How to Get Your Arizona
Teacher Certification
Your Arizona teaching certification is the key to a rewarding career that impacts students and strengthens your community. Whether you’re fresh out of college or seeking a career change, Arizona offers various pathways to bring you into the classroom and make a difference.
This guide will walk you through the steps to earn your Arizona teaching certification, from choosing the right Educator Preparation Program (EPP) to passing required certification exams and applying for your professional license.
Arizona Department of Education
The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) provides extensive resources for current and aspiring teachers, including guidance on certification requirements, pathways, high-demand subject areas, and available teaching opportunities.
If you’re interested in one of Arizona’s alternative certification pathways, ADE also provides information on approved Educator Preparation Programs, like Moreland University’s 100% online, 9-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program.
How to Become a Certified Teacher in Arizona
Educators can earn their Arizona teaching certification by taking one of two pathways:
The Direct Pathway
If you are a high school graduate planning to become a teacher, completing a bachelor’s degree in education from an accredited institution is a traditional route.
You’ll then need to:
- Pass the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments
- Obtain a fingerprint clearance card
- Complete your application using the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) Educator Portal
+
The Alternative Pathway
If you have a bachelor’s degree in a field other
than education, you can take Arizona’s alternative
certification route and complete an approved
Educator Preparation Institute Program.
Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program can be completed in as little as 9 months:
- Fully accredited
- 100% online
- Global cohort model
- Rolling admissions
- Monthly start dates
+
Benefits of Earning Your Arizona Teaching Certification
Career Opportunities
Arizona has a growing demand for educators, especially in high-need areas such as STEM and special education.
Robust Educational Infrastructure
Arizona offers a variety of resources and professional support for educators, creating a rich teaching environment focused on student success.
Above-Average Salaries for
New Teachers
According to the NEA, Arizona ranks in the top half of states for average starting teacher salary!
Teach Your Way
Nearly 100% of teachers report having some control over their in-class teaching methods, with almost 90% saying they also help decide what topics are taught in their classrooms.
Types of Arizona Teacher Certifications
Arizona offers only one type of teacher certification, as outlined below:
Standard Professional Teaching Certificate
An Arizona Standard Professional Teaching Certificate is valid for 12 years. This certificate is renewable and any approved area or endorsement attachments will automatically renew with it. This credential also allows educators to teach while completing their EPP.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (does not have to be in education)
- Enrollment in an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Passing scores on all required tests
- Earning a fingerprint clearance card
Arizona Teacher Education Requirements
General Requirements
Arizona teachers must have at least a bachelor’s degree and meet the following requirements:
- Complete an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Pass the required Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA)
- Obtain a fingerprint clearance card
- Complete and submit all application materials
Testing Requirements
Teachers in Arizona must pass the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA), which include two exams.
Professional Knowledge Test
This is a required test mandatory for all teachers in Arizona that measures their instructional skills and knowledge to ensure they meet all state standards.
Subject Area Exams
These assessments are intended to ensure Arizona teachers have the appropriate grade level and subject area knowledge needed for their specific teaching goals.
For more information on testing, visit the AEPA website.
Education & Degree Requirements
Teachers in Arizona must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university. If
you have a degree in a subject other than education, you can complete an approved Educator
Preparation Program (EPP), such as Moreland University’s 9-month TEACH-NOW program.
Arizona Licensing Application Process
When you have completed the requirements and are ready to apply for teacher certification in Arizona, you can submit your materials online using the ADE Educator Portal, including your transcripts, proof of passing exam scores, and application fee.
Arizona Educator Preparation Institute (EPI)
The state department of education provides a list of approved EPPs for Arizona.
Moreland University’s 9-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is ideal for aspiring teachers in Arizona who are ready to advance their careers. TEACH-NOW is fully accredited and flexible, offering a 100% online learning environment, small class sizes, experienced mentors, and clinical learning (student teaching) as part of the curriculum.
Moreland University’s Guide to Teacher Certification in Arizona provides a streamlined overview of what it takes to become a certified teacher in the Grand Canyon State.
FAQs
You have questions about becoming a certified teacher in Arizona. Here are the answers
to help you grow your career in education.
How do I become a teacher in Arizona?
To become a certified teacher in Arizona, you must have a bachelor’s degree; complete a state-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP); pass the required exams; and submit an application for certification that includes all necessary documentation along with an application fee.
All teachers in Arizona must also obtain a fingerprint clearance card.
More information can be found on the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) website.
Do I need a certification to teach in Arizona?
Yes, Arizona requires most teachers to be certified. Arizona’s Standard Professional Teaching Certificate is valid for 12 years and is renewable. Any approved subject areas and endorsements will be automatically renewed along with it.
What are the requirements for Arizona teacher certification?
Earning teacher certification in Arizona depends on a number of factors, such as the grades and subject areas you want to teach and the type of credential you’re seeking.
In general, Arizona teachers must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Complete an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Pass the required exams
- Obtain a fingerprint clearance card
For more detailed information about the requirements to gain teacher certification in Arizona, please visit the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) website.
What are the steps to get a teaching certification in Arizona?
To earn Arizona teaching certification, you will have to:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree
- Enroll in and complete a state-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP), such as TEACH-NOW
- Pass the required exams
- Obtain a fingerprint clearance card
- Apply for certification through the Arizona Department of Education (ADE)
It is important to note that additional steps may be required depending on which pathway to teacher certification you are pursuing. For more information, please visit the ADE website.
How do I maintain my Arizona teaching certification?
To continue teaching in Arizona, educators with a Standard Professional Teaching Certificate must:
- Complete 180 hours of professional development
- Hold a valid fingerprint clearance card, which requires renewal every 6 years
For full renewal requirements and updates on required procedures, please check the ADE website.
How long does it take to become a certified teacher in Arizona?
The timeline for teacher certification varies based on your educational background, as well as whether you pursue a traditional or alternative pathway. For candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education, Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in as little as 9 months.
How much do Arizona teachers make?
Some of the factors that go into setting a teacher’s salary in Arizona are experience, education, grade level, and subject area.
The average starting salary for a Arizona teacher is approximately $44,124 while the average overall salary is around $60,275, according to the National Education Association (NEA). These salaries typically reflect 9-10 months of work since most teachers receive time off are holidays and during the summer.
Teachers who have additional certifications and advanced degrees, like a master’s in education (M.Ed.), can often earn higher salaries. For more information, read our blog Teacher Salaries in Arizona: What You Need to Know.
How much money can I make starting out as an Arizona teacher?
The average starting salary for Arizona teachers is approximately $44,124, according to the National Education Association (NEA).
Several factors are considered when determining starting salaries for Arizona teachers, including experience, education level, grade level, and subject area.
How can I learn more about becoming a certified teacher in Arizona?
The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) provides and consistently updates resources for current and aspiring educators, including information about earning teacher certification in Arizona.
You can also contact Moreland University at admissions@moreland.edu or 844-283-2246 with any questions about teacher certification or our educator preparation program – it takes as little as 9 months to complete!