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How to become a certified teacher in Utah. Bachelor's degree required. Primary exam: Praxis Subject Assessment. Government fees: $310–$400. Substitute requirements: High school diploma or equivalent (districts may set higher requirements). Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
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
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
Praxis Subject Assessment
Total Gov Fees
$310–$400
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: Varies by subject area
Content knowledge exam specific to endorsement area. Utah accepts Praxis scores and has state-specific passing scores.
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 |
|---|---|
| Application FeeEducator licensing application fee | $100 |
| Fingerprint FeeApproximate cost for BCI background check and fingerprinting | $30 |
| Exam Fees (Total)Praxis Subject Assessment fee; number of exams depends on endorsement area | $120–$170 |
| Initial CertificateIncluded in the application fee | $100 |
| Renewal Fee | $60 |
| Substitute Permit | $26 |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, exams, and initial license fee | $310–$400 |
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.
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.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Utah.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#24 of 51
Cost
#7 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
$52,490
25th percentile
Median
$61,710
-1% vs. national avg ($62,340)Experienced
$77,790
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
15,800 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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Utah 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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