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How to become a certified teacher in Connecticut. Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required. Primary exam: Praxis Subject Tests. Government fees: $525–$745. Substitute requirements: Bachelor's degree (for assignments of 40 days or less); bachelor's degree plus 12 credit hours in subject area (for assignments over 40 consecutive days). Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Connecticut
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Connecticut. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) - Bureau of Certification.
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 an accredited institution
Primary Exam
Praxis Subject Tests
Total Gov Fees
$525–$745
Initial Cert
10 years
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree from an 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. |
content knowledge
Passing score: Varies by subject area
Subject-specific content knowledge tests required for the certification area sought. Administered by ETS.
reading instruction
Passing score: 240
Required for early childhood, elementary, and special education teacher candidates. Administered by Pearson.
content knowledge
Passing score: 240
Required for early childhood teacher candidates in addition to the Foundations of Reading Test.
Issued to new teachers who have completed all certification requirements. Per HB 5436/P.A. 24-41, effective July 1, 2025, Initial Certificates have a 10-year validity period (extended from the previous 3-year period). Connecticut now uses a two-tier system: Initial → Professional.
Advanced certificate requiring completion of additional requirements beyond the Initial Certificate. Valid for 10 years. No fee to renew.
Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree (for assignments of 40 days or less); bachelor's degree plus 12 credit hours in subject area (for assignments over 40 consecutive days)
Certificate Required
No separate certificate
Background Check
Required
Validity
Determined by employing district
Connecticut requires a bachelor's degree for substitute teaching for 40 days or less. For assignments exceeding 40 consecutive days, a substitute teacher authorization is required, which requires a bachelor's degree plus at least 12 credit hours in the subject area being taught. The district must file Form ED175 for extended assignments. Background checks including fingerprinting are required for all school employees, with additional checks every three years.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application FeeCertification fee includes a non-refundable $50 application review fee | $200 |
| Fingerprint FeeCriminal history record check fee (approximate, varies by vendor) | $75 |
| Exam Fees (Total)Praxis Subject Tests plus CTCE exams if applicable | $250–$470 |
| Initial CertificateIncluded in application fee | $200 |
| Renewal FeeNo fee to renew a Professional Educator Certificate; $200 for Initial Certificate renewal | $0 |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, and exam fees | $525–$745 |
Graduate from an approved educator preparation program (EPP) with a bachelor's degree. Must include clinical experience/student teaching over four semesters.
Take and pass the required Praxis Subject Tests for your certification area. Also pass CTCE Foundations of Reading and/or Early Childhood Test if applicable.
Fee: $250–$470
Complete a criminal history record check including fingerprinting through a CSDE-approved vendor.
Fee: $75
Background check not typically started until hired; must be completed within 30 days of employment.
Apply through the Connecticut State Department of Education's online certification system.
Fee: $200
Processing typically takes 6-8 weeks; 10-12 weeks during high-volume periods.
Once all requirements are verified, the Initial Educator Certificate is issued for 10 years (effective July 1, 2025).
Connecticut offers the Alternate Route to Certification (ARC) program, which allows individuals with a bachelor's degree and content knowledge to enter teaching while completing pedagogical preparation. ARC participants complete intensive pre-service training and are mentored during their first years of teaching.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
90
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Connecticut requires 90 continuing education units (CEUs) for Professional Certificate renewal. The Professional Certificate is valid for 10 years but requires renewal every 5 years with proof of continuing education. Activities can include graduate coursework, workshops, and professional development programs.
Reciprocity Type
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Connecticut participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Out-of-state teachers with valid certificates from participating states may be eligible for Connecticut certification.
Additional requirements: Out-of-state applicants must pass Connecticut-required Praxis and CTCE exams, complete a background check, and meet all other Connecticut-specific certification requirements.
Unique to Connecticut: Per HB 5436/P.A. 24-41, Connecticut underwent a major certification restructuring effective July 1, 2025, eliminating the Provisional Certificate tier and extending Initial Certificate validity from 3 to 10 years. Two-tier system: Initial (10 years) → Professional (10 years). Existing Provisionals valid through printed expiration. The Professional Certificate has no renewal fee, making it unique among states. Connecticut uses both Praxis and its own CTCE exam system.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Connecticut.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#7 of 51
Cost
#42 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
$60,860
25th percentile
Median
$78,740
+26% vs. national avg ($62,340)Experienced
$98,620
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
16,260 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.
Estimated total: 216–234 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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Connecticut 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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