Achieving Full Certification: Steps for Louisiana’s Teachers with Temporary Licenses

If you’re currently teaching in Louisiana with a temporary certificate, you’re on the path to making a lasting impact in the classroom — and you’re not alone! According to the 2022-2023 Louisiana State Educator Workforce Snapshot, 16% of all teachers in the state hold a temporary certificate or do not hold a valid teaching certificate. However, earning your full teaching certification is the best way to secure long-term career growth, job stability, and expanded professional opportunities in The Pelican State. Continue reading below for a detailed outline of how to go from a temporary teaching certification to full certification.

Understanding Temporary Teaching Certificates in Louisiana 

Louisiana offers two main types of temporary teaching licenses to help individuals transition into the profession while meeting certification requirements: 

• Practitioner License (PL) – Issued to teachers enrolled in an alternative certification program. The Practitioner License is valid for 1 year and can be renewed twice, allowing individuals to hold a PL for up to 3 years.
• Temporary Employment Permit (TEP) – Available to individuals who meet all requirements for a standard teaching certificate except for passing the required exams. Valid for 1 calendar year, the TEP certificate can be renewed up to 4 times. 

While these licenses allow you to teach, they are not permanent. To stay in the classroom long-term, you’ll need to transition to a Level 1 Professional Certificate, which is Louisiana’s standard initial certification for fully licensed educators.

Steps to Achieve Full Teacher Certification in Louisiana 

Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree 

In Louisiana, all teachers — even those with temporary credentials — must hold a bachelor’s degree. The good news? It doesn’t have to be in education. As long as your degree is from an accredited college or university, you’ve already met this requirement.  

Step 2: Complete an accepted Educator Preparation Program 

Choosing the right Educator Preparation Program (EPP) is a big decision, and there are plenty of options. Here’s what to consider: 

• Format: Is it online or in-person? If it’s online, does it offer the support you need? If it’s in-person, can you manage the schedule to fit with the other obligations in your life?
• Start Dates: Does it have rolling admissions, or will you need to wait for a specific start date?
• Duration: Some programs take 1-2 years, while Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in just 9 months.
• Cost & Financial Aid: What’s the tuition? Are there scholarships or payment plans?
• Student Teaching Requirements: What does the clinical learning experience look like? Will you have to find your own placement or will the EPP provider help you?
• Accreditation: Is the program recognized in Louisiana?
• Certification Exam Support: Will you get guidance for PRAXIS and other required tests? 

By weighing these factors, you can find the best fit for your journey to full certification. For a detailed, state-specific breakdown, check out our Guide to Teacher Certification in Louisiana. 

Step 3: Pass Required Exams 

Educators in Louisiana must pass a series of assessments based on the grade level and subject area they wish to teach. These exams include the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators and Praxis Subject Assessments for their specific grade level and subject area. 

For more information and to learn about Praxis requirements, visit the Louisiana Department of Education’s Certification Testing Requirements page. 

Step 4:  Complete a Background Check 

Louisiana requires all teachers to submit fingerprints and pass state and federal background checks before earning certification. Background checks are conducted through the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) Educator Certification Portal. 

Step 5: Apply for Level 1 Professional Certification 

Once you’ve completed your EPP, passed the necessary PRAXIS exams, and met background check requirements, you’re ready to apply for Level 1 Certification through the LDOE Educator Certification Portal. 

Why Teach in Louisiana?  

Teaching in Louisiana provides you with the opportunity to help meaningfully shape young lives while feeling confident in your job security and receiving a generous benefits package in a state that truly values its educators. With secondary school teaching jobs expected to grow by 3% through 2030, there’s an ongoing need for fully certified teachers — especially in special education, STEM, and English as a Second Language (ESL). 

Beyond the job growth numbers, Louisiana’s schools are home to a diverse student body made up of 42% Black, 41% White, 11.5% Hispanic/Latino, 4% multiracial, and 1.6% Asian students. As an educator, you’ll play a key role in creating inclusive learning environments where students from all backgrounds feel seen, heard, and empowered to succeed. 

If you’re ready to earn your Level 1 Professional Certificate in Louisiana, Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program can help you get there quickly and effectively. With a fully accredited, 100% online format, this 9-month program equips you with the skills, experience, and support needed to thrive as a certified educator. Apply for free today by filling out our application that takes less than 15 minutes to complete. 

Or you can request more information about our programs.