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How to become a certified teacher in Oregon. Bachelor's degree required. Primary exam: Oregon Educator Licensure Assessments (ORELA) - Multiple Subjects Exam or NES Content Exam. Government fees: $322–$352. Substitute requirements: Bachelor's degree for a Restricted Substitute Teaching License; any valid Oregon teaching license also qualifies. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Oregon
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Oregon. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC).
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Most information on this page has been verified.
92% of data points are verified against official sources. 2 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
Primary Exam
Oregon Educator Licensure Assessments (ORELA) - Multiple Subjects Exam or NES Content Exam
Total Gov Fees
$322–$352
Initial Cert
3 years
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree |
| Teacher Prep Program | Required |
| Student Teaching | Required |
| Background Check | Required |
| Fingerprinting | Required |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. |
content knowledge
Passing score: 220
Subject-specific content knowledge exam. Oregon uses ORELA/NES exams administered by Pearson. The specific exam depends on the endorsement area.
professional knowledge
Passing score: 220
Required exam covering civil rights responsibilities and student protection in educational settings; unique to Oregon
Issued to beginning teachers who have completed an approved teacher preparation program and passed required exams. Valid for 3 years. Teachers must be working toward the Professional License during this time.
Issued after completion of an Advanced Program or equivalent (typically a master's degree) and 3 years of teaching experience. Valid for 5 years and renewable with continuing professional development.
Advanced license for highly accomplished teachers who demonstrate leadership; requires National Board Certification or equivalent
Issued for emergency situations when a fully qualified teacher is not available
Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree for a Restricted Substitute Teaching License; any valid Oregon teaching license also qualifies
Certificate Required
Restricted Substitute Teaching License
Background Check
Required
Permit Fee
$100
Validity
3 years
Oregon issues a Restricted Substitute Teaching License through the TSPC. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree and pass a criminal background check with fingerprinting. Holders may substitute teach for up to 28 consecutive school days in any one assignment. Teachers with active Oregon teaching licenses may substitute without an additional license.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application FeeTSPC eLicensing fee ($182 application + $15 portal processing fee) | $197 |
| Fingerprint FeeOregon State Police and FBI fingerprint background check fee | $67 |
| Exam Fees (Total)Content exam ($105–$135) + Civil Rights exam ($50) | $155–$185 |
| Initial CertificateIncluded in the TSPC application fee | $197 |
| Renewal FeeLicense renewal fee | $100 |
| Substitute PermitRestricted Substitute Teaching License fee | $100 |
| Total Government FeesApplication ($100), fingerprinting ($67), and exams ($155–$185) | $322–$352 |
Graduate from a TSPC-approved teacher preparation program with a bachelor's degree
Pass the content knowledge exam for your endorsement area and the Civil Rights exam
Fee: $155–$185
Submit fingerprints for Oregon State Police and FBI criminal background check
Fee: $67
Apply through the TSPC online licensing system (eLicensing) with required documentation and official transcripts
Fee: $100
https://elicensing.tspc.oregon.gov/
Upon approval, receive the Preliminary Teaching License valid for 3 years
Must work toward Professional License within 3 years
Oregon offers a Restricted Transitional License for career changers who have a bachelor's degree with content knowledge in a teaching area. Candidates work with a school district and an approved program provider to complete licensure requirements while teaching. The Oregon Teacher Pathway Program provides a route for educational assistants and paraprofessionals to become licensed teachers.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Oregon requires completion of an approved Professional Development Plan during each 5-year renewal cycle for the Professional Teaching License. Teachers must earn graduate credits or complete approved professional development activities. The specific number of hours or credits is determined by the teacher's individual professional development plan in coordination with their district.
Reciprocity Type
Interstate agreement with review
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Oregon participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Out-of-state teachers with valid licenses may be eligible for an Oregon license but will likely need to pass the ORELA Civil Rights exam, which is unique to Oregon. Teachers with 3+ years of experience and a master's degree may qualify for a Professional License directly.
Additional requirements: Must pass the ORELA Protecting Student and Civil Rights exam; background check required; may need to complete additional endorsement requirements
Unique to Oregon: Oregon is the only state that requires a specific exam on Protecting Student and Civil Rights in the Educational Environment. This reflects the state's strong emphasis on equity and civil rights in education. Additionally, the TSPC is an independent commission, separate from the state Department of Education.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Oregon.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#10 of 51
Cost
#8 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
$59,250
25th percentile
Median
$75,800
+22% vs. national avg ($62,340)Experienced
$87,130
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
13,760 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: Oregon TSPC
Estimated total: 216–234 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Oregon TSPC
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Oregon TSPC
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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