Loading...
Loading...
Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Delaware
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Delaware. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) - Educator Credentialing.
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 a regionally accredited institution, or 30 credit hours in a subject field for alternative routes
Primary Exam
Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators
Total Gov Fees
$465–$605
Initial Cert
4 years
| Requirement | Value | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree | Verified |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, or 30 credit hours in a subject field for alternative routes | 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.
basic skills
Passing score: Reading: 156, Writing: 162, Math: 150
Tests basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills. May qualify for exemption with competitive SAT, ACT, or GRE scores meeting DDOE-approved thresholds.
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 or those with more than one but fewer than four years of teaching experience. Valid for 4 years and cannot be renewed; must be upgraded to a Continuing License.
Issued to teachers with four or more years of teaching experience who meet renewal requirements. Valid for 5 years and renewable with 90 clock hours of professional development.
Available for teachers who hold National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification.
Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree
Certificate Required
Substitute Certificate
Background Check
Required
Permit Fee
$100
Validity
3 years
Delaware requires substitute teachers to hold a substitute certificate from the DDOE. A bachelor's degree and background check are typically required. Districts may have additional requirements.
| Fee | Amount | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Application FeeOne-time non-refundable fee; reimbursable upon employment in a Delaware public or charter school | $100 | Verified |
| Fingerprint FeeCriminal background check fee (approximate) | $65 | Verified |
| Exam Fees (Total)Praxis Core ($90 x 3 subtests) plus Praxis Subject Assessment(s) | $300–$440 | Verified |
| Initial CertificateIncluded in application fee | $100 | Verified |
| Renewal FeeContinuing License renewal fee every 5 years | $50 | Verified |
| Substitute PermitSubstitute certificate fee | $100 | Verified |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, and exam fees | $465–$605 | 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 a state-approved teacher preparation program with at least a bachelor's degree.
Take and pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills and Praxis Subject Assessment for your certification area.
Fee: $300–$440
May qualify for Praxis Core exemption with qualifying SAT, ACT, or GRE scores.
Submit fingerprints for state and FBI background checks.
Fee: $65
Apply through the Delaware Educator Data System (DEEDS) online portal.
Fee: $100
Application fee is reimbursable upon employment in a Delaware public or charter school.
Once all requirements are verified, the Initial License is issued for 4 years.
Must advance to Continuing License within the validity period.
Delaware offers alternative routes to certification for individuals with a bachelor's degree and at least 30 credit hours in their subject field. The ARTC program allows candidates to teach while completing certification requirements.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
90
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Delaware requires 90 clock hours of professional development for Continuing License renewal every 5 years, with at least 45 hours directly related to the teacher's job assignment.
Browse Teacher study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Reciprocity Type
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Delaware participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Out-of-state teachers with valid certificates may be eligible for Delaware licensure.
Additional requirements: Out-of-state applicants must pass Delaware-required Praxis exams, complete a background check, and submit official transcripts and out-of-state credentials.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Delaware with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Unique to Delaware: Delaware uniquely reimburses the $100 certification application fee upon employment in a Delaware public or charter school, effectively making initial certification free for those who secure a teaching position. The Initial License has a 4-year validity with no renewal option, requiring upgrade to Continuing License.
Teacher requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware (you) | $465–$605 | 216–234 wks | |
| Maryland | $435–$545 | 216–234 wks | → |
| New Jersey | $443–$614 | 216–234 wks | → |
| Pennsylvania | $327.60–$477.60 | 216–234 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Delaware
See how Delaware 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 Delaware 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 Delaware.
Teacher Schools in Delaware
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.
Official Sources
Teacher requirements in Delaware verified against Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) - Educator Credentialing, March 2026.
Moving to Delaware? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Teacher license to Delaware →
Transfer your Teacher license from Delaware to: Maryland → | New Jersey → | Pennsylvania →
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.