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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 Bureau of Certification - Connecticut State Department of Education.
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 from an accredited institution
Primary Exam
Praxis Subject Tests
Total Gov Fees
$525–$745
Initial Cert
10 years
| Requirement | Value | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree | Verified |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution | Verified |
| Teacher Prep Program | Required | Verified |
| Student Teaching | Required | 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.
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.
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
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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Praxis Subject Tests
Passing Score
Varies by subject area
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $250–$470Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Praxis Subject Tests.
Matched study materials
Study Materials & Exam Prep — Praxis Core Academic Skills
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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 | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Application FeeCertification fee includes a non-refundable $50 application review fee | $200 | Verified |
| Fingerprint FeeCriminal history record check fee (approximate, varies by vendor) | $75 | Verified |
| Exam Fees (Total)Praxis Subject Tests plus CTCE exams if applicable | $250–$470 | Verified |
| Initial CertificateIncluded in application fee | $200 | Verified |
| Renewal FeeNo fee to renew a Professional Educator Certificate; $200 for Initial Certificate renewal | $0 | Verified |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, and exam fees | $525–$745 | Verified |
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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.
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Reciprocity Type
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement (confirmed via CSDE reference to interstate agreements)
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Connecticut with other states →
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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.
Teacher requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut (you) | $525–$745 | 216–234 wks | |
| Massachusetts | $433–$672 | 216–234 wks | → |
| New York | $414–$714 | 216–234 wks | → |
| Rhode Island | $345–$495 | 216–234 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Connecticut
See how Connecticut compares: Teacher License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Official Sources
Teacher requirements in Connecticut verified against Bureau of Certification - Connecticut State Department of Education, March 2026.
Moving to Connecticut? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Teacher license to Connecticut →
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Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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