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How to become a certified teacher in Arizona. Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution required. Primary exam: Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) - Professional Knowledge Exam. Government fees: $430–$500. Substitute requirements: Bachelor's degree. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Arizona
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Arizona. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Arizona Department of Education (ADE) - Educator Certification Unit.
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Most information on this page has been verified.
92% of data points are verified against official sources. 2 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Degree Required
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
Primary Exam
Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) - Professional Knowledge Exam
Total Gov Fees
$430–$500
Initial Cert
12 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 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. |
pedagogy
Passing score: Varies by exam
Tests professional knowledge and pedagogical skills. Required for most certification areas.
content knowledge
Passing score: Varies by subject area
Subject-specific content knowledge exam corresponding to the certification area sought.
Arizona's primary teaching certificate issued to teachers who have completed all requirements. Valid for 12 years (one of the longest validity periods in the nation). Renewable with proof of 180 professional development hours.
Issued to individuals who hold a bachelor's degree and are enrolled in an approved alternative certification program. Allows teaching while completing program requirements.
Allows holder to substitute in the temporary absence of a regular contract teacher. Requires a bachelor's degree. Valid for 6 years.
Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree
Certificate Required
Substitute Certificate (PreK-12) or Emergency Substitute Certificate
Background Check
Required
Permit Fee
$60
Validity
6 years
Arizona requires a Substitute Certificate for substitute teaching. The standard Substitute Certificate requires a bachelor's degree, a valid Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card, and a $60 fee. Valid for 6 years. An Emergency Substitute Certificate may be issued at the request of a school superintendent for districts with emergency staffing needs, limiting the holder to 120 days per school year in the same school.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application FeeNon-refundable certification fee | $60 |
| Fingerprint FeeArizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card (valid for 6 years) | $67 |
| Exam Fees (Total)Professional Knowledge ($150) and Subject Knowledge ($150) AEPA exams | $300 |
| Initial CertificateIncluded in application fee | $60 |
| Renewal FeeRenewal fee per certificate | $20 |
| Substitute PermitSubstitute certificate fee | $60 |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprint clearance card, and exam fees | $430–$500 |
Graduate from an approved teacher preparation program with at least a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Take and pass the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) Professional Knowledge and Subject Knowledge exams for your certification area.
Fee: $300
Apply for and receive an Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card from the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Fee: $67
The Fingerprint Clearance Card is valid for 6 years.
Apply through the Arizona Department of Education's Educator Portal (ADE Connect) or by mail.
Fee: $60
Once all requirements are verified, the Standard Teaching Certificate is issued for 12 years.
Arizona offers an Alternative Teaching Certificate for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree and are enrolled in an approved alternative certification program. The alternative certificate is valid for 2 years and allows candidates to teach while completing program requirements.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
180
Renewal Cycle
12 years
Arizona requires 180 professional development hours for renewal of the 12-year Standard Teaching Certificate. The requirement scales by certificate validity period: 6-year certificates require 90 hours, 8-year certificates require 120 hours. Beginning August 1, 2025, new K-5 teachers responsible for literacy instruction must earn a Literacy Endorsement within 3 years of certification.
Reciprocity Type
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Arizona participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Out-of-state teachers with valid certificates from participating states may be eligible for Arizona certification.
Additional requirements: Out-of-state applicants must hold a valid Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card, provide verification of a valid out-of-state certificate, and may need to pass Arizona-specific exams depending on their certification area.
Unique to Arizona: Arizona's Standard Teaching Certificate has a 12-year validity period, which is the longest or one of the longest in the nation. The state uses its own AEPA exam system and requires an Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card rather than a standard fingerprint-based background check. The $20 renewal fee is one of the lowest in the country.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Arizona.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#44 of 51
Cost
#30 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
$47,040
25th percentile
Median
$50,980
-18% vs. national avg ($62,340)Experienced
$63,600
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
23,250 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: Arizona Department of Education - Educator Certification
Estimated total: 216–234 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Arizona Department of Education - Educator Certification
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Arizona Department of Education - Educator Certification
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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Arizona 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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