Online Teacher Certification and Licensure at WGU
Licensure Information for WGU's School of Education
If you're looking to make a difference for students and your community, earning a teaching degree from WGU is a great way to achieve your goal. Our online educator degrees give you important skills and credentials that prepare you for teacher licensure and a career in the classroom.
WGU’s Teachers College is committed to helping educators pursue teaching degrees that will aid them in improving student outcomes. Our online teaching degree programs are designed to help you be equipped for the challenges of the classroom, and be eligible to obtain your educator certification. To ensure that our graduates are ready to help students learn and adhere to licensing requirements, our Teachers College is accredited at the initial-licensure level by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
Each state has unique requirements for educator certificates, and it's important to understand the educator licensure requirements in your state. WGU's Teachers College online degree programs will help prepare you for teaching certification in any of the 50 states. Learn about teaching license requirements by state.
Educator licensure requirements vary depending on state laws, but typically include:
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree program
- Submission of transcripts
- Completion and clearance of a background check
- Passing of required entrance exams and basic skills tests
LICENSURE AVAILABILITY STATEMENT
In compliance with federal law and NC-SARA policy, Western Governors University provides the following information relating to professional licensure/certification.
Click on the business program name below for a list of US states and territories in which the program has institutional authorization, any necessary program approvals, and professional licensing opportunities. These programs are only available in select states and territories (as listed below). All other business programs are not designed or intended to lead to a professional license in any state or territory.
For more information, please contact WGU’s licensing department at licensure@wgu.edu.
Consumer Complaint Information
The process by which students can register complaints under the consumer complaint process can be found at these links:
WGU’s main office is located in Utah. Information regarding the complaint process in Utah can be found at this link.
Information regarding any adverse actions by any state or any accrediting agency involving WGU can be found in the Consumer Complaint Process.
If you have other questions, please contact authorization@wgu.edu.
Refund Policy
Refund policies for WGU students for the return of unearned tuition and fees can be found at these links:
Title IV Notice
Notice regarding changing state of residence: A student who changes his or her state of residence while enrolled in a program may become ineligible for Title IV Higher Education Act funding if the change in residence results in a student participating in a program in a state in which WGU does not meet licensure or certification requirements in that new state of residence. For more information, please contact WGU’s licensing department at licensure@wgu.edu.
If you have other questions, please contact authorization@wgu.edu.
Educator License Information by State/Territory
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Alabama, please check the Alabama Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Alaska, please check the Alaska Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Institutional Authorization
American Samoa does not regulate distance education. Therefore, approval for WGU to offer distance education programs to students located in American Samoa is not required.
Educational Prerequisites
The American Samoa Department of Education requires prospective educators to complete an American Samoa approved program. Prospective educators may not complete a program that is out-of-state, like at WGU. In addition, educators may not transfer a license from another state using any pathway.
For this reason, WGU’s programs do not meet any of the educational prerequisites for licensure in the field of education in American Samoa. Candidates interested in teaching in American Samoa may consult the American Samoa Department of Education website.
Candidates will not be accepted for enrollment in WGU’s education programs if they are seeking a license in American Samoa.
Consumer Complaint Information
Students can refer to this information regarding the complaint process for those attending WGU in American Samoa.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Arizona, please check the Arizona Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Arkansas, please check the Arkansas Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in California, please check the California Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in the state of Colorado, please check the Colorado Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Connecticut, please check the Connecticut Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Delaware, please check the Delaware Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For further details on DC teacher certification requirements, please see the DC Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Florida, please check the Florida Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Georgia, please check the Georgia Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Guam, please check the Guam Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Hawaii, please check the Hawaii Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Idaho, please check the Idaho Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Illinois, please check the Illinois Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Indiana, please visit the Indiana Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Iowa, please check the Iowa Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Kansas, please check the Kansas Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Kentucky, please check the Kentucky Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Louisiana, please check the Louisiana Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Maine, please check the Maine Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Maryland, please check the Maryland Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Massachusetts, please check the Massachusetts Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Michigan, please check the Michigan Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Minnesota, please check the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Mississippi, please check the Mississippi Teacher Licensure article in the Student Handbook.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Missouri, please check the Missouri Teacher Licensure article in the Student Handbook.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Montana, please check the Montana Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Nebraska, please check the Nebraska Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Nevada, please check the Nevada Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in New Hampshire, please check the New Hampshire Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in New Jersey, please check the New Jersey Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in New Mexico, please check the New Mexico Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in New York, please check the New York Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in North Carolina, please check the North Carolina Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in North Dakota, please check the North Dakota Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Forthe most current information about becoming a teacher in the Northern Mariana Islands, please check the Northern Mariana Islands Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Ohio, please check the Ohio Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Oklahoma, please check the Oklahoma Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Oregon, please check the Oregon Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Pennsylvania, please check the Pennsylvania Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Puerto Rico, please check the Puerto Rico Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Rhode Island, please check the Rhode Island Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in South Carolina, please check the South Carolina Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in South Dakota, please check the South Dakota Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Tennessee, please check the Tennessee Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Texas please check the Texas Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Utah, please check the Utah Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Vermont, please check the Vermont Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in the Virgin Islands, please check the Virgin Islands Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Virginia, please check the Virginia Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Washington, please check the Washington Teacher Licensure student handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in West Virginia, please check the West Virginia Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Wisconsin, please check the Wisconsin Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Wyoming, please check the Wyoming Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
How to Become a Teacher
Learn all the steps you need to take to become a licensed teacher.
