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Teacher / Substitute Teacher · New Hampshire
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in New Hampshire. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against New Hampshire Department of Education - Bureau of Educator Preparation 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
Primary Exam
Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators
Total Gov Fees
$370–$540
Initial Cert
3 years
| Requirement | Value | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree | Verified |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree | Verified |
| Teacher Prep Program | Required | Verified |
| Student Teaching | Required | Verified |
| Background Check | Required | Verified |
| Fingerprinting | Required | |
| Minimum Age | 18 | 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, Math: 150
Three subtests: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. All three must be passed. Required for initial credentialing.
content knowledge
Passing score: Varies by subject
Subject-specific Praxis test required for each endorsement area. New Hampshire sets its own passing score requirements.
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, Math: 150
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $270–$440Invest 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 new educators who have completed an approved preparation program, passed all required Praxis exams, and met all NH DOE requirements. Valid for 3 years.
Issued after completing 3 years of teaching under a Beginning Educator Credential, completing a mentoring program, and meeting professional development requirements. Valid for 3 years and renewable.
Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree preferred; local district may set requirements
Certificate Required
No separate certificate
Background Check
Required
Validity
Determined by hiring district
New Hampshire does not issue a separate state-level substitute teaching credential. Local school districts are responsible for hiring and vetting substitute teachers. Districts typically require a background check and fingerprinting. Most districts prefer substitutes with a bachelor's degree, though requirements vary by district.
| Fee | Amount | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Application FeeCertification application fee | $120 | Verified |
| Fingerprint FeeNH State Police and FBI fingerprint background check | $50 | Verified |
| Exam Fees (Total)Praxis Core ($90 x 3 = $270) plus Praxis Subject Assessment ($120–$170) | $270–$440 | Verified |
| Initial CertificateIncluded in the application fee | $120 | Verified |
| Renewal FeePer 3-year renewal cycle | $50 | Verified |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, and exam fees. Does not include teacher preparation program tuition. | $370–$540 | Verified |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Graduate from a state-approved or CAEP/NCATE-accredited teacher preparation program with a bachelor's degree.
Must include student teaching/clinical experience
Pass Praxis Core (Reading, Writing, Math) and the Praxis Subject Assessment for your endorsement area.
Fee: $270–$440
Register at ets.org/praxis
Submit fingerprints for New Hampshire State Police and FBI criminal background checks.
Fee: $50
Required for all credential applicants
Submit application through the New Hampshire Department of Education online credentialing system.
Fee: $50
Upload transcripts, test scores, and program endorsement
Upon approval, receive your Beginning Educator Credential valid for 3 years.
Must complete mentoring program to advance to Experienced Educator Credential
New Hampshire offers several alternative routes to credentialing. The most common is the Alternative 4 pathway, which allows individuals with a bachelor's degree and content expertise to earn credentials through a combination of coursework, mentoring, and demonstrated competency. The Site-Based Alternative 5 pathway allows districts to develop customized certification plans.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
75
Renewal Cycle
3 years
New Hampshire requires 75 continuing education hours per 3-year renewal cycle for Experienced Educator Credentials. Professional development must align with the educator's professional development plan. Activities may include coursework, workshops, mentoring, action research, and school-based professional development.
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Reciprocity Type
Case-by-case review with NASDTEC participation
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
New Hampshire participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Out-of-state teachers with a valid license may apply for a New Hampshire credential. They must hold a comparable license, complete a background check, and pass required Praxis exams with New Hampshire-qualifying scores.
Additional requirements: Must pass Praxis exams with NH-qualifying scores; background check required
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare New Hampshire with other states →
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Unique to New Hampshire: New Hampshire is distinctive in using the term 'credential' rather than 'license' or 'certificate.' The state's alternative certification pathways (particularly Alt 4 and Alt 5) are relatively flexible and portfolio-based, allowing individuals to demonstrate competency through multiple means rather than just standardized testing.
Teacher requirements in nearby states
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See how New Hampshire compares: Teacher License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Official Sources
Teacher requirements in New Hampshire verified against New Hampshire Department of Education - Bureau of Educator Preparation and Higher Education, March 2026.
Moving to New Hampshire? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Teacher license to New Hampshire →
Transfer your Teacher license from New Hampshire to: Maine → | Massachusetts → | Vermont →
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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