valid for 5 years and renewable.
Issued to teachers who have completed an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree. Valid for 5 years and renewable.
Minimum Education
High school diploma (standard); 60 semester hours of college credit (emergency substitute)
Certificate Required
Substitute License (issued upon request of employing school district)
Background Check
Required
Permit Fee
$38
Validity
1 year
Alabama requires substitute teachers to obtain a Substitute License through the ALSDE, which is issued only upon the request of an employing school district. A Standard Substitute Teaching Certificate is for those holding a valid Alabama teaching certificate. An Emergency Substitute Teaching Certificate requires at least 60 semester hours of college credit. As of October 2025, the process involves creating an ALSDE number in the AIM Portal.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application FeeNon-refundable application fee | $38 |
| Fingerprint FeeState and FBI fingerprint background check fee | $46.20 |
| Exam Fees (Total)Varies by number of Praxis subtests required plus edTPA ($300) and Foundations of Reading ($90) if applicable | $400–$560 |
| Initial CertificateCertificate issuance fee | $38 |
| Renewal FeeCertificate renewal fee | $38 |
| Substitute PermitNon-refundable application fee for substitute license | $38 |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, and exam fees | $500–$650 |
Graduate from an Alabama-approved or regionally accredited teacher preparation program with at least a bachelor's degree.
Take and pass the Praxis Subject Assessments for your certification area, complete the edTPA, and pass Foundations of Reading if seeking P-3, K-6, or Collaborative Teacher certification.
Fee: $400–$560
Submit fingerprints through the Cogent fingerprint processing service for state and FBI background checks.
Fee: $46.20
Apply through the Alabama Certification Online System (ACE), which launched January 31, 2025.
Fee: $38
Once all requirements are verified, the Professional Educator Certificate is issued.
Processing time varies; typically 4-8 weeks.
Alabama offers several alternative certification routes for individuals with a bachelor's degree who did not complete a traditional teacher preparation program. The ACP requires passing Praxis exams, completing required coursework, and a supervised teaching experience.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
50
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Alabama requires 50 continuing education units (CEUs) or equivalent professional development during each 5-year certificate renewal cycle. Teachers may also renew by earning an advanced degree or National Board Certification. The certificate must be renewed by June 30 of the year it expires.
Reciprocity Type
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Alabama participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which facilitates certification of educators who move between participating states. Out-of-state applicants with valid certificates may be eligible for Alabama certification.
Additional requirements: Out-of-state applicants must pass Alabama-required Praxis exams and complete a background check. Additional coursework may be required depending on the issuing state.
Unique to Alabama: Alabama's tiered Class B/A/AA system directly ties salary schedules to certificate level and degree attainment, creating a strong financial incentive to pursue advanced degrees. The state also transitioned to edTPA as its required teacher performance assessment, replacing the Praxis PLT for most certification areas.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Alabama.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#32 of 51
Cost
#38 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (SOC 25-2021)
Entry Level
$48,470
25th percentile
Median
$59,850
-4% vs. national avg ($62,340)Experienced
$62,410
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
16,910 employed in this state
Note: BLS category covers elementary school teachers only. Secondary, special education, and other teaching specializations have separate SOC codes with different wage data.
Source: BLS OEWS – Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
0%
Below AverageNew Jobs
-500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
103,200
per year (avg.)
1.4M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: Alabama State Department of Education - Teacher Certification
Estimated total: 216–234 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Alabama State Department of Education - Teacher Certification
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Alabama State Department of Education - Teacher Certification
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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Alabama requires completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program to earn your teaching certificate. Explore approved programs and alternative certification routes.
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