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How to become a certified teacher in Oklahoma. Bachelor's degree required. Primary exam: Oklahoma General Education Test (OGET). Government fees: $401. Substitute requirements: Bachelor's degree for standard substitute certificate; 90 college credit hours for emergency substitute certificate. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Oklahoma
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Oklahoma. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) - Office of Educator Certification.
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Degree Required
Bachelor's degree
Primary Exam
Oklahoma General Education Test (OGET)
Total Gov Fees
$401
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 | 2.5 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. |
basic skills
Passing score: 240
Tests basic skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and information literacy/research. 100 questions, 4-hour time limit.
content knowledge
Passing score: 240
Subject-specific content knowledge exam required for each certification area. Administered through CEOE.
pedagogy
Passing score: 240
Available beginning June 3, 2025, replacing the Praxis PPAT as the primary pedagogy assessment. Tests professional teaching knowledge and skills.
Issued to teachers who have completed all requirements including an approved teacher preparation program and all three certification exams (OGET, OSAT, OPTE). Valid for 5 years.
Issued to individuals who do not meet all standard requirements; allows teaching while completing remaining requirements
Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree for standard substitute certificate; 90 college credit hours for emergency substitute certificate
Certificate Required
Substitute Teaching Certificate
Background Check
Required
Permit Fee
$50
Validity
1 year (renewable)
Oklahoma requires a Substitute Teaching Certificate issued by the OSDE. Standard substitute certificates require a bachelor's degree. Emergency substitute certificates may be issued with 90+ college credit hours in districts with critical shortages. All substitutes must complete a criminal background check with fingerprinting.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application FeeStandard teaching certificate application fee | $50 |
| Fingerprint FeeFingerprinting and background check fee | $57 |
| Exam Fees (Total)OGET ($115) + OSAT ($118) + APK ($118) | $351 |
| Initial CertificateIncluded in application fee | $50 |
| Renewal FeeCertificate renewal fee | $50 |
| Substitute PermitSubstitute teaching certificate fee | $50 |
| Total Government FeesApplication ($50), fingerprinting ($51), and exams ($300) | $401 |
Graduate from an NCATE/CAEP accredited or state-approved teacher preparation program with a bachelor's degree
Pass the OGET (basic skills), OSAT (content area), and OPTE (professional teaching)
Fee: $300
Submit fingerprints for OSBI and FBI criminal background check
Fee: $51
Apply through the OSDE online certification system with all required documentation including official transcripts
Fee: $50
Upon approval, receive the Standard Teaching Certificate valid for 5 years
Oklahoma offers multiple alternative certification routes, including the Alternative Placement Program for career changers with a bachelor's degree and strong content knowledge. Due to significant teacher shortages, Oklahoma has expanded emergency certification options and accepts ABCTE certification. The state also participates in Troops to Teachers for military veterans.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
75
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Oklahoma requires 75 professional development points during each 5-year certificate renewal cycle. Points can be earned through college coursework (15 points per credit hour), workshops, professional conferences, and committee service. Teachers must maintain a professional development plan.
Reciprocity Type
Interstate agreement with review
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Oklahoma participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Out-of-state teachers with valid certificates and 1+ year(s) of experience may receive an Oklahoma certificate. Those without comparable certifications may receive a provisional certificate while completing additional requirements.
Additional requirements: Must pass OGET if no comparable basic skills exam was taken; background check required; may need to complete Oklahoma-specific requirements
Unique to Oklahoma: Oklahoma has one of the highest rates of emergency-certified teachers in the nation due to persistent teacher shortages, particularly in rural areas and STEM subjects. The state requires three separate certification exams (OGET, OSAT, and OPTE), while many states only require one or two.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Oklahoma.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#51 of 51
Cost
#25 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
$45,700
25th percentile
Median
$47,470
-24% vs. national avg ($62,340)Experienced
$57,510
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
18,340 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.
Source: OSDE Educator Certification
Estimated total: 216–234 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: OSDE Educator Certification
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: OSDE Educator Certification
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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Oklahoma 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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