Whether you are already teaching and seeking certification in another specialty or want to become a teacher, online teacher certification programs make it easy to get that credential. Work while you study online on your own schedule, and you can come out with a teaching certificate to match your goals as an educator.
Article Navigation: What is Teacher Certification? | Teacher Certification vs Certificate | Teaching Certification Steps | Do Online Teaching Certification Programs Lead to Licensure? | Accreditation | How to Get a Teaching Certificate if You Already Have a Bachelor’s Degree | Examples of State Requirements | Transferring Credentials to a New State | Top 8 Online Teacher Certification Programs | What is a Teaching Certificate? | Why Earn an Online Teaching Certificate? | Top 12 Online Teaching Certificate Programs | Get Started Today!
What is Teacher Certification?
Technically, teacher certification is the process that the state board of education in your state mandates for public school teachers. This is also called licensure, and the two terms get used interchangeably in many cases.
The state requires several steps to be a certified or licensed teacher in your state. Currently, each state has slightly different requirements, including filling out an application, providing a copy of your degree, taking a Praxis test, undergoing a background check, and paying a fee.
One of these teaching certificate requirements is that you successfully pass an education program at an accredited college that gives you the knowledge you need to be an effective teacher.
The traditional path to a teaching license is a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education. However, if you already hold a bachelor’s degree (in any subject), you may be able to meet teaching licensure requirements with a graduate certificate.
Additional, there are other certificate programs that can add a particular endorsement onto your license, like special education, biology, or teaching English to speakers of other languages.
Online Teacher Certification vs. Teaching Certificate
Certification, also sometimes called licensure, is the process of becoming legally allowed to teach in a particular state. Certificates are short post-secondary training programs, which may help you get your state certification or licensure. Still, it is not in itself a license to teach.
These two terms are often used interchangeably, so don’t be surprised if they are sometimes unclear. A certificate is a piece of paper or a credential awarded for completing a program of study shorter than a standard college degree. Certificates can be earned in many subjects, but here we are talking about online teacher certification programs, so the certificate would be in a particular type of teaching.
Teacher certification means being evaluated and approved by your state to become a licensed or certified teacher in public schools. But some online programs will call themselves “certification” programs because the training prepares you to pass state exams for certification.
Graduate level certificates can sometimes fulfill requirements for alternative teacher certification. However, the most traditional path to teacher certification is the completion of a bachelor or master’s degree.
Teaching Certification: Step by Step
The basic steps in becoming a licensed or certified teacher are the same in all states. You will need a degree that includes preparation for the state licensing exam in the subject or specialty you choose, for one thing. Alternatively, you will need a degree plus the training that meets state standards for licensure. You also need to pass a background check to check for criminal history and do some student teaching, as required in your state.
1. Choose teaching specialization
Most states now separate teaching credentials by grade level. Elementary education degrees allow you to teach multiple subjects. For middle and high school, you will need to pick a topic or two for your teaching area.
2. Earn a bachelor’s degree
First, earn a bachelor's degree in education, or possibly even another subject. If the bachelor’s degree is in another field, you will likely need additional education in the form of a certificate or master’s degree to be eligible for licensure.
3. Complete a master’s degree (optional)
While it may not be required, a master’s degree is a good second step in your educational journey. In addition, a graduate degree is mandatory for some specialties, such as curriculum or technology specialists, or administrative positions like principal or guidance counselor.
Having a master’s degree can also make you eligible for a higher salary and more competitive for the best teaching jobs. In some states, a master’s is required to renew your license or get to the highest level of teaching.
Many teachers opt to get a master’s degree at some point in their careers, either to add a subject area, deepen their knowledge, get a raise, or all of the above. See our list of the most affordable online master's in education.
4. Pass a background check
Specific background check requirements will be outlined by your state’s teaching licensing board.
5. Undertake a student teaching experience with an experienced educator
Next, you will gain teaching experience under the guidance of a seasoned professional. Your student teaching or practicum may be part of your education, or it could be required after you have completed the other requirements. As always, check with your state.
6. Meet any additional state-specific requirements
Finally, be sure to check for any state-specific requirements. The above are the most common steps, but some states require other documentation or experience to get your teaching license. For example, California requires a performance assessment. Alternatively, Georgia requires an ethics assessment. Still yet, Oregon requires an assessment about protecting students’ civil rights in the classroom.
How to Get a Teaching Certificate if You Already Have a Bachelor’s Degree
If you completed a bachelor’s degree in an area other than education, then you have a two options: earn a graduate teaching certificate that fulfills licensure requirements or earn a master’s degree in education or teaching.
One option is to get a master's degree in education or teaching that will lead to licensure. Check your state requirements to ensure any program you are considering will qualify you to teach in your state. A benefit to this path is that a master’s level degree will typically provide a higher teaching salary. A downside is that this degree program typically takes longer than a teaching certificate.
