Is iQTS Recognized in the United States?

International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) is a British credential that leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England, but no U.S. state treats QTS or iQTS as equivalent to its own licensure. So, if you hold iQTS and want to work in a U.S. classroom, that credential alone won’t get you there. Continue reading to learn what will prepare you to lead classrooms in the U.S., and what iQTS can do for your teaching career.

How U.S. Teacher Licensure Actually Works

Teaching licenses are issued state by state in the U.S. There’s no overarching U.S. teaching license, and each state has its own requirements (which specific licensure exams a candidate needs to pass, for example). A license in one state doesn’t necessarily qualify you to teach in another state (though many states offer reciprocity agreements to facilitate the transition).

In general, the requirements for a teaching license in most states include:

• A bachelor’s degree
• Completed Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
• Passing scores on the required licensure exams (different states use different providers and require different tests)
• A background check

Some states call the credential they issue a “license” and others call it a “certification.” In practice, the terms mean the same thing, which is legal permission to teach in that state’s public schools. However, iQTS doesn’t count toward U.S. teaching licensure in any state.

What iQTS Does Do

iQTS is still a valuable credential. It trains you to teach at British curriculum schools and awards full QTS once you complete it, meaning it’s widely recognized within England and at international schools around the world. But it doesn’t convert into a U.S. teaching license, just like a U.S. license doesn’t convert into QTS. For an in-depth comparison, read the blog iQTS Teaching License vs. U.S. Teaching License: What’s the Difference?.

Have iQTS and Want to Teach in the U.S.? Here’s What You Need

If you have iQTS and want to teach in the U.S., you’ll need to complete the same steps as any internationally trained teacher without a U.S.-issued credential:

• Complete a transcript evaluation to confirm your existing degree meets U.S. bachelor’s-level standards.
• Complete an accredited EPP that covers pedagogy and classroom practice.
• Passed state-mandated licensure exams (again, these will vary state by state).
• Clear a background check with possible fingerprinting.
• Submit a formal application to the state’s teacher certification department.

Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program lets you complete that preparation online from anywhere in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is iQTS recognized in the United States?

No U.S. state recognizes iQTS as a teaching license or accepts it toward one. It’s a British credential that equates to QTS, not U.S. certification.

Can I teach in a U.S. public school with iQTS?

No, not with iQTS alone. You’d need to complete an accredited Educator Preparation Program (EPP) and meet the U.S. state’s licensure requirements.

In general, the requirements for a teaching license in most states include:

• A bachelor’s degree
• Completed EPP
• Passing scores on the required licensure exams (different states use different providers and require different tests)
• A background check

Does any U.S. state accept QTS or iQTS?

No. Every U.S. state runs its own teacher licensure process, regardless of any non-U.S. teaching credential you already hold.

Does iQTS count toward U.S. certification requirements?

Not usually, though a state may credit specific prior coursework or experience on a case-by-case basis. Always assume you’re starting that state’s process from step one unless told otherwise.

Can I earn a U.S. teaching license while living abroad?

Yes! Online Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program let you complete coursework 100% online from anywhere in the world, even while teaching internationally.

Can I teach at an American international school with iQTS?

Some schools may weigh it alongside classroom experience, but most American-curriculum international schools prioritize a U.S. teaching license.

Is a U.K. PGCE recognized in the U.S.?

No. Just like QTS and iQTS, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) issued in the U.K. doesn’t transfer into a U.S. teaching license on its own.

Do U.S. private schools require a state license?

Not always. Many private schools set their own hiring standards, though a U.S. teaching license still strengthens a candidate’s application.

Moreland University Supports Teachers Around the World

If you’re ready to earn your U.S. teaching license, Moreland’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is built for educators who want to work in the U.S. or internationally at schools using the American curriculum. It’s 100% online, with one live virtual class per week.

With rolling admissions, monthly start dates, and hands-on clinical learning (student teaching), you can complete TEACH-NOW in as little as 9 months.

Apply for free today, and you’ll hear back within 2 business days.