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Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Louisiana
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Louisiana. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) - Division of Certification and Higher Education.
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 Core Academic Skills for Educators
Total Gov Fees
$575–$685
Initial Cert
3 years
| Requirement | Value | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree | Verified |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution | Verified |
| Teacher Prep Program | Required | Verified |
| Student Teaching | Required (270 hours) | Verified |
| Background Check | Required | Verified |
| Fingerprinting | Required | |
| GPA Requirement | 2.5 | 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.
basic skills
Passing score: Reading: 156, Writing: 162, Mathematics: 150
Basic skills assessment. May be waived with qualifying ACT (22+) or SAT scores.
content knowledge
Passing score: Varies by subject area (Louisiana sets its own cut scores)
Subject-specific content knowledge exam required for each certification area.
pedagogy
Passing score: 160
Pedagogy assessment required for Louisiana certification. Grade-level versions available.
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 Core Academic Skills for Educators
Passing Score
Reading: 156, Writing: 162, Mathematics: 150
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $476–$586Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators.
Matched study materials
Study Materials & Exam Prep — Praxis Core Academic Skills
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Issued to beginning teachers who have completed an approved preparation program and passed required Praxis exams but have not yet completed the required teaching experience. Valid for 3 years.
Issued after successful completion of 3 years of teaching experience and meeting all Level 2 requirements. Valid for 5 years and renewable. Most teachers operate at this level.
Highest tier for teachers who hold a master's degree or higher and have significant teaching experience. Also available through National Board Certification.
Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree preferred; some parishes accept 60 college credit hours for substitute teaching
Certificate Required
No separate certificate
Background Check
Required
Validity
Per parish/school year
Louisiana does not require a state-issued substitute teaching certificate. Substitute teacher requirements are determined by individual parish (county) school boards. Most parishes require a minimum of a bachelor's degree or at least 60 college credit hours. All substitutes must pass a criminal background check. Individuals with a valid Louisiana teaching certificate may substitute without additional requirements.
| Fee | Amount | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Application FeeCertificate application fee | $55 | Verified |
| Fingerprint FeeLouisiana State Police and FBI fingerprint processing | $44 | Verified |
| Exam Fees (Total)Includes Praxis Core ($270 for 3 subtests), Praxis Subject Assessment ($60–$170), and PLT ($146). Varies by subject area. | $476–$586 | Verified |
| Initial Certificate | $55 | Verified |
| Renewal FeeCertificate renewal fee | $55 | Verified |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, and exam fees. Actual total depends on specific exams required. | $575–$685 | Verified |
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Graduate from a Louisiana-approved or state-approved teacher preparation program.
Pass the Praxis Core, Praxis Subject Assessment, and Praxis PLT for your certification area and grade level.
Fee: $476–$586
Submit fingerprints for Louisiana State Police and FBI criminal background checks.
Fee: $44
Submit the certification application through the LDOE's TeachLA Live! online portal with official transcripts, test scores, and institutional recommendation.
Fee: $55
Upon approval, receive the Level 1 (Temporary) Certificate. Complete 3 years of teaching to advance to Level 2.
Louisiana offers several alternative certification pathways. The Practitioner Teacher Program allows individuals with a bachelor's degree (2.5 GPA) and content knowledge (Praxis content exam passed) to teach while completing an alternative preparation program. Teach For America has a significant presence in Louisiana, particularly in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. TNTP also operates teacher residency programs in the state.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
150
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Louisiana requires 150 Continuing Learning Units (CLUs) for renewal of the Level 2 or Level 3 Certificate every 5 years. CLUs can be earned through college coursework, professional development, school improvement activities, and other approved activities. One graduate credit hour equals 15 CLUs.
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Reciprocity Type
Case-by-case
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Louisiana evaluates out-of-state certificates on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with a valid out-of-state certificate may receive a Louisiana certificate if they have at least 3 years of teaching experience or meet comparable preparation requirements.
Additional requirements: Out-of-state applicants must submit official transcripts, verification of licensure, pass required Praxis exams (if not previously passed), and complete a Louisiana background check.
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Unique to Louisiana: Louisiana's education system uses parishes rather than counties as the basic unit of school governance. The state has a three-level numbered certification system (Levels 1-3) that progresses with experience and education. Louisiana's 150 CLU continuing education requirement per 5-year cycle is among the highest in the nation. Teach For America has an outsized presence in Louisiana compared to most other states, particularly in the post-Katrina New Orleans education landscape.
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Teacher requirements in Louisiana verified against Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) - Division of Certification and Higher Education, March 2026.
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Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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