How to Become a Teacher in Arizona

To become certified through American Board in the state of Arizona, candidates will need to complete the following steps:

1. Enroll in American Board’s teacher certification program. This can be done by clicking here or with an Enrollment Specialist over the phone at 877-669-2228.
2. Apply for an Arizona Department of Public Safety Identity Verified Prints (IVP) fingerprint clearance card. For further information, visit http://www.azed.gov/educator-certification/fingerprint-clearance-card-ivp/
3. After securing employment with a school district or charter school, request an enrollment verification letter from American Board. When making this request, provide the following: name of school district, name of school, subject area and grade level(s) you will be teaching in.
4. Apply to the Arizona Department of Education for an Alternative Teaching Certificate, valid for two years. This certificate authorizes you to be placed in a teaching position while completing the requirements for the Arizona Standard Professional Teaching Certificate. You may access the application for Alternative Teaching by clicking here.
5. Prior to your Alternative Teaching Certificate’s expiration date, you must:
   • Pass American Board’s Professional Teaching Knowledge (PTK) exam. (This exam can be taken prior to receiving your Alternative Teaching Certificate.)
   • Request an application for the Arizona Employed Internship from American Board’s Candidate Services team.
   • Meet the Arizona Professional Knowledge exam requirement for the certificate you are pursuing. For further information, please visit http://www.azed.gov/educator-certification/testing-information/
   • Meet the Arizona Subject Knowledge exam requirement for your certification subject area.* Select your subject area and schedule your exam by clicking here. (This step can be completed prior to enrolling in American Board’s program.)
   • Complete a mentorship during your first year in the classroom as required by the Arizona Employed Internship. Submit all associated paperwork to American Board for review. Following American Board’s review, you will receive the Employed Internship Certificate which you will then submit to the Arizona Department of Education.
6. Complete courses or pass the AEPA Exam covering the U.S. Constitution and Arizona Constitution within three years of receiving your Alternative Teaching Certificate. The Arizona and U.S. Constitution courses can be completed online through most Arizona community colleges and universities.**
7. Upon successful completion of the American Board program, you will receive an Institutional Recommendation. Submit the Institutional Recommendation and required documents to obtain your Arizona Standard Professional Teaching Certificate.

*American Board does not certify Arizona candidates in Early Childhood Education, Special Education or any non-teaching subject.

** If you have an Alternative Teaching Certificate in Social Studies, History, or American Government/Political Science, complete these requirements within one year.