GetEducated's Picks
- William Carey University Master of Education in Secondary Education (7-12)
- Western Governors University Master of Arts in Mathematics Education (Middle Grades)
- Grand Canyon University Master of Arts in Reading / Secondary Education
Alternatively, you can complete a graduate-level certificate to qualify for alternative teacher licensure (if your state allows it). Many of the courses and subjects in these programs are similar or even the same as a master’s degree but take less time to complete. In fact, the quickest take only six months to complete.
GetEducated's Picks
- American Public University System Graduate Certificate in K-12 Online Learning
- American Public University System Graduate Certificate in K-12 Reading & Differentiated Instruction
- Liberty University Graduate Certificate in Middle Grades
Keep in mind that for any option you take, you must fulfill other state requirements, such as passing exams and a background check.
Examples of Teacher Certification Requirements by State
If you want to teach in Pennsylvania but you have a bachelor’s degree that is not in teaching, you can follow their alternative pathway to certification. Start by taking an approved teacher preparation program (also known as an educator preparation program). This may take a year to complete. In addition, you will need to pass the same exams and background checks as traditional teaching candidates.
If you prefer to get your master’s degree, you can study in an approved program that will lead to certification. Start teaching sooner by applying as a teaching intern, which allows students to work while enrolled in an alternative teacher preparation program.
In Colorado, it works differently. You can take the state subject exam with a bachelor’s degree and 24 college credits in the subject area you want to teach. Students who pass the exam can teach during their teacher preparation program on an Alternative Teacher License. If you still need to pass your subject area exam, you may be able to get Interim Authorization. Students need to be enrolled in a teacher preparation program for both types of teaching approval.
The upshot is that each state has slightly different rules and pathways to teach in public schools if you don’t have a teaching degree. If you want to teach, states need you, so there will be alternative ways to become certified, no matter what bachelor’s degree you hold.
How to Transfer Teaching Certification to a New State
Because each state gives out professional educator licenses, you need their approval if you move or want to teach across state lines from where you live. In many cases, states have reciprocity agreements. If so, you may only need to complete the paperwork and pay the fee to get your license issued in a new state. For example, Iowa is one of these states. It offers full reciprocity if you have a teaching license from another state, passed all required exams, and have no disciplinary actions against you.
Some states evaluate your out-of-state license and educational credentials before issuing a license. Washington recognizes Ohio and Wisconsin licenses as full reciprocity. However, it assesses credentials from other states. Alternatively, Louisiana accepts out-of-state licenses and three years of teaching experience without requiring applicants to take the Louisiana exams.
In other cases, you may need to take the exam for your specialty or complete extra classes to satisfy the teaching certification requirements. For example, Kentucky requires out-of-state license holders to pass their exams and complete all Kentucky requirements. That is to say, you may have to take additional courses if your educational credentials do not meet their standards.
Accreditation for Online Teaching Certification Programs
For most professions, it is essential to have an accredited degree. To clarify, there are two basic types of accreditation bodies:
Regional Institutional Accreditation
Regional accreditation is for the university or college as a whole. It ensures that the institution uses good teaching practices, treats students fairly, has high academic standards, and can provide a good education.
Programmatic Accreditation (CAEP)
Each type of program in a college can have a specific accreditation that looks at whether the education it provides is appropriate to the profession. Different programmatic accreditation agencies exist for business, engineering, music, nursing, and other disciplines.
The Council for the Accreditation of Educational Preparation, or CAEP, accredits all the degrees and certificates listed in this article. As such, the teacher certification programs highlighted in this article have gone through a rigorous process to ensure they can produce excellent teachers.
Do Online Teaching Certification Programs Lead to Licensure?
The state board of education grants licensure for teachers in your state. One of the requirements is the appropriate education, and online teaching certification programs can be that educational element. So, as part of your preparation for licensure, successfully passing an educator preparation program is one step.
Some teaching certificate programs are not designed to lead to licensure or may not be approved by every state. As such, be sure to check with the program and your state board of education to ensure the certificate you pursue will lead to licensure in your state. See the list below for the best online teacher certification programs that lead to licensure.
Top 6 Accredited Online Teacher Certification Programs (Bachelor & Master Level)
This list features the best online teacher certification programs that fulfill licensing requirements in certain states. See program description for licensing specifics. All programs hold CAEP accreditation.
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville University offers CAEP-accredited teacher certification programs that meet the requirements for Kentucky licensure. With an increased need for special education, these programs from one of the most affordable Christian colleges are an excellent way to become a teacher.
