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Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Idaho
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Idaho. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Idaho State Department of Education (SDE) - Educator Certification.
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
Primary Exam
Praxis Subject Assessments
Total Gov Fees
$235–$285
Initial Cert
5 years
| Requirement | Value | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree (minimum requirement per Idaho Code §33-1202) | Verified |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree 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.
content knowledge
Passing score: Varies by subject area
The Praxis is the State Board of Education (SBOE)-approved content assessment. Idaho only requires the Subject Assessment; no basic skills test is required.
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 Assessments
Passing Score
Varies by subject area
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $120–$170Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Praxis Subject Assessments.
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 to teachers who have completed all certification requirements. Valid for 5 years and renewable with continuing education credits.
Available to qualified educators who meet specific criteria. No fee and does not require renewal.
Allows individuals with content expertise to teach while completing certification requirements. Various pathways available.
Minimum Education
Varies by district; typically high school diploma or bachelor's degree
Certificate Required
No separate certificate
Background Check
Required
Validity
Determined by employing district
Idaho does not require a state-level substitute teaching certificate. Individual school districts set their own substitute teacher requirements, which typically include a background check. Some districts require a bachelor's degree while others accept a high school diploma.
| Fee | Amount | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Application FeeApplication fee for initial certification | $75 | Verified |
| Fingerprint FeeCriminal background check fee (approximate) | $40 | Verified |
| Exam Fees (Total)Only Praxis Subject Assessment required; no basic skills test | $120–$170 | Verified |
| Initial CertificateIncluded in application fee | $75 | Verified |
| Renewal FeeRenewal fee plus $3.25 online convenience fee | $75 | Verified |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, and exam fees; one of the more affordable states | $235–$285 | Verified |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Graduate from a state-approved teacher preparation program with at least a bachelor's degree.
Take and pass the Praxis Subject Assessment corresponding to your certification area. No basic skills test required.
Fee: $120–$170
Submit fingerprints for state and FBI background checks.
Fee: $40
Apply through the Idaho SDE online certification system.
Fee: $75
Once all requirements are verified, the Standard Instructional Certificate is issued for 5 years.
Renewable with 6 semester credits of continuing education.
Idaho offers several Alternative Authorization pathways for individuals with content expertise who did not complete a traditional preparation program. The Content Specialist pathway allows those with a bachelor's degree and demonstrated content knowledge to teach while completing pedagogical requirements. The Public Charter School-Specific Teacher Certificate ($75 fee) is available for charter school teachers.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Idaho requires 6 semester credits within each 5-year renewal cycle. At least 3 credits must come from college or university courses; the remaining 3 can be fulfilled through approved in-service hours or additional coursework. Educators can substitute up to 3 semester credits with hours spent working in an Idaho school (15 contract hours = 1 semester credit).
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Reciprocity Type
Certificate for Out-of-State Applicants pathway exists; NASDTEC participation noted
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Idaho participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Out-of-state teachers with valid certificates may be eligible for Idaho certification.
Additional requirements: Out-of-state applicants must pass Idaho-required Praxis Subject Assessments, complete a background check, and meet Idaho Code requirements.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Idaho with other states →
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Unique to Idaho: Idaho offers a Lifetime Certificate that never expires and has no renewal requirements, making it one of the few states with a truly permanent teaching credential. The state also does not require any basic skills test, and allows teachers to substitute professional development credits with in-school work hours (15 contract hours = 1 semester credit).
Teacher requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in Idaho
See how Idaho compares: Teacher License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Official Sources
Teacher requirements in Idaho verified against Idaho State Department of Education (SDE) - Educator Certification, March 2026.
Moving to Idaho? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Teacher license to Idaho →
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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