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How to become a certified teacher in Idaho. Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution required. Primary exam: Praxis Subject Assessments. Government fees: $235–$285. Substitute requirements: Varies by district; typically high school diploma or bachelor's degree. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
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
Most information on this page has been verified.
88% of data points are verified against official sources. 3 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Degree Required
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
Primary Exam
Praxis Subject Assessments
Total Gov Fees
$235–$285
Initial Cert
5 years
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution |
| Teacher Prep Program | Required |
| Student Teaching | Required |
| Background Check | Required |
| Fingerprinting | Required |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. |
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.
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 |
|---|---|
| Application FeeApplication fee for initial certification | $75 |
| Fingerprint FeeCriminal background check fee (approximate) | $40 |
| Exam Fees (Total)Only Praxis Subject Assessment required; no basic skills test | $120–$170 |
| Initial CertificateIncluded in application fee | $75 |
| Renewal FeeRenewal fee plus $3.25 online convenience fee | $75 |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, and exam fees; one of the more affordable states | $235–$285 |
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).
Reciprocity Type
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
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.
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).
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Idaho.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#33 of 51
Cost
#2 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (SOC 25-2021)
Entry Level
$48,080
25th percentile
Median
$59,620
-4% vs. national avg ($62,340)Experienced
$63,930
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
8,260 employed in this state
Note: BLS category covers elementary school teachers only. Secondary, special education, and other teaching specializations have separate SOC codes with different wage data.
Source: BLS OEWS – Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
0%
Below AverageNew Jobs
-500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
103,200
per year (avg.)
1.4M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: Idaho State Department of Education - Educator Certification
Estimated total: 216–234 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Idaho State Department of Education - Educator Certification
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Idaho State Department of Education - Educator Certification
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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Idaho requires completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program to earn your teaching certificate. Explore approved programs and alternative certification routes.
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