Online Bachelor of Science in Learning & Behavior Disorders / Elementary Education Initial Certification
Estimated Degree Cost In-State/Out-of-State: $55,760
This dual certification program allows you to have your teaching certificate in elementary and special education. It only takes one extra semester to get the dual degree.
Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education / Learning Behaviors Disorders Certification
Estimated Degree Cost In-State/Out-of-State: $50,020
Depending on any transfer credits you may have, you can complete this special education teaching certificate online in less than four years. With this program, you can prepare to teach grades P-12 in Kentucky.
Online Master of Science in Special Education / Initial Certification
Estimated Degree Cost In-State/Out-of-State: $12,690
Suppose you want to complete your master’s degree before or while you are teaching. In that case, the MS in Special Education is a convenient and high-quality choice to get your post-baccalaureate teacher certification online. You can complete the program in approximately 18 months.
Drexel University
Drexel University offers online teaching certificate programs that not only qualify you to obtain licensure in Pennsylvania but, with reciprocity, may be valid in any state. Check with your state board of education to find out if the Drexel education certificate programs will work to get licensed where you plan to teach. For those who wish to add a special education certification, Drexel also offers this add-on after your initial certification.
Online Master of Science in Teaching, Learning & Curriculum / Teacher Certification – Grades PreK-4
Estimated Degree Cost In-State/Out-of-State: $47,115
This completely online teacher certification has a field placement office to help you arrange your student teaching. Designed for students with a bachelor’s degree who wish to teach in elementary schools in many states, this program offers convenience and quality.
Online Master of Science in Teaching, Learning & Curriculum / Teacher Certification – Middle-Level Education
Estimated Degree Cost In-State/Out-of-State: $47,115
Get ready to teach in grades 4-8 in English, math, science, or social studies. Drexel’s Middle-Level online teaching degree allows you to study from anywhere with your student teaching performed at a local school in your area.
Online Master of Science in Teaching, Learning & Curriculum / Teacher Certification – Secondary Education
Estimated Degree Cost In-State/Out-of-State: $47,115
You can get your teaching certification for high school with Drexel’s Secondary Education master’s. You have subject matter options of biology, chemistry, earth and space science, English, general science, mathematics, physics, or social studies.
What is an Online Teaching Certificate?
Online teaching certification is one option for teacher training programs. You can study at your own pace, during the hours you choose, and while you maintain professional and personal obligations. Online teacher training programs are great for working adults because you can continue your life uninterrupted. At the same time, you can add more education to either move up or switch your career to teaching.
Teaching certificates can be either undergraduate or graduate level, and they contain fewer credits than a degree. As such, certificate programs allow you to finish much quicker than getting a degree. You will likely need a bachelor’s degree before starting a teaching certificate program. Not all teaching certificates lead to licensure, however, so if you need your initial teaching license, check with your state and the school to ensure the program qualifies.
Why Earn an Online Teaching Certificate?
There are many reasons to complete an online teaching certificate program. Notably, you have convenience, flexibility, affordability, and many quality programs to choose from. Here are the top reasons to choose this path:
- Meet initial teacher licensing requirements
- Advance your career
- Learn new teaching skills and techniques
- Gain advanced training
9 Best Online Teaching Certificate Programs for Licensure
Some online post-baccalaureate and graduate certificate programs contain all the education requirements for teacher licensure (when combined with a bachelor’s degree in any subject). The following list profiles the top choices that will lead to teaching licensure in certain states. All programs hold CAEP accreditation.
Early Childhood Education
Notre Dame College – Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Education Licensure / Early Childhood Education (Pre-K-5)
Estimated Degree Cost In-State (Indiana): $7,281
Estimated Degree Cost Out-of-State: $10,551
Earn your Ohio teaching licensure for preschool through Grade 5 in this online program. This is an excellent choice for those that want to complete all requirements at once as it includes a student teaching component.
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University of North Carolina at Greensboro – Graduate Certificate in Birth-Kindergarten Initial Licensure
Estimated Degree Cost In-State (North Carolina): $6,140
Estimated Degree Cost Out-of-State: $19,589
This online educator preparation program is designed for those with a bachelor’s degree in a major other than education to enter the teaching field. Featuring synchronous delivery, graduates will qualify for Birth-Kindergarten licensure.
Elementary Education
Western Governors University – Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Elementary Education
Estimated Degree Cost In-State/Out-of-State: $18,175
This online EPP (educator prep program) is competency based and provides 47 competency units of coursework. It’s one of the first online competency-based programs to gain accreditation from CAEP. An in-person student teaching experience is included in the curriculum. Graduates will be eligible for teaching licensure at the elementary education level.
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American College of Education – Certificate in Transition to Teaching in Elementary Education
Estimated Degree Cost In-State/Out-of-State: $6,050
This online teacher certificate program leads to a secondary education teaching license in Indiana for those that hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field. Preparing graduates to teach in grades 5-12, this program also includes in-person field experience and student teaching opportunities.
