How to Get Your U.S. Teaching License in China
Earn a U.S. teaching license from China — 100% online.
Teaching abroad in China offers a chance to blend education with cultural discovery. As you build your career and search for better and higher-paying opportunities, a U.S. teaching license can help you stand out.
This guide will walk you through the steps to earning your U.S. teaching license while in China — from choosing the right Educator Preparation Program (EPP) to passing the required exams and applying for your license.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Benefits of Earning Your U.S. License Online as an Educator in China
‘Significant Competitive Advantage’
China’s English education market is one of the fastest growing in the world, according to HiredChina, and candidates with a U.S. teaching license or other recognized credential have a “significant competitive advantage.”
Increased Earning Potential
International schools offer the highest teacher salaries in China, according to China by Teaching. But those positions are also the most competitive and often require a teaching license or other credential.
Advanced Classroom Skills
Earning your U.S. license will strengthen your skills and give you a solid foundation in the science and practice of teaching. You’ll learn new strategies and teaching methods to better support your students.
Learn Where You Are
You don’t have to leave China to earn your U.S. license. You could complete your program 100% online — even while working full-time.
How to Earn Your U.S. Teaching License from China
With the right program, earning your U.S. teaching license is a straightforward process. No travel required.
Pathway to a U.S. Teaching License
- Earn a bachelor’s degree. If your degree is from outside the U.S., you’ll complete a transcript evaluation to ensure it’s an equivalent match.
- Complete an EPP, like Moreland University’s 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program. TEACH-NOW can be completed in as little as 9 months.
- Pass the required licensure exams. These will vary based on the subject and grades you wish to teach.
- Complete a background check and apply for your license.
The Washington, D.C., Pathway for China
Because China does not issue U.S. teaching licenses, you’ll go through a U.S. state or the District of Columbia to earn your credential. We recommend going through Washington, D.C., since it offers a straightforward pathway that is highly respected and globally accessible.
All this means is you’ll follow D.C.’s steps to licensure (the same as those listed above) and take the licensure exams required for D.C. teachers.
Teacher Education Requirements for U.S. Licensure
General Requirements
To earn a U.S. teaching license, you’ll need:
- A bachelor’s degree
- A completed EPP
- Passing scores on your licensure exams
- A clear background check
Testing Requirements
If you’re earning your U.S. teaching license through Washington, D.C., (the most common route for Moreland University candidates in China) you’ll take a series of Praxis exams. These will vary based on the subject and grades you wish to teach but will cover subject area(s) as well as general teaching skills and knowledge.
Education Requirements
A bachelor’s degree is a must for a U.S. teaching license. If you already have a degree in a field other than education, you could complete an alternative EPP to earn your license. Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program is 100% online and can be completed in as little as 9 months from anywhere in the world.
Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) for Teachers in China
Completing an EPP is a critical step to earning your U.S. teaching license. If you choose an online EPP, like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program, you could earn your U.S. license from China without having to travel to the States.
TEACH-NOW:
- Fully accredited
- 100% online
- Global cohort model
- Rolling admissions
- Monthly start dates
- 9 months total
- Clinical learning (student teaching) included
Moreland University’s Guide to U.S. Teacher Certification in China provides a streamlined overview of what it takes to earn a U.S. teaching license while in the Middle Kingdom.
Moreland University’s Guide to U.S. Teacher Certification in China provides a streamlined overview of what it takes to earn a U.S. teaching license while in the Middle Kingdom.
U.S. Teaching License vs. TEFL or TESOL Certification
If teaching English to non-native speakers is your primary goal, you may be wondering about a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certification. Ultimately, the right credential for you depends on your long-term career goals, including where you want to teach and in what types of schools.
To help you make your choice, this guide compares the pros and cons of a U.S. teaching license, a TEFL certification, and a TESOL certification in a side-by-side chart.
FAQs
You have questions about becoming a U.S. licensed teacher in China. We have answers.
Do I need a U.S. license to teach in China?
A U.S. teaching license may not be a requirement to teach in China, but it does bring expanded career opportunities (especially at international schools) and higher earning potential.
According to HiredChina, teaching candidates with a U.S. license or other recognized credential have a “significant competitive advantage” over other applicants.
Will I have to travel from China to the U.S. to earn my teaching license?
That depends on the Educator Preparation Program (EPP) you choose. Some programs may require an in-person presence. Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is 100% online and requires no travel. You could complete the entire TEACH-NOW program in as little as 9 months from anywhere in the world.
How do I get my U.S. teaching license while in China?
You could earn your U.S. teaching license from China through an alternative Educator Preparation Program (EPP). The basic requirements for a U.S. license include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Completed EPP
- Passing scores on the required licensure exams
- Background check
If you earn your license through Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, you could complete the program in as little as 9 months, 100% online, without having to travel to the States.
What are the requirements for a U.S. teaching license for international educators?
The requirements for a U.S. teaching license are the same for international educators as they are for educators who plan to teach in the States: Earn a bachelor’s degree, complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP), pass the required licensure exams, and clear a background check. Specifics will depend on:
- The subject and grades you wish to teach
- The U.S. state where you earn your license
Moreland University advises international candidates to earn their teaching license through Washington, D.C., since it offers a straightforward pathway that is highly respected and globally accessible.
What’s the difference between a U.S. teacher certification and a U.S. teaching license?
They’re the same! It’s a simple matter of language preference in different U.S. states (some say teacher certification while others say teacher licensure). There is no practical difference between the terms.
How long does it take to earn a U.S. teaching license from China?
Your timeline depends on your starting point and the Educator Preparation Program (EPP) you choose. Some programs take several years while others are faster. Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in as little as 9 months, 100% online.
How much does it cost to earn a U.S. teaching license from China?
Cost will vary depending on your Educator Preparation Program (EPP). Tuition for Moreland University’s 9-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is $7,200. There is no application fee, and there are no other costs or fees for the program (no book costs, for example).
Moreland offers interest-free monthly payment plans as well as financing options via Sallie Mae. If you’re an international candidate considering a Sallie Mae loan, you must either be a U.S. citizen or have a co-signer who is a U.S. citizen. You can find more details here.
How much do international teachers in China make?
Your teacher salary in China will vary based on location, type of school, and your specific job and experience level. According to China by Teaching, educators in international schools earn the highest salaries. These positions often require a teaching license.
How can I learn more about becoming a U.S. licensed teacher in China?
Reach out to Moreland University at admissions@moreland.edu or 844-283-2246. Or, click here to book a 1:1 chat with a member of our team at a time that’s convenient for you. We’d be happy to answer your questions about international education and our 9-month, 100% online Educator Preparation Program (EPP).