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Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Indiana
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Indiana. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Indiana Department of Education (IDOE).
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Degree Required
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Primary Exam
Indiana CORE Assessments for Educator Licensure - Pedagogy Assessment
Total Gov Fees
$293
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 | 2.5 | 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.
pedagogy
Passing score: 220
Assessment of pedagogical knowledge for beginning teachers. Covers instruction, assessment, and classroom management.
content knowledge
Passing score: 220 (varies by subject area)
Subject-specific content knowledge exam required for each content area endorsement.
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
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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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Indiana CORE Assessments for Educator Licensure - Pedagogy Assessment
Passing Score
220
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $210Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Indiana CORE Assessments for Educator Licensure - Pedagogy Assessment.
Matched study materials
Study Materials & Exam Prep — Praxis Core Academic Skills
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Issued to beginning educators who have completed an approved preparation program and passed required assessments. Valid for 2 years and convertible to the Practitioner License.
Issued after completion of a residency/induction program and demonstration of proficiency. Valid for 5 years and renewable. Replaces the former Professional Educator License.
Highest tier license available for educators who hold National Board Certification or meet other advanced criteria. Valid for 10 years.
Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree (standard substitute permit); associate's degree or 60 college credit hours (emergency substitute permit in shortage areas)
Certificate Required
Substitute Teacher License or Emergency Substitute Permit
Background Check
Required
Permit Fee
$35
Validity
5 years
Indiana requires a Substitute Teacher License for substitute teaching. The standard substitute license requires a bachelor's degree. An emergency substitute permit may be issued by districts in shortage areas for individuals with at least 60 college credit hours. All substitutes must pass a background check. Districts may have additional requirements.
| Fee | Amount | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee$35 evaluation fee + $35 license application fee | $70 | Verified |
| Fingerprint FeeIndiana State Police and FBI fingerprint processing | $48 | Verified |
| Exam Fees (Total)Includes Pedagogy Assessment ($105) and one Content Area Assessment ($105). Additional content areas are $105 each. | $210 | Verified |
| Initial CertificateCombined evaluation and license fee | $70 | Verified |
| Renewal FeeLicense renewal fee | $35 | Verified |
| Substitute Permit | $35 | Verified |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, and exam fees for one content area. Actual total depends on specific exams required. | $293 | Verified |
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Graduate from an Indiana-approved or nationally accredited teacher preparation program.
Pass the Indiana CORE Pedagogy Assessment and the Content Area Assessment for your endorsement field.
Fee: $210
Submit fingerprints for Indiana State Police and FBI criminal background checks.
Fee: $48
Submit the license application through the Indiana Licensing Verification and Information System (LVIS) with official transcripts, test scores, and institutional recommendation.
Fee: $35
Upon approval, receive the Initial Practitioner License valid for 2 years. Complete the required residency program to advance to Proficient Practitioner.
Indiana offers the Transition to Teaching (T2T) program as a primary alternative certification pathway for individuals with a bachelor's degree and content expertise. Candidates must pass the Indiana CORE content area test, enroll in an approved T2T program, and teach while completing the program. The program typically takes 2 years and leads to a standard Initial Practitioner License.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
90
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Indiana requires 90 Professional Growth Points (PGP) for renewal of the Proficient Practitioner License every 5 years. Professional Growth Points can be earned through college credit, professional development workshops, conferences, mentoring, and other approved activities. An Individual Professional Development Plan must be on file.
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Reciprocity Type
Case-by-case
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Indiana evaluates out-of-state licenses on a case-by-case basis. Applicants holding a valid, unexpired license from another state may be eligible for an Indiana license with comparable endorsements.
Additional requirements: Out-of-state applicants must submit official transcripts, test scores (or pass Indiana CORE if not previously tested), and complete an Indiana background check. Additional coursework may be required for certain endorsements.
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Unique to Indiana: Indiana's licensing system features one of the shortest initial license periods (2 years) and one of the longest advanced license periods (10 years for Accomplished Practitioner). The state also uses Professional Growth Points (PGP) rather than traditional credit hours for renewal, and has its own state-specific assessment system (Indiana CORE) rather than using Praxis.
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Official Sources
Teacher requirements in Indiana verified against Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), March 2026.
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