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How Online Teacher Licensure Works Across States

Much like lawyers and medical practitioners, aspiring teachers must acquire a professional license to be able to practice in a given area. The schools above offer state-recognized online degrees that qualify students to apply for licensure. 

The country always needs teachers, and many colleges offer education and teaching degrees to satisfy that need. The goal of these programs is to prepare you for a teaching career by completing coursework in pedagogy, developmental psychology, and educational technology. You'll also take classes in the subjects you intend to teach. 

A teaching licensure program is designed to prepare students for a career as an educator by equipping individuals with the knowledge and experience to gain licensure or certification in one or several states. 

Three basic kinds of licensure are available: temporary, initial, and professional. A temporary teaching license is nonrenewable and valid for a short period. On the other hand, an initial license is required for professional licensure, remains valid for five years, and can be renewed a limited number of times. This professional credential is valid for five years and is renewable every five years thereafter.

In addition to meeting state-specific requirements, students must pass board exams — such as the Praxis II test or another state-developed exam — to earn their teaching license. The certification board involves a criminal background check and drug test.

Students looking for online teaching degrees that will enable them to apply for licensure should refer to our list above of the top colleges/universities offering a TPP (i.e., a Teacher Preparation Program). Each school on this list offers at least one online teaching degree that includes a TPP.

Earning your teacher certification depends on where you live and what you want to teach. In fact, it may even be called "licensure" in some states rather than "certification." Thankfully, the non-profit Teach.org — a collaboration between Microsoft and the U.S. Department of Education — has a in all areas of the country.

No matter where you live, the traditional certification path involves a few key steps:

• Earning a bachelor's or master's degree in education from an accredited institution

• Passing both a basic skills test and a test of your subject area knowledge

• Passing a background check

However, you can still seek certification in most areas of the country if you hold a bachelor's diploma in a subject other than education. Most states have created alternative paths to certification that could allow you to start teaching with a provisional certification as long as you commit to educating yourself about the teaching profession. In this case, the state will ask you to earn one of three additional credentials depending on its policy:

• A certificate of completion from a state-approved teaching academy with a certification program

• A one-year certificate in education from an accredited college

• An MAT

Because certification requirements differ by state, you may wonder whether another state will recognize your certification if you decide to move. As with everything else relating to this topic, the answer depends on the states in question. Most states have some level of certification reciprocity, but they might require you to take additional coursework or exams at some point. The breaks down reciprocity details by state, so consult this helpful resource if you're considering a move.

Common Pathways to Teacher Licensure

In general, online teaching licensure programs train students to present information at different educational levels, including how to prepare and deliver lesson plans. Since a crucial component of these programs involves gaining field experience, students are often required to complete 60 hours of classroom teaching as part of their online teaching credential programs. In certain cases, a program culminates in students taking state board exams to gain their teaching license online.

It is important to distinguish between education degrees and an online teaching degree with licensure. Although undergraduate and graduate teaching programs prepare students to apply for licensure, the former also includes general education credits and the latter gives students a chance to specialize in a particular area of study. 

What You’ll Study in an Online Licensure Program

Keep in mind that program courses vary depending on the degree concentration. jmcomicÂþ»­ education degrees can focus on an area, such as an early childhood education bachelor's program, where students explore the science behind brain development and learning interaction at the preschool level. Then there's an elementary education degree, which offers students an understanding of teaching methods and classroom management.

Below are some common courses students take to earn a bachelor's degree in teaching:

Fieldwork, Practicums, and State Exams (What Online Can’t Skip)

Even fully online teaching licensure programs include in-person requirements that cannot be completed remotely. Most states require supervised classroom experience, which may involve a set number of in-classroom hours — often 60 or more — or a full student teaching term completed in a local school setting. Programs typically coordinate placements with partner districts or guide students through securing an approved site near their residence. 

