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How to become a certified teacher in Maine. Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution required. Primary exam: Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators. Government fees: $428–$538. Substitute requirements: 60 college credit hours (minimum); bachelor's degree preferred. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Maine
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Maine. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Maine Department of Education - Certification Office.
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Most information on this page has been verified.
83% of data points are verified against official sources. 4 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 Core Academic Skills for Educators
Total Gov Fees
$428–$538
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 |
| 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 SAT or ACT scores.
content knowledge
Passing score: Varies by subject area (Maine sets its own cut scores)
Subject-specific content knowledge exam required for each endorsement area.
Issued to beginning teachers who have completed an approved preparation program and passed required Praxis exams. Valid for up to 5 years. The teacher must complete mentoring and meet professional standards to advance.
Issued after successful completion of the provisional period, demonstration of teaching proficiency, and completion of a master's degree or equivalent advanced study. Valid for 5 years and renewable.
Available for educators who hold National Board Certification or meet other advanced criteria set by the Maine DOE.
Minimum Education
60 college credit hours (minimum); bachelor's degree preferred
Certificate Required
No separate certificate
Background Check
Required
Validity
Per school year / district determination
Maine does not issue a state-level substitute teaching certificate. Substitute teacher hiring is managed by local School Administrative Units (SAUs) and school districts. Most districts require at least 60 college credit hours, though requirements vary. Some districts in rural areas may hire substitutes with fewer qualifications when facing shortages. All substitutes must pass a criminal background check. Individuals holding a valid Maine teaching certificate may substitute without additional requirements.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application FeeCertificate application fee | $50 |
| Fingerprint FeeMaine State Police and FBI fingerprint processing | $48 |
| Exam Fees (Total)Includes Praxis Core ($270 for 3 subtests) and Praxis Subject Assessment ($60–$170). Varies by subject area. | $330–$440 |
| Initial Certificate | $50 |
| Renewal FeeCertificate renewal | $50 |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, and exam fees. Actual total depends on specific exams required. | $428–$538 |
Graduate from a Maine-approved or state-approved teacher preparation program at an accredited institution.
Pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills and the Praxis Subject Assessment for your endorsement area.
Fee: $330–$440
Submit fingerprints for Maine State Police and FBI criminal background checks.
Fee: $48
Submit the certification application through the Maine DOE online system with official transcripts, test scores, and institutional recommendation.
Fee: $50
Upon approval, receive the Provisional Teacher Certificate valid for up to 5 years. Work toward the Professional Certificate by completing additional education and professional development.
Maine offers a Conditional Certificate as an alternative pathway for individuals with a bachelor's degree who have not completed a traditional teacher preparation program. Candidates must demonstrate content knowledge (via Praxis exams) and enroll in an approved program to complete teacher preparation requirements. The Targeted Need Certificate may be issued for hard-to-fill positions when a district cannot find a traditionally certified candidate.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
6
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Maine requires 6 semester hours of approved coursework or equivalent professional development for renewal of teaching certificates every 5 years. Credits must be in the teacher's endorsement area, professional education, or an area approved by the employing school district. Maine also requires teachers to advance to the Professional Certificate by earning a master's degree or equivalent within a specified timeframe.
Reciprocity Type
Case-by-case
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Maine evaluates out-of-state certificates on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with a valid out-of-state certificate may receive a Maine Provisional or Professional Certificate depending on their qualifications and experience.
Additional requirements: Out-of-state applicants must submit official transcripts, verification of licensure from the issuing state, pass required Praxis exams (if not already passed), and complete a Maine background check.
Unique to Maine: Maine has historically been among the states that required or strongly encouraged teachers to earn a master's degree to advance from the Provisional to Professional Certificate. Maine's school governance structure uses School Administrative Units (SAUs) rather than traditional county-based districts, which affects how substitute teaching and local hiring decisions are made. The state's rural nature means it frequently uses Targeted Need and Conditional Certificates to address teacher shortages in hard-to-staff areas.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Maine.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#22 of 51
Cost
#29 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
$47,050
25th percentile
Median
$62,300
At national averageExperienced
$76,940
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
6,940 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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Maine 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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