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How to become a certified teacher in Arkansas. Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution required. Primary exam: Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT). Government fees: $420–$550. Substitute requirements: High school diploma or GED (standard substitute); bachelor's degree (long-term substitute, 30+ consecutive days). Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Arkansas
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Arkansas. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
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
Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT)
Total Gov Fees
$420–$550
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 | 2.7 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. |
pedagogy
Passing score: Varies by grade level
Tests pedagogical knowledge. Required for all prospective educators in Arkansas.
content knowledge
Passing score: Varies by subject area
Subject-specific content knowledge test required for the certification area sought.
reading instruction
Passing score: Varies
Required for candidates seeking endorsement in elementary education (K-6) and/or special education (K-12). Administered by Pearson.
Issued to teachers who have completed all licensure requirements including an approved preparation program and required exams. Valid for 5 years and renewable.
Issued to individuals who hold a bachelor's degree and are completing requirements through an alternative pathway. Allows teaching while finishing licensure requirements.
Minimum Education
High school diploma or GED (standard substitute); bachelor's degree (long-term substitute, 30+ consecutive days)
Certificate Required
No separate certificate
Background Check
Required
Validity
Determined by employing district
Arkansas does not require a state substitute teaching license for short-term assignments. Traditional substitutes need a high school diploma or GED and must pass a background check. Long-term substitutes (30-60+ consecutive days) must hold at least a bachelor's degree or an Arkansas teaching license. Background checks include FBI/Arkansas State Police Criminal Background Check and Department of Human Services Child Maltreatment Central Registry check.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application FeeNon-refundable processing fee for a five-year standard license | $75 |
| Fingerprint FeeFBI/Arkansas State Police background check fee (approximate) | $45 |
| Exam Fees (Total)Varies by number of Praxis subtests plus Foundations of Reading if applicable | $300–$430 |
| Initial CertificateProcessing fee included in application | $75 |
| Renewal FeeSame processing fee as initial license; requires new background check | $75 |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, and exam fees | $420–$550 |
Graduate from an approved teacher preparation program with at least a bachelor's degree.
Take and pass the Praxis PLT and Subject Assessment for your certification area, plus Foundations of Reading if seeking K-6 or Special Education endorsement.
Fee: $300–$430
Submit to FBI/Arkansas State Police Criminal Background Check and Department of Human Services Child Maltreatment Central Registry check.
Fee: $45
Apply through the Arkansas Educator Licensure System (AELS) online portal.
Fee: $75
Once all requirements are verified, the Standard Teaching License is issued for 5 years.
Arkansas offers several alternative pathways. The Teacher Licensure Plan (TLP), introduced under Act 304 of 2025, replaced previous waivers and emergency permits. It is a collaborative framework between ADE and school districts to ensure educators without licensure are on a structured path to obtaining their license. The Aspiring Teacher Permit allows individuals to teach while completing licensure requirements.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
36
Renewal Cycle
1 years
Arkansas requires at least 36 professional development hours every school year in which a teacher has taught. For license renewal, teachers must also provide documentation of an awareness credential in knowledge and practices of scientific reading instruction (for licenses expiring December 31, 2023, and after). Renewal also requires a new background check and Child Maltreatment Central Registry Form.
Reciprocity Type
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Arkansas participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Out-of-state teachers with valid certificates may be eligible for Arkansas licensure.
Additional requirements: Out-of-state applicants must pass Arkansas-required Praxis exams, complete a background check, and submit Child Maltreatment Central Registry Form. Additional coursework may be required.
Unique to Arkansas: Arkansas has an annual professional development requirement of 36 hours per school year (not per renewal cycle), and requires a brand new background check and Child Maltreatment Central Registry Form for each license renewal. The 2025 Teacher Licensure Plan (TLP) replaced all previous waivers and emergency permits with a unified framework.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Arkansas.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#46 of 51
Cost
#28 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
$49,310
25th percentile
Median
$50,550
-19% vs. national avg ($62,340)Experienced
$59,580
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
12,510 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: Arkansas DESE - Educator Effectiveness and Licensure
Estimated total: 216–234 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Arkansas DESE - Educator Effectiveness and Licensure
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Arkansas DESE - Educator Effectiveness and Licensure
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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Arkansas 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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