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How to become a certified teacher in Nevada. Bachelor's degree required. Primary exam: Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators. Government fees: $480–$650. Substitute requirements: Bachelor's degree for standard substitute license; 60 college credits for short-term substitute. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Nevada
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Nevada. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Nevada Department of Education (NDE) - Educator Licensure Office.
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Degree Required
Bachelor's degree
Primary Exam
Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators
Total Gov Fees
$480–$650
Initial Cert
5 years
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree |
| Teacher Prep Program | Required |
| Student Teaching | Required |
| Background Check | Required |
| Fingerprinting | Required |
| GPA Requirement | 2.75 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. |
basic skills
Passing score: Reading: 156, Writing: 168, Mathematics: 162
Tests basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills. Both old (5712/5722/5732) and new (5713/5723/5733) test versions accepted.
content knowledge
Passing score: Varies by subject area
Subject-specific content knowledge exam for the endorsement area sought.
pedagogy
Passing score: Varies by grade level
Required pedagogy test available for K-6, 5-9, and 7-12 grade bands.
Issued to teachers who have completed an approved teacher preparation program, passed required exams, and met all NDE requirements. Valid for 5 years.
Issued to individuals who are completing licensure requirements through alternative routes. Valid for 3 years. Requires district sponsorship.
Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree for standard substitute license; 60 college credits for short-term substitute
Certificate Required
Substitute Teaching License
Background Check
Required
Permit Fee
$55
Validity
5 years
Nevada requires a Substitute Teaching License from NDE. Standard substitutes need a bachelor's degree. Short-term substitutes (up to 20 days per assignment) may qualify with 60 college credits. All substitutes must pass a background check with fingerprinting. Long-term substitutes (more than 20 days) need a full teaching license.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application FeeLicense application fee | $180 |
| Fingerprint FeeNevada DPS and FBI fingerprint background check | $60 |
| Exam Fees (Total)Basic skills ($90 x 3 = $270 for Praxis Core) plus content area test ($120–$170) | $270–$440 |
| Initial CertificateIncluded in the application fee | $180 |
| Renewal FeePer 5-year renewal cycle | $150 |
| Substitute PermitSubstitute teaching license fee | $55 |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, and exam fees. Does not include teacher preparation program tuition. | $480–$650 |
Graduate from a state-approved or CAEP/NCATE-accredited teacher preparation program with a bachelor's degree.
Must include student teaching/clinical experience
Pass basic skills (Praxis Core or NES EAS) and content area tests (Praxis Subject or NES Subject) for your endorsement area.
Fee: $270–$440
Nevada accepts both Praxis and NES tests
Submit fingerprints for Nevada DPS and FBI criminal background checks.
Fee: $60
Required for all license applicants
Submit your application through the Nevada Department of Education online licensing system.
Fee: $150
Upload transcripts, test scores, and program verification
Upon approval, receive your Standard Teaching License valid for 5 years.
Nevada offers the Alternative Route to Licensure (ARL) for career changers with a bachelor's degree and a 2.75 GPA. Candidates must pass required exams, secure employment with a Nevada school district, and complete an approved ARL program. Nevada has been proactive in expanding alternative routes due to significant teacher shortages, especially in Clark County (Las Vegas).
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
6
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Nevada requires 6 semester credit hours of college coursework or equivalent professional development per 5-year renewal cycle. Coursework must be related to the teacher's endorsement area or professional development goals. Some hours may be fulfilled through approved professional development activities.
Reciprocity Type
Case-by-case review with NASDTEC participation
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Nevada participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Out-of-state teachers with a valid license may apply for a Nevada license. They must hold a comparable license, pass required exams (if not previously passed), and complete a background check. Nevada is relatively reciprocity-friendly due to teacher shortages.
Additional requirements: Must pass required exams with Nevada-qualifying scores; background check required
Unique to Nevada: Nevada accepts both Praxis and NES (National Evaluation Series) exams, giving candidates more test options than most states. The state's significant teacher shortage, particularly in Clark County (Las Vegas), has led to aggressive recruitment and relatively accessible alternative certification routes.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Nevada.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#20 of 51
Cost
#36 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
$52,770
25th percentile
Median
$62,420
At national averageExperienced
$75,330
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
9,290 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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Nevada 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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