Secondary Education
Notre Dame University – Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Education Licensure / Middle Childhood Education (Grades 4-9)
Estimated Degree Cost In-State/Out-of-State: $34,898
If you’d like to teach grades 7 through 12 in Ohio, this is an excellent online teacher preparation certificate program. Technology is integrated throughout the curriculum and real world experience is provided by a student teaching component.
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University of Florida – Graduate Certificate in Secondary Teaching Preparation
Estimated Degree Cost In-State (Indiana): $9,575
Estimated Degree Cost Out-of-State: $11,438
Leading to Florida teaching certification, this program provides an education in teaching math, science, english, or social studies at the secondary level. Applicants will need a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 credits of their bachelor’s level coursework (in any major).
Notre Dame College – Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Education Licensure / Adolescent/Young Adult Education (Grades 7-12)
Estimated Degree Cost In-State/Out-of-State: $4,783.95
Designed for those who are just entering the teaching field, this program includes 70.5-95.5 credits, depending on which specialization is chosen. This graduate certificate meets the current Ohio Teacher Education Licensure Standards.
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American College of Education – Certificate in Transition to Teaching in Secondary Education
Estimated Degree Cost In-State/Out-of-State: $6,050
This online teacher preparation program is ideal for those wanting to teach in grade 5-12 classrooms. Thanks to the real-world student teaching experience built into the program, graduates will meet initial licensure requirements in Indiana. Credits can also be transferred to a Master of Arts in Secondary Teaching.
Drexel University – Post-Bachelor’s Certificate in Teaching / Middle Education
Estimated Degree Cost In-State/Out-of-State: $34,551
Designed for career changers, this online teacher certificate includes coursework, in-person field experiences, and student teaching. It will prepare graduates to teach grades 4-8 in English, math, science, or social studies and meet licensing requirements in Pennsylvania. Don’t live in PA? Due to reciprocal agreements, almost all states allow teachers to transfer their Pennsylvania teaching certificate licensure to another state.
Top 9 Online Teaching Certificates for Skill Development
Many graduate certificate programs in education and teaching are simply meant to advance your skill set. The following list profiles great choices for licensed teachers who want to branch into a new area of education.
Ball State University – Graduate Certificate in Computer Education for Teachers
Estimated Degree Cost In-State (Indiana): $7,281
Estimated Degree Cost Out-of-State: $10,551
This online educator preparation program is perfect if you want to educate K-12, corporate, or other students using computers. With the rise in computer use in all types of education and training, this 15-credit certificate program can be a great addition to your resume.
Ball State University – Graduate Certificate in Gifted & Talented Education
Estimated Degree Cost In-State (Indiana): $5,776
Estimated Degree Cost Out-of-State: $8,392
For those who seek accredited and nationally aligned teaching certificate programs in G&T, the online program from Ball State fits the bill. At just four courses long, you can complete the certificate in about six months.
Ball State University – Graduate Certificate in Literacy Instruction
Estimated Degree Cost In-State (Indiana): $7,281
Estimated Degree Cost Out-of-State: $10,551
You can gain this valuable online certificate in 15 credits of coursework, all taught by the teacher’s college faculty who hold doctorates. If you want to add this to your teacher’s license, then you will need to have an evaluation by the faculty before beginning the program.
Ball State University – Graduate Certificate in Mathematics Education
Estimated Degree Cost In-State (Indiana): $7,281
Estimated Degree Cost Out-of-State: $10,551
This program is designed to enhance the teaching skills of community college mathematics educators. As such, coursework in this 15-credit program focuses on giving instructors advanced skills for helping students tackle the challenge of learning math.
Minnesota State University-Mankato – Graduate Certificate in Culturally Responsive Teaching
Estimated Degree Cost In-State/Out-of-State: $4,783.95
This post-baccalaureate teacher certification online is perfect for people with a Minnesota teacher’s license or on their way to receiving one. It takes 12 months to finish, and students can start in the fall or spring semesters.
Minnesota State University-Mankato – Special Education Graduate Certificates:
(Emotional & Behavioral Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Developmental Disabilities, and Early Childhood Special Education)
Estimated Degree Cost In-State/Out-of-State: $4,783.95-$5,315.50
Choose online teacher certification programs like this if you want your initial teaching license. You can also add this certification to your existing license or simply broaden your knowledge. Depending on your course load, it can take between one and two years to complete the program.
Online Teacher Certification in Within Your Reach
In a word, teaching is a noble profession. We need more talented educators to teach our children well so they can be the next generation to lead our nation’s workforce. If you want to become a teacher to serve your community, choose one of these online teacher certification programs. As has been noted, these will quickly and easily provide you with the credential you need to teach.