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How to become a certified teacher in Vermont. Bachelor's degree required. Primary exam: Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators. Government fees: $500–$640. Substitute requirements: Bachelor's degree (varies by district; some may accept associate's degree or 60 college credits). Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Vermont
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Vermont. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Vermont Agency of Education.
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Most information on this page has been verified.
83% of data points are verified against official sources. 4 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 Core Academic Skills for Educators
Total Gov Fees
$500–$640
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. |
basic skills
Passing score: Reading: 156, Writing: 162, Math: 150
Three subtests: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. Required for initial licensure unless exempt.
content knowledge
Passing score: Varies by subject area
Content knowledge exam specific to the endorsement area.
Initial license for new teachers who have completed an approved preparation program. Valid for 3 years.
Professional license issued after completing requirements during the Level I period, including teaching experience and professional development. Valid for 5 years and renewable.
Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree (varies by district; some may accept associate's degree or 60 college credits)
Certificate Required
No separate certificate
Background Check
Required
Validity
Determined by employing district
Vermont does not issue a state-level substitute teaching license. School districts and supervisory unions hire substitutes directly and set their own requirements. Most districts require at least a bachelor's degree, a background check, and some districts provide training.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application FeeLevel I License fee; Level II License costs $300 | $200 |
| Fingerprint FeeApproximate cost for fingerprint-based state and federal background check | $50 |
| Exam Fees (Total)Praxis Core ($90 x 3 subtests) plus Praxis Subject Assessment ($120–$170) | $300–$440 |
| Initial CertificateLevel I License fee (3 years validity) | $200 |
| Renewal FeeLevel II License fee (5 years validity); renewal also $300 | $300 |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, exams, and initial license fee | $500–$640 |
Graduate from an approved teacher preparation program with a bachelor's degree.
Pass Praxis Core and Praxis Subject Assessment for your endorsement area.
Fee: $300–$440
Submit fingerprints for state and federal background checks.
Fee: $50
Apply through the Vermont Agency of Education's online licensing portal.
Fee: $75
Upon approval, receive a 3-year Level I (Apprentice) License.
Vermont's Peer Review alternative route requires a $50 application fee for initial submission and a $1,200 fee if the portfolio is accepted. Candidates prepare a portfolio demonstrating content knowledge and teaching competencies, which is reviewed by licensed panelists.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
9
Renewal Cycle
7 years
Vermont requires 9 credits of professional development per 7-year renewal cycle for Level II licenses. Credits can be earned through college coursework, workshops, professional learning, or other approved activities. One credit equals approximately 15 hours of professional development.
Reciprocity Type
Case-by-case review
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Vermont evaluates out-of-state applicants individually. Teachers with valid licenses from other states may qualify for a Vermont license based on comparable preparation and experience.
Additional requirements: May need to pass Praxis exams if not previously completed and meet Vermont endorsement requirements.
Unique to Vermont: Vermont's Peer Review pathway is relatively unique, allowing experienced professionals to demonstrate teaching competency through a portfolio-based assessment rather than traditional coursework. Vermont also has a 7-year renewal cycle for the Level II license, which is longer than most states. The state's small size means that substitute teacher policies are largely managed at the supervisory union level rather than individual districts.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Vermont.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#29 of 51
Cost
#38 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
$50,440
25th percentile
Median
$61,270
-2% vs. national avg ($62,340)Experienced
$75,650
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
3,620 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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Vermont 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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