Loading...
Loading...
Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Alaska
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Alaska. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED).
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Degree Required
Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution
Primary Exam
Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators
Total Gov Fees
$600–$740
Initial Cert
2 years
| Requirement | Value | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree | Verified |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution | Verified |
| Teacher Prep Program | Required | Verified |
| Student Teaching | Required (500 hours) | Verified |
| Background Check | Required | Verified |
| Fingerprinting | Required | |
| Minimum Age | 18 | Verified |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. | Verified |
Not sure if you need a teacher license? Check whether your state requires one.
basic skills
Passing score: Reading: 156, Writing: 162, Math: 150
Tests basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills. Required unless exempted by qualifying SAT or ACT scores.
content knowledge
Passing score: Varies by subject area
Subject-specific content knowledge test required for the certification area sought.
Didn't pass on the first try? Learn what to do if you fail the Praxis.
Overall licensing difficulty: 23/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
Praxis Teacher Certification Exams
Browse study guides
Teacher Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic Praxis Teacher Certification Exams practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators
Passing Score
Reading: 156, Writing: 162, Math: 150
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $300–$440Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators.
Matched study materials
Study Materials & Exam Prep — Praxis Core Academic Skills
Prepare for your Praxis Core Academic Skills with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, and practice tests.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Issued to new teachers who have completed a teacher preparation program and are new to the profession (less than 2 years of experience). Valid for 2 years. Non-renewable; must advance to Professional Certificate.
Alaska's standard certificate for experienced teachers. Requires documentation of 2 years of teaching experience while holding a valid teacher certificate. Valid for 5 years and renewable.
Advanced certificate for teachers who hold National Board Certification. Valid for 5 years and renewable.
Minimum Education
High school diploma for short-term (under 20 days); valid teaching certificate for long-term (20+ days)
Certificate Required
No separate certificate
Background Check
Required
Validity
Determined by employing district
Alaska does not issue a state-level substitute teaching certificate. Individual school districts set their own requirements for substitute teachers. Short-term substitutes (under 20 days) generally need a high school diploma, though some districts require a bachelor's degree. Long-term substitutes (20+ consecutive days) must hold a valid Alaska teaching certificate.
| Fee | Amount | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Application FeeApplication fee for initial certificate | $200 | Verified |
| Fingerprint FeeFingerprinting and background check fee | $100 | Verified |
| Exam Fees (Total)Varies by number of Praxis subtests required | $300–$440 | Verified |
| Initial CertificateIncluded in the application fee | $200 | Verified |
| Renewal FeeProfessional certificate renewal fee | $100 | Verified |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, and exam fees | $600–$740 | Verified |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Graduate from an approved teacher preparation program with at least a bachelor's degree. Must include supervised clinical practice of at least 500 hours over 15 weeks in a public school.
Take and pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills and Praxis Subject Assessment for your certification area.
Fee: $300–$440
Complete DEED-approved trainings in sexual abuse awareness, alcohol/drug-related disabilities, dating violence awareness, and suicide awareness and prevention.
Must be approved by DEED or an Alaska public school district.
Submit fingerprints for state and FBI background checks.
Fee: $100
Apply through the Educator Application & Certification Hub Alaska (TEACH-AK) online system.
Fee: $200
Once all requirements are verified, the Initial Teacher Certificate is issued for 2 years.
Must advance to Professional Certificate within the validity period.
Alaska offers several alternative pathways. The Limited Type M Certificate is issued for Alaska Native language/culture teachers, military science instructors, and career-technical teachers with 4 years of experience. District-sponsored certificates allow districts to hire individuals who do not meet standard certification requirements for hard-to-fill positions.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Alaska requires 6 semester hours of coursework or equivalent professional development activities for renewal of the Professional Teacher Certificate every 5 years. Starting July 1, 2025, teachers working with grades K-3 must also obtain the Alaska Reads Act K-3 Endorsement (45 hours of DEED-approved professional development or passing designated reading instruction exams).
Browse Teacher study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Reciprocity Type
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Alaska participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Out-of-state teachers with valid certificates from participating states may be eligible for Alaska certification.
Additional requirements: Out-of-state applicants must pass Alaska-required Praxis exams, complete a background check, and complete Alaska's mandatory trainings (sexual abuse awareness, alcohol/drug-related disabilities, dating violence awareness, suicide awareness and prevention).
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Alaska with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Unique to Alaska: Alaska requires four mandatory trainings unique to the state (sexual abuse awareness, alcohol/drug-related disabilities, dating violence awareness, and suicide awareness) that must be completed before certification. The state's Initial Certificate is non-renewable with a hard 2-year limit. The Limited Type M Certificate pathway for Alaska Native language and culture teachers reflects the state's commitment to indigenous education.
Teacher requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska (you) | $600–$740 | 216–234 wks | |
| Washington | $700–$900 | 216–234 wks | → |
| Hawaii | $330–$490 | 216–234 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Alaska
See how Alaska compares: Teacher License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare teacher requirements across all states →
Teacher licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure teacher is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does Alaska compare to other states for teacher? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your teacher license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Alaska.
Teacher Schools in Alaska
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the best-fit licensed profession.
Teacher requirements in Alaska verified against Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED), March 2026.
Moving to Alaska? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Teacher license to Alaska →
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.