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Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Utah
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Utah. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Utah State Board of Education (USBE).
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 Subject Assessment
Total Gov Fees
$310–$400
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.
content knowledge
Passing score: Varies by subject area
Content knowledge exam specific to endorsement area. Utah accepts Praxis scores and has state-specific passing scores.
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 Subject Assessment
Passing Score
Varies by subject area
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $120–$170Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Praxis Subject Assessment.
Matched study materials
Study Materials & Exam Prep — Praxis Core Academic Skills
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Initial license issued to new educators upon completion of an approved educator preparation program and passing required exams. Requires completion of the Entry Years Enhancement (EYE) program during the first 3 years of teaching.
Professional license issued after successful completion of the EYE program and 3 years of teaching experience.
Advanced license available to educators who hold a Level 2 License and earn National Board Certification or a doctorate in education.
Minimum Education
High school diploma or equivalent (districts may set higher requirements)
Certificate Required
Substitute Teaching License
Background Check
Required
Permit Fee
$26
Validity
3 years
Utah issues a state-level Substitute Teaching License. Applicants must be at least 21 years old (or 18 in some cases with district approval), pass a background check, and complete a district-approved orientation. Some districts require additional training or education.
| Fee | Amount | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Application FeeEducator licensing application fee | $100 | Verified |
| Fingerprint FeeApproximate cost for BCI background check and fingerprinting | $30 | Verified |
| Exam Fees (Total)Praxis Subject Assessment fee; number of exams depends on endorsement area | $120–$170 | Verified |
| Initial CertificateIncluded in the application fee | $100 | Verified |
| Renewal Fee | $60 | Verified |
| Substitute Permit | $26 | Verified |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, exams, and initial license fee | $310–$400 | Verified |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Graduate from a USBE-approved or regionally accredited teacher preparation program with a bachelor's degree.
Pass the Praxis Subject Assessment exam(s) for your endorsement area.
Fee: $120–$170
Submit fingerprints for BCI and FBI background checks.
Fee: $30
Submit your application through the CACTUS (Comprehensive Administration of Credentials for Teachers in Utah Schools) system.
Fee: $100
Upon approval, receive a 3-year Level 1 License and begin the Entry Years Enhancement (EYE) program.
Utah offers multiple alternative routes to licensure for individuals with a bachelor's degree who want to teach. Candidates enroll in an ARL program, obtain an Associate Educator License, and complete requirements while teaching. ARL programs are offered through universities and some school districts.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
200
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Utah requires 200 professional development points per 5-year renewal cycle for Level 2 and Level 3 licenses. Points can be earned through university coursework, district-approved professional development, conferences, and independent study. One semester hour of college credit equals 30 points.
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Reciprocity Type
Case-by-case review
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Utah evaluates out-of-state applicants individually. Teachers with a valid out-of-state license may receive a Utah license if they meet the state's requirements. Additional Praxis exams may be required.
Additional requirements: May need to pass Praxis exams for endorsement areas and complete the Entry Years Enhancement program if new to teaching.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Utah with other states →
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Unique to Utah: Utah has a unique three-level licensing system. The Level 1 License requires completion of the Entry Years Enhancement (EYE) program, essentially a structured mentoring and professional development program during the first three years of teaching. Utah also offers a Level 3 License for educators who achieve National Board Certification or earn a doctorate, providing a 7-year validity period.
Teacher requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in Utah
See how Utah compares: Teacher License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Official Sources
Teacher requirements in Utah verified against Utah State Board of Education (USBE), March 2026.
Moving to Utah? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Teacher license to Utah →
Transfer your Teacher license from Utah to: Arizona → | Colorado → | Idaho → | Nevada → | New Mexico → | Wyoming →
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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