2026 Certification Guide
How to Become a Teacher in Arizona
Everything you need to know to earn a Arizona teaching certificate — from degree requirements and required exams to alternative routes and reciprocity.
Step-by-Step: Getting Certified in Arizona
- 1
Complete Your Education
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. This typically includes completing an approved teacher preparation program that includes coursework in pedagogy, child development, and your subject area.
- 2
Complete Student Teaching
Complete a supervised student teaching experience (clinical practice) in an approved school setting. Most programs require a full semester of student teaching under a cooperating teacher.
- 3
Pass Required Assessments
Arizona requires passing state-approved assessments before certification is issued:
- Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) Professional KnowledgePedagogy and professional knowledge
- AEPA Subject Knowledge AssessmentContent knowledge for your certification area
- NES (National Evaluation Series) examsUsed for some subject areas as an alternative to AEPA
- 4
Apply for Your Certificate
Submit your application to Arizona Department of Education, including transcripts, test scores, proof of student teaching completion, and any applicable fees. Most applications are processed through an online portal.
- 5
Start Teaching & Advance Your License
Your Standard Teaching Certificate (valid 6 years) allows you to begin teaching. Advance to a Standard Teaching Certificate (renewed) (6 years, renewable) by meeting additional requirements such as completing a mentorship program or additional coursework.
Pass the NES exam
Mometrix study guide & practice tests for the NES — prep with confidence.
Alternative Paths to Certification in Arizona
If you have a bachelor's degree in another field or relevant professional experience, these routes may let you enter the classroom sooner while completing certification requirements.
- Arizona Alternative Teacher Program: Earn certification while teaching with an intern substitute certificate
- Structured English Immersion (SEI) endorsement pathway
- Teach For America (active in Phoenix and Tucson)
- Career and Technical Education certificates for industry professionals
Out-of-State Certification & Reciprocity
Arizona participates in the NASDTEC compact. Out-of-state teachers with valid certificates may receive an Arizona certificate; AEPA exams may still be required for some subject areas.
Tip: If you hold a valid teaching license from another state, contact Arizona Department of Education directly about your reciprocity options before re-taking any exams. Many states streamline the process for experienced educators.
What Will You Earn in Arizona?
Now that you know how to get certified, find out what to expect to earn. Arizona teachers start around $35,000 and average $53,658 per year statewide.
Arizona Teacher Salary Guide →Ready to apply?
Browse current teaching positions in Arizona — apply directly on district sites.
Data sources: Arizona Department of Education. Certification requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Arizona Department of Education before beginning a preparation program. EduJobsBoard is not affiliated with any state education department.
Frequently asked questions about teaching in Arizona
- How do I become a teacher in Arizona?
- Arizona certification is administered by Arizona Department of Education. The standard path is a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution from an approved teacher-prep program, completion of state-required exams (Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) Professional Knowledge, AEPA Subject Knowledge Assessment, NES (National Evaluation Series) exams), and a background check. Total timeline is approximately 12–18 months traditional; Arizona Alternative routes allow classroom teaching within weeks.
- What exams are required to teach in Arizona?
- Arizona requires the following exams: Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) Professional Knowledge (Pedagogy and professional knowledge); AEPA Subject Knowledge Assessment (Content knowledge for your certification area); NES (National Evaluation Series) exams (Used for some subject areas as an alternative to AEPA). Most are computer-based and offered year-round at testing centers.
- How long is a Arizona teaching license valid?
- The initial Standard Teaching Certificate is valid for 6 years. After meeting professional development and experience requirements, you can advance to the Standard Teaching Certificate (renewed) which is valid for 6 years, renewable.
- Can I teach in Arizona with a license from another state?
- Arizona participates in the NASDTEC compact. Out-of-state teachers with valid certificates may receive an Arizona certificate; AEPA exams may still be required for some subject areas.
- Are there alternative routes to teaching in Arizona?
- Arizona Alternative Teacher Program: Earn certification while teaching with an intern substitute certificate; Structured English Immersion (SEI) endorsement pathway; Teach For America (active in Phoenix and Tucson); Career and Technical Education certificates for industry professionals