In addition to fieldwork, candidates must pass required licensure exams, such as the Praxis or other state-specific assessments, before certification. In response to teacher shortages, some states also offer emergency or provisional licenses that allow candidates to teach while completing remaining requirements, though long-term licensure still depends on meeting full state standards.

Advice From a National Board Certified Teacher

Teacher, Speaker, and Author

Dr. Erin Sponaugle is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and award-winning educator with more than 20 years of classroom experience. A National Board Certified Teacher and the 2014 West Virginia Teacher of the Year, she has taught across elementary and virtual settings. Erin holds an Ed.D. in curriculum, instruction, and assessment. She is also the author of "Teachaholic" and the host of the "Next Chapter for Teachers" podcast.

Are online teacher licensure programs as effective as in-person preparation?

"Online licensure programs can be as effective as in-person preparation as long as they are accompanied by actual practicum experiences in the classroom. The instruction and knowledge obtained by any program should require teacher education students to have experience putting what they have learned into practice before graduation.

What misconceptions do students have about online licensure programs?

"A misconception students may have about online programs is that they are easier. Often, learning online, especially when much of the learning is asynchronous, requires a lot of discipline and commitment on the students' part."

What do you learn in a teaching program?

"In a teaching program you learn education theory, subject area content, pedagogical skills to create learning experiences, and practicum to put the knowledge learned to use.

The most essential soft skill for early career teachers is flexibility… Another soft skill is time management. Being intentional about time is essential for longevity in the teaching profession.

Education is always changing. Students are very diverse in their needs and what they bring to the classroom environment. Being able to adapt is essential."

What Can You Do With a Teaching Degree?

The obvious answer to this question is that you can become a teacher. But not all teachers have the same experiences, so we give details of several types of teaching below.

Salary Outcomes: Bachelor’s vs. Master’s in Teaching

For most educators, a bachelor’s degree leads to classroom teaching roles with relatively consistent pay bands across grade levels. Kindergarten, elementary, middle school, high school, and special education teachers all earn median salaries in the low-to-mid $60,000 range. These roles typically follow structured pay scales, where raises are tied to years of experience rather than performance, limiting short-term salary growth without additional credentials.

A master’s degree tends to influence earnings in two distinct ways: through lane changes within district pay scales or by unlocking access to higher-paying roles. In many districts, teachers with a master’s move into a higher salary lane, resulting in incremental but reliable pay increases over time. More significantly, advanced degrees qualify educators for specialist and leadership positions (e.g., instructional coordinators and principals), where median salaries rise substantially, often reaching the mid-$70,000s or exceeding $100,000 for school administrators.

While education level affects long-term earning potential, state and district policies often play a larger role in determining actual pay. Salary schedules, union contracts, funding levels, and local demand can amplify or limit the financial impact of a master’s degree. As a result, the same credential may lead to modest raises in one district and major earning gains in another, particularly where leadership pathways and advanced endorsements are well-supported.

How to Choose the Right Online Licensure Program

Before enrolling in an online teaching licensure program, confirm that it aligns with your state’s requirements and long-term career plans.

• State approval

• Verify the program is approved by your state’s education agency
• Confirm whether completion leads to initial licensure or only eligibility to apply
• Check for CAEP accreditation if required by your state or employer

• Placement support

• Ask how the school arranges practicum and student teaching placements
• Confirm placements can be completed in your local school district
• Clarify who is responsible for securing fieldwork site

• Exam prep

• Identify which licensure exams the program prepares you for (e.g., Praxis or state-specific assessments)
• Ask whether exam prep resources, practice tests, or coaching are included
• Review published pass-rate data when available

• District alignment

• Confirm the license aligns with the grade level and subject you plan to teach
• Review local district requirements for degree level, endorsements, or future coursework
• Consider whether the program supports reciprocity if you move states

• Long-term career goals

• Determine whether the program supports future endorsements or advanced roles
• Consider how the degree level may affect salary lanes and promotion opportunities
• Evaluate flexibility if you plan to pursue a master’s degree or leadership position later

FAQs About Online Teacher Licensure Programs