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Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Hawaii
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Hawaii. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB).
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 or higher from a regionally accredited institution
Primary Exam
Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators
Total Gov Fees
$330–$490
Initial Cert
3 years
| Requirement | Value | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree | Verified |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally 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.
basic skills
Passing score: Reading: 156, Writing: 162, Math: 150
Tests basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills.
content knowledge
Passing score: Varies by subject area
Subject-specific content knowledge test. Passing scores must be from HTSB-approved exams completed within 5 years prior to application.
Didn't pass on the first try? Learn what to do if you fail the Praxis.
Overall licensing difficulty: 22/100
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 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
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Granted to recent graduates of state-approved teacher education programs with less than 3 years of full-time teaching experience. Valid for 3 years.
Available to educators with at least 3 years of full-time teaching experience in a pre-K-12 setting within the last 5 years. Valid for 5 years and renewable.
Highest professional certification. Requires a minimum of 5 years of teaching experience within 8 years, plus advanced credentials (master's degree, National Board Certification, or Hawaii Teacher Leader designation).
Minimum Education
Determined by HIDOE; HTSB does not certify substitutes
Certificate Required
No separate certificate
Background Check
Required
Validity
Determined by HIDOE
The Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB) does not have the authority to certify or license substitute teachers. The Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE), which operates as a single statewide district, manages substitute teacher hiring and requirements directly.
| Fee | Amount | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Application FeeHTSB does not charge for teaching licenses or permits | $0 | Verified |
| Fingerprint FeeState and FBI fingerprint processing fee (approximate) | $30–$50 | Verified |
| Exam Fees (Total)Praxis Core ($90 x 3) plus Praxis Subject Assessment(s) | $300–$440 | Verified |
| Initial CertificateNo cost for teaching license through HTSB | $0 | Verified |
| Renewal FeeNo renewal fee; 2025 renewal cycle waives fees due to state funding | $0 | Verified |
| Total Government FeesPrimarily exam and fingerprint fees; no license fees from HTSB | $330–$490 | Verified |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Graduate from a state-approved teacher education program (SATEP) with at least a bachelor's degree.
Take and pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills and Praxis Subject Assessment for your licensure area. Scores must be from HTSB-approved exams completed within 5 years.
Fee: $300–$440
Scores older than 5 years may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Submit fingerprints for state and FBI background checks.
Fee: $30–$50
Apply through the HTSB online application system.
Fee: $0
HTSB does not charge for license applications.
Once all requirements are verified, the Provisional License is issued for 3 years.
Must advance to Standard License after gaining 3 years of teaching experience.
Hawaii offers alternative pathways for individuals with a bachelor's degree who did not complete a traditional teacher preparation program. The Emergency Hire program allows individuals to teach while completing licensure requirements.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Hawaii requires professional development for Standard License renewal every 5 years. Specific requirements are determined by HTSB standards. Teachers must demonstrate continued professional growth through approved activities.
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Reciprocity Type
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Hawaii participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Out-of-state teachers with valid certificates may be eligible for Hawaii licensure.
Additional requirements: Out-of-state applicants must pass HTSB-approved Praxis exams (scores within 5 years), complete a background check, and meet Hawaii-specific requirements.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Hawaii with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Unique to Hawaii: Hawaii is the only state with a single statewide school district (HIDOE), and the HTSB does not charge any fees for teaching licenses or permits, making it one of the most affordable states for teacher certification. HTSB also does not have authority over substitute teacher licensing, which is managed directly by HIDOE.
Teacher requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii (you) | $330–$490 | 216–234 wks | |
| California | $575–$875 | 216–234 wks | → |
| Alaska | $600–$740 | 216–234 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Hawaii
See how Hawaii compares: Teacher License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Teacher requirements in Hawaii verified against Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB), March 2026.
Moving to Hawaii? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Teacher license to Hawaii →
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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