Frequently Asked Questions
About State Educator Licenses
What is a teaching certification?
A teacher certification, also called a teaching license, is the credential an educator needs to be able to instruct students. All states require teaching certification for educators to work in public schools, and most private schools also prefer to hire licensed teachers. Teachers can be certified for certain grade levels, like elementary school (K-6), middle school, or high school. Teachers also can get teaching licensure for specific subjects, like math, English, or certain science courses.
How long do teaching licenses last?
A teaching license typically lasts 5 years before a renewal is required. Exact timing may vary by state. Teachers who have let their teaching license lapse may be able to apply to get their teacher licensure reinstated. In most states continuing education courses are required to renew your teaching license. The exact number of hours and type of courses required for an educator license will vary based on your state. Your state board of education can help you get further information about teaching license renewal.
Can I teach without a teacher's license?
States do not allow educators to teach in public schools without a teaching certificate. Some private schools may allow students to teach without a teaching license, but most prefer to hire teachers who have obtained their educator certification. Some states may have alternative routes to teaching licensure that allow those without a teaching bachelor's degree to pursue teaching licensure, but for many states a licensing degree program is the best route to become a teacher.
Can I transfer my license to another state?
States all have their own unique requirements for an educator's licensure, but most have reciprocity agreements to allow currently licensed teachers to transfer their teaching credentials to a new state. Teachers may have to meet some additional state requirements in order to get their teaching license moved to another state, but for most states transferring teacher licensure is fairly straightforward. Work with your new state board of education to learn how to transfer your teaching license.
Can you get certified to teach without a degree in education?
Yes. In some states it is possible to become a teacher without licensing and an education degree. Keep in mind that this is not a possibility in every state. Be sure to check with your state's department of education for the most up to date information on licensing and teaching requirements. In general, an education degree is a good idea as it will open up more doors of opportunity. Earning this degree online will give you flexibility and perhaps allow you to graduate more quickly.
What certifications do you need to become a teacher?
Each state has unique certification requirements, tests, and licensing guidance for teachers. Be sure to check with your state's board of education to ensure you understand and meet the relevant licensing requirements to become a teacher in your specific state.
How do I get my teaching certificate if I already have a degree?
If you already have a bachelor's degree, a master's degree in teaching may be the best way to prepare for teacher licensure. If you already have a master's degree, you can still pursue a second master's degree to become a licensed teacher.
What is the difference between a certified teacher and a licensed teacher?
A certified teacher is also known as a licensed teacher. This means that an educator with a degree and a teaching certificate is a certified and licensed teacher. To teach in a public school, you must be a licensed teacher, meaning you have a teaching certificate that you received after completing an education degree.
Can you be a teacher without a teaching certificate?
No. As a rule of thumb, you cannot become a teacher without a teaching certificate. Some states do offer alternative teacher certification and licensing programs that give you a path to become a teacher if you've earned at least a bachelor's degree in any subject. In all states you will need a teaching license in order to teach public schools, and in most private schools as well.
What type of teacher is most in demand?
Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are content areas that are always in high demand. Additionally, ESL, social studies, and special education teaching are in high demand. Learn more about the types of teachers in highest demand.
How to become a teacher?
- Choose a specialty
- Earn a bachelor's degree
- Complete a student teaching program
- Meet other licensing requirements in your state
- Pass your required Praxis exam
- Find a position and begin teaching
What qualifications should a teacher have?
There a variety of qualifications that a teacher will need. Firstly, they will need a degree, to pass their Praxis exam, and meet any other state eligibilty qualifications to become licensed. Teachers also will need knowledge in their subject area, patience, understanding, great communication, and more.
Which certificate is best for teacher?
Each state has unique requirements for educator certification, and it's important to understand the educator licensure requirements in your state. WGU's School of Education online degree programs will help prepare you for teaching certification in any of the 50 states. Learn about teaching license requirements by state.
Can you get a teachers certificate online?
The online educator bachelor's degree programs in the School of Education at WGU include coursework and assessments, a preclinical experience that includes observation hours and teaching lessons, and Student Teaching. A bachelor's degree is required in every state in order to get a teaching license and teach in schools, so this is a critical first step.
