How to Start Teacher Certification: One Week Edition

If becoming a teacher is something you’ve been thinking about, the hardest part is often figuring out where to begin. The process can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re balancing family and a full-time job. The good news is that learning how to start teacher certification takes just a few days and you’re on your way. It doesn’t require a major time commitment or a dramatic life change. In fact, many future educators take meaningful first steps in just one week.

This guide outlines a realistic, low-pressure way to get started—one day at a time.

Teacher Certification: How to Get Started

Day 1: Understand Your State’s Certification Requirements

Teacher certification is governed at the state level, so the most important first step is understanding what your state requires. You’ll want to visit your state’s education website. Some states have a Department of Education, while others have a Department of Public Instruction. If you’re unsure about your state’s department, a quick google search will help. From there, focus on the basics: what grade levels or subjects are in demand, and any general eligibility requirements.

Consider:

• Do you need to hold a degree to teach the subject you’re considering?
• Could anything be flagged in your background check?

Day 2: Explore State-Approved Certification Programs, Especially Alternative Options

Once you understand your state’s framework, the next step is exploring approved certification programs. For adults who already hold a bachelor’s degree, alternative certification programs are often the most practical option. Your state department website likely has a page listing all approved programs.

***The most important part of selecting a teacher certification program is making sure you pick one that is state approved. Many programs exist, not all are state approved. Non approved programs may provide you with a completion certificate, but you will not be able to obtain a state-license through these programs. If you’re unsure about the program you’re considering, contact your state board of education to confirm approval and acceptance.

Consider:

• Do you want to go back to university for a Master’s degree?
• Are time and finances deciding factors for you?
• Do the programs you’re considering allow for rolling admissions?
• Do you want a self-paced program or one with concrete deadlines?

Day 3: Select Your Subject Area and Enroll

By day three, many teacher candidates are ready to narrow their focus. Selecting a subject area—such as elementary education, math, science, or special education—helps turn general interest into a concrete plan.

Once you’ve chosen your subject area, enrollment becomes a straightforward administrative step rather than a leap of faith. You’re not committing to a new career overnight; you’re simply choosing a direction and opening the door to preparation.

Consider:

• If you’ve selected a program with rolling admissions, you can enroll and start today.
• Semester-based programs may require a more lengthy admissions process.

Day 4: Preview Coursework and Study Materials

After enrolling, take time to explore the materials provided. Understanding the scope of material provided will help with preparation. Reviewing sample coursework and study resources helps you understand what will be expected and how the program is structured.

This step is especially reassuring for candidates who have been out of school for a while. Seeing clear outlines, practice quizzes, and structured content often replaces anxiety with confidence.

***This crucial step also lays the groundwork for day five.

Day 5: Create a Realistic Study Plan and Schedule

With materials in hand, the next step is creating a study plan that fits your real life. This doesn’t need to be overly detailed. Many candidates start by identifying how many hours per week they can realistically commit and which days work best.

A manageable plan—one that accounts for work, family, and rest—is far more effective than an ambitious schedule that’s hard to sustain. When developing your study schedule, limit your first three days to only 15 minutes of studying per day. Such an approachable number increases the likelihood that you’ll follow through on your plan.

Day 6: Start Studying

This is where momentum builds. Starting to study, even in small increments, helps solidify your decision and builds familiarity with the content.

Consider:

• If you’re using American Board’s teacher certification program, we recommend you start studying the pedagogy content. This covers the ‘art and science’ of teaching. This will be the foundation of your teaching practice.
• Remember, you only need to study for 15 minutes and you’ll have met your goal!

Day 7: Continue Studying and Build Consistency

Again, study for 15 minutes today. At the end of your 15 minutes, you’ll have completed your first week of teacher preparation! By the end of week one, the goal isn’t mastery—it’s consistency. Continuing to study daily-ish reinforces your routine and confirms that this path is workable alongside your other responsibilities.

At this point, you’re no longer just thinking about teaching. You’re actively moving forward.

Bonus Info

Interested in next steps after completing week one? Click here to read continued timeline specifics.

A Week Is Enough to Get Started

If you’ve made it to the end of this post, chances are you’re at least a little curious about how to start teaching. Exploring teacher certification doesn’t mean you’ve committed to a new career; it simply means you’re open to learning more about what’s possible. If you’re ready to take the next low-pressure step, you can explore state-approved, flexible certification options and preview what the process looks like by visiting AmericanBoard.org.