How to Become a Teacher in Arizona

To use a teaching certificate from 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. Request a letter of enrollment from American Board after securing employment with a school district. 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.
3. Apply to the Arizona Department of Education for a Teaching Intern Certificate. You can do so by clicking here.
4. Prior to your Teaching Intern Certificate’s expiration date, you must:
   1. Pass American Board’s Professional Teaching Knowledge (PTK) exam. (This exam can be taken prior to receiving your Teaching Intern Certificate.) Upon passing the exam, you will receive the Arizona Classroom Qualifier Certificate which you will then submit to the Arizona Department of Education.
   2. After passing American Board’s PTK exam, request an application for the Arizona Employed Internship from American Board’s Candidate Services team.
   3. Pass the National Evaluation Series (NES) exam for the subject area you wish to teach.* Select your subject area and schedule your exam by clicking here.  (This step can be completed prior to enrolling in American Board’s program.)
   4. Complete the first 45 hours of Structured English Immersion (SEI) training. To learn more about SEI training and enroll in an approved course, click here. (This step can be completed prior to enrolling in American Board’s program.)
   5. Complete a mentorship during you 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.
5. Complete U.S. Constitution and Arizona Constitution** training within three years of receiving your Intern Certificate***. These courses can be completed online through most universities.

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

**Arizona Constitution training is only required for Social Science, Social Studies, and History certification.

***Social Studies certification candidates must complete these training requirements within one year of receiving the Intern Certificate.