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How to become a certified teacher in Kansas. Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required. Primary exam: Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators. Government fees: $586–$696. Substitute requirements: Bachelor's degree (standard substitute license); 60 college credit hours (emergency substitute license). Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Kansas
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Kansas. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) - Teacher Licensure and Accreditation.
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Most information on this page has been verified.
92% of data points are verified against official sources. 2 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 an accredited institution
Primary Exam
Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators
Total Gov Fees
$586–$696
Initial Cert
2 years
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution |
| Teacher Prep Program | Required |
| Student Teaching | Required |
| Background Check | Required |
| Fingerprinting | Required |
| GPA Requirement | 2.5 |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. |
basic skills
Passing score: Reading: 156, Writing: 162, Mathematics: 150
Basic skills assessment. May be waived with qualifying ACT or SAT scores.
content knowledge
Passing score: Varies by subject area (Kansas sets its own cut scores)
Content knowledge exam specific to the endorsement area. Required for each subject area.
pedagogy
Passing score: 160
Assessment of pedagogical knowledge. Covers instructional design, assessment, classroom management, and professional development. Grade-level specific versions available (K-6, 5-9, 7-12).
Issued to beginning teachers who have completed an approved preparation program and passed all required Praxis exams. Valid for 2 years.
Issued after successful teaching experience during the Initial License period and recommendation by the employing district. Valid for 5 years and renewable.
Available for educators who hold National Board Certification. Valid for 10 years.
Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree (standard substitute license); 60 college credit hours (emergency substitute license)
Certificate Required
Substitute Teaching License or Emergency Substitute Teaching License
Background Check
Required
Permit Fee
$60
Validity
5 years
Kansas requires a KSDE-issued Substitute Teaching License. The standard substitute license requires a bachelor's degree. An emergency substitute license is available for individuals with at least 60 college credit hours if the district demonstrates it cannot find a qualified substitute. Districts must request the emergency substitute license on behalf of the individual. All substitutes must pass a background check.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application FeeLicense application fee | $60 |
| Fingerprint FeeKansas Bureau of Investigation and FBI fingerprint processing | $50 |
| Exam Fees (Total)Includes Praxis Core ($270 for 3 subtests), Praxis Subject Assessment ($60–$170), and PLT ($146). Varies by subject area. | $476–$586 |
| Initial Certificate | $60 |
| Renewal FeeProfessional license renewal | $60 |
| Substitute PermitSubstitute Teaching License fee | $60 |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, and exam fees. Actual total depends on specific exams required. | $586–$696 |
Graduate from a Kansas-approved or state-approved teacher preparation program at an accredited institution.
Pass the Praxis Core, Praxis Subject Assessment, and Praxis PLT for your grade level and content area.
Fee: $476–$586
Submit fingerprints for Kansas Bureau of Investigation and FBI criminal background checks.
Fee: $50
Submit the license application through the KSDE online licensing system with official transcripts, test scores, and institutional recommendation.
Fee: $60
Upon approval, receive the Initial Teaching License valid for 2 years. Complete required mentoring/induction to advance to the Professional License.
Kansas offers the Restricted Teaching License as an alternative certification pathway for individuals with a bachelor's degree who have not completed a traditional teacher preparation program. Candidates must pass the Praxis content area exam, be employed by a Kansas school district, and complete an approved mentoring program. The restricted license is valid for up to 3 years while the candidate completes additional requirements.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
160
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Kansas requires 160 Professional Development Points for renewal of the Professional Teaching License every 5 years. One graduate credit hour equals 20 points. Professional development activities, workshops, and conferences may also earn points. Teachers must have an approved Individual Development Plan on file with their employing district.
Reciprocity Type
Case-by-case
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Kansas evaluates out-of-state licenses on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with a valid license from another state may receive a Kansas license if they meet comparable requirements.
Additional requirements: Out-of-state applicants must submit official transcripts, verification of licensure from the issuing state, pass required Praxis exams, and complete a Kansas background check. Additional coursework may be needed for certain endorsements.
Unique to Kansas: Kansas is one of the states that requires the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam in addition to the content area exam and basic skills test, making it a three-exam state. Kansas also uses a point-based renewal system (160 Professional Development Points per 5-year cycle) rather than traditional credit hours.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Kansas.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#45 of 51
Cost
#48 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
$47,900
25th percentile
Median
$50,820
-18% vs. national avg ($62,340)Experienced
$60,150
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
14,200 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.
Estimated total: 216–234 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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