What is a Teaching Credential? [2024 Guide]

If you’re interested in a career in education, you might ask, “What is a teaching credential?”

Teachers must obtain specific certificates or licenses to work in K-12 public schools and other educational settings. These credentials demonstrate that teachers have the knowledge and skills to educate students and manage behavior in the classroom.

This guide gives an overview of the process of earning a teaching credential, including common types of credentials and typical timelines.

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What Is a Teaching Credential?

A teaching credential is a permit that allows you to teach in public schools and other educational institutions. This credential verifies that you’ve completed all academic and legal requirements to become a teacher. It also signals that you have subject matter expertise and can create a safe and effective learning environment.

Here are the most common types of teaching credentials:

• Early childhood education certification. This enables you to teach children who are 3 to 8 years old. For this certification, you’ll study childhood development, play-based learning, and literacy instruction.
• Elementary education credential. This demonstrates that you have the broad subject knowledge to teach English, mathematics, science, and social studies. State governments and schools typically require this credential for kindergarten through fifth-grade teachers.
• Secondary education credential. This proves that you have subject matter expertise in one discipline, such as health and fitness, music, or science. This certification enables you to teach middle and high school courses.
• Special education certification. This verifies that you have the specialized knowledge and interpersonal skills to teach students with disabilities and behavioral disorders.

There are several paths to earning a teaching credential, including finishing a bachelor’s degree in education and completing a post-baccalaureate teacher certification online or on-campus program.

How to Get a Teaching Credential

The requirements to earn a teaching credential vary by state and grade level. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, standard requirements to become a kindergarten or elementary school teacher include:

• Bachelor’s or post-baccalaureate degree in elementary education
• Experience working as a student teacher
• Clean background check
• Passing score on a general teaching certification exam

High school and special education teachers are typically also required to pass a subject-specific exam. For example, if you want to become a high school English teacher, you’ll take an assessment to prove your subject matter expertise.

Some states have additional requirements. For instance, California teaching credential programs include a course on the United States Constitution. Meanwhile, Oregon requires teachers to pass the Protecting Student and Civil Rights in the Education Environment Examination.

How long does it take to get a teaching credential in California? It depends based on your educational and professional history, including any previous teaching experience you may have.

It’s beneficial to research how to get teaching credentials in your state before choosing a college. This step ensures you pick a program that aligns with the specific educational criteria for your area.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Teaching Credential?

Many people earn a teaching credential in 4 to 6 years. Numerous factors influence this timeline, including your education, your enrollment status, and state-specific requirements.

Most states require teachers to hold a bachelor’s degree. Online teaching degree programs typically take 4 years to complete with full-time enrollment. Aspiring teachers who don’t major in education are required to complete a post-baccalaureate teaching certification program. These programs generally take 1 to 2 years.

For the certification process, you will likely complete additional requirements, such as student teaching and passing licensing exams. These components may take another 3 to 6 months.

What’s the Difference Between a Teaching Credential vs. License?

Educators often use “teaching credential” and “teaching license” interchangeably, but there are a few differences between them.

Teaching Credential	Teaching License
A certification Qualifies you to teach a specific grade, a specific subject, or special education Requires the completion of a teacher preparation program and an exam	A legal permit Allows you to work in a specific state or country Often requires passing an exam and earning an education degree

Some states require a teaching credential and license, while others require only one of these endorsements. While the term “teaching credential” is typically used in the United States, the term “teaching license” is often used internationally.

Getting Your Teacher Credential

Aspiring educators often ask, “What is teaching credentials?” These certificates or licenses legally authorize you to teach students in public schools and other educational environments.

A teaching credential is often the culmination of several years of education and work experience. A teaching certification can unlock many career opportunities. For instance, you might study to become a kindergarten teacher or a high school biology teacher. Many educators also use this credential as a stepping stone to a school administration role down the road.

If you want to positively impact students’ lives, you can start your educational journey by researching accredited schools that offer online teacher certification and combined masters and teaching credential programs now.

Your next big step starts here—click “Find My Program” today.