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How to become a certified teacher in Kentucky. Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution required. Primary exam: Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators. Government fees: $572–$682. Substitute requirements: Bachelor's degree (standard substitute certificate); 64 college credit hours (emergency substitute certificate). Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Kentucky
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Kentucky. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB).
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Degree Required
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
Primary Exam
Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators
Total Gov Fees
$572–$682
Initial Cert
4 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 |
| GPA Requirement | 2.5 overall or 2.5 in the major |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. |
basic skills
Passing score: Reading: 156, Writing: 162, Mathematics: 150 (or qualifying ACT/SAT/GRE scores)
Basic skills assessment. May be waived with qualifying ACT composite of 21, SAT of 1500 (old scale) or 1100 (new scale), or GRE of 1200.
content knowledge
Passing score: Varies by subject area (Kentucky sets its own cut scores)
Subject-specific content knowledge exam required for each certification area.
pedagogy
Passing score: 160
Pedagogy assessment covering instructional design, assessment, and classroom management. Grade-level 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 4 years. The teacher must complete the Kentucky Teacher Internship Program (KTIP) during the first year.
Issued after successful completion of the KTIP internship year and any remaining requirements. Valid for 5 years and renewable.
Kentucky recognizes and provides financial incentives for teachers who achieve National Board Certification.
Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree (standard substitute certificate); 64 college credit hours (emergency substitute certificate)
Certificate Required
Substitute Teaching Certificate or Emergency Substitute Certificate
Background Check
Required
Permit Fee
$40
Validity
5 years
Kentucky requires a Substitute Teaching Certificate issued by the EPSB. The standard certificate requires a bachelor's degree. An Emergency Substitute Certificate may be issued for individuals with at least 64 college credit hours if the district demonstrates a shortage. Districts may set additional local requirements. All substitutes must complete a background check.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application FeeCertificate issuance fee for 5-year Professional Certificate | $85 |
| Fingerprint FeeKentucky State Police and FBI fingerprint processing | $46 |
| 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 CertificateEPSB certification fee | $85 |
| Renewal FeeStandard certificate renewal | $50 |
| Substitute PermitSubstitute Teaching Certificate fee | $40 |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, and exam fees. Actual total depends on specific exams required. | $572–$682 |
Graduate from a Kentucky-approved or state-approved teacher preparation program at an accredited institution.
Pass the Praxis Core (or meet ACT/SAT waiver), Praxis Subject Assessment, and Praxis PLT.
Fee: $476–$586
Submit fingerprints for Kentucky State Police and FBI criminal background checks.
Fee: $46
Submit the certification application through the EPSB online system with official transcripts, test scores, and institutional recommendation.
Fee: $50
During the first year of teaching, complete the Kentucky Teacher Internship Program (KTIP), which involves mentoring, observation, and performance assessment.
KTIP is a critical component of Kentucky certification. Successful completion leads to the Standard Certificate.
Kentucky offers several alternative certification options numbered as 'Options.' Option 6 (Temporary Provisional Certificate) allows individuals with a bachelor's degree and 2.5 GPA to teach while completing an approved preparation program within 5 years. Option 7 is a university-based alternative route. Option 8 allows college faculty to teach in secondary schools. All options require passing Praxis exams and a background check.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Kentucky requires teachers to complete a planned program of professional development for renewal of the Standard Certificate every 5 years. This typically involves a combination of college coursework (at least 3 semester hours) and locally approved professional development activities aligned with the teacher's Professional Growth Plan. Requirements are overseen by the teacher's employing district.
Reciprocity Type
Case-by-case
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Kentucky evaluates out-of-state certificates on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with a valid out-of-state certificate may receive a Kentucky Provisional Certificate if they have completed a comparable preparation program.
Additional requirements: Out-of-state applicants must submit official transcripts, verification of licensure, pass required Praxis exams (if not previously passed), and complete a Kentucky background check. Must complete KTIP if no equivalent internship was completed in the originating state.
Unique to Kentucky: Kentucky's mandatory Teacher Internship Program (KTIP) is one of the most structured first-year induction programs in the country. New teachers are observed and assessed by a three-member committee (resource teacher, university representative, and principal). Kentucky's alternative certification routes are uniquely designated by numbered 'Options' rather than named programs.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Kentucky.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#36 of 51
Cost
#45 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
$47,940
25th percentile
Median
$57,980
-7% vs. national avg ($62,340)Experienced
$63,050
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
18,680 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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Kentucky 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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