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Teacher / Substitute Teacher · District of Columbia
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in District of Columbia. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Degree Required
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Primary Exam
Approved Basic Skills Exam (Praxis Core or equivalent)
Total Gov Fees
$400–$540
Initial Cert
2 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 | |
| GPA Requirement | 3.0 (may waive basic skills exam requirement) | Verified |
| 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: Varies by exam
Tests basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills. Applicants with a 3.0+ GPA need not submit basic skills exam scores.
content knowledge
Passing score: Varies by subject area
Subject-specific content and pedagogy exam required for the credential 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
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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Approved Basic Skills Exam (Praxis Core or equivalent)
Passing Score
Varies by exam
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 Approved Basic Skills Exam (Praxis Core or equivalent).
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.
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Issued for 2 years to new educators. Must advance to Standard License.
The primary teaching credential in DC, issued to teachers who meet all requirements including passing subject content and pedagogy exams, student teaching, and background check.
Short-term credential for educators who are missing some requirements. Valid for 1 year.
Minimum Education
Determined by individual LEA (Local Education Agency)
Certificate Required
No separate certificate
Background Check
Required
Validity
Determined by employing LEA
As of March 2016, OSSE no longer issues substitute teacher licenses. Individual LEAs manage their own substitute programs.
| Fee | Amount | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Application FeeApplication fee per credential area | $50 | Verified |
| Fingerprint FeeFBI Identity History Summary Check (IHSC) fee | $50 | Verified |
| Exam Fees (Total)Praxis Core ($90 x 3) plus Praxis Subject Assessment(s); basic skills waived with 3.0+ GPA | $300–$440 | Verified |
| Initial CertificateCredential application fee | $50 | Verified |
| Renewal FeeCredential renewal fee | $50 | Verified |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, background check, and exam fees | $400–$540 | Verified |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Graduate from an accredited teacher preparation program with at least a bachelor's degree.
Pass an approved basic skills exam (waived with 3.0+ GPA) and an approved subject content and pedagogy exam.
Fee: $300–$440
Request an Identity History Summary Check (IHSC) from the FBI or an approved channeler agency.
Fee: $50
Apply through the OSSE Educator Credentialing Information System (ECIS V2.0) online portal.
Fee: $50
OSSE offers live one-on-one consultations every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Once all requirements are verified, the appropriate credential is issued.
DC offers several alternative certification pathways for individuals with a bachelor's degree who did not complete a traditional teacher preparation program. The DC Teaching Fellows program is one of the most prominent alternative routes.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Renewal Cycle
5 years
DC requires continuing professional development for credential renewal every 5 years. Specific requirements are determined by OSSE and the employing LEA.
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Reciprocity Type
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
DC participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Out-of-state teachers with valid certificates may be eligible for DC credentials.
Additional requirements: Out-of-state applicants must pass DC-required exams, complete an FBI Identity History Summary Check, and submit official transcripts.
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Unique to District of Columbia: DC is unique in that OSSE stopped issuing substitute teacher licenses in 2016, leaving all substitute teacher management to individual LEAs. Additionally, a 3.0+ GPA entirely waives the basic skills exam requirement, which is more generous than most states' waiver provisions.
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Teacher requirements in District of Columbia verified against Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), March 2026.
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Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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