2026 Certification Guide
How to Become a Teacher in Hawaii
Everything you need to know to earn a Hawaii teaching certificate — from degree requirements and required exams to alternative routes and reciprocity.
Step-by-Step: Getting Certified in Hawaii
- 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
Hawaii requires passing state-approved assessments before certification is issued:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying SAT/ACT/GRE scores)Basic reading, writing, and mathematics
- Praxis Subject AssessmentsContent knowledge for your licensure area
- edTPAPerformance assessment during student teaching
- 4
Apply for Your Certificate
Submit your application to Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB), 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 License to Teach (Initial) (valid 5 years) allows you to begin teaching. Advance to a License to Teach (Standard) (5 years, renewable) by meeting additional requirements such as completing a mentorship program or additional coursework.
Pass the Praxis exam
Mometrix study guide & practice tests for the Praxis — prep with confidence.
Alternative Paths to Certification in Hawaii
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.
- Hawaii Teacher Fellows Program: Accelerated pathway for career changers
- Teach For America (active in Honolulu and rural islands)
- Emergency Hire status for shortage areas
- Career and Technical Education permits for industry professionals
Out-of-State Certification & Reciprocity
Hawaii participates in the NASDTEC compact. Valid out-of-state certificates are evaluated on a case-by-case basis; content exams may be required.
Tip: If you hold a valid teaching license from another state, contact Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB) directly about your reciprocity options before re-taking any exams. Many states streamline the process for experienced educators.
What Will You Earn in Hawaii?
Now that you know how to get certified, find out what to expect to earn. Hawaii teachers start around $51,270 and average $62,250 per year statewide.
Hawaii Teacher Salary Guide →Ready to apply?
Browse current teaching positions in Hawaii — apply directly on district sites.
Data sources: Hawaii Teacher Standards Board. Certification requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB) before beginning a preparation program. EduJobsBoard is not affiliated with any state education department.
Frequently asked questions about teaching in Hawaii
- How do I become a teacher in Hawaii?
- Hawaii certification is administered by Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB). The standard path is a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution from an approved teacher-prep program, completion of state-required exams (Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying SAT/ACT/GRE scores), Praxis Subject Assessments, edTPA), and a background check. Total timeline is approximately 12–18 months traditional; Hawaii Teacher Fellows program can be completed in about 1 year.
- What exams are required to teach in Hawaii?
- Hawaii requires the following exams: Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying SAT/ACT/GRE scores) (Basic reading, writing, and mathematics); Praxis Subject Assessments (Content knowledge for your licensure area); edTPA (Performance assessment during student teaching). Most are computer-based and offered year-round at testing centers.
- How long is a Hawaii teaching license valid?
- The initial License to Teach (Initial) is valid for 5 years. After meeting professional development and experience requirements, you can advance to the License to Teach (Standard) which is valid for 5 years, renewable.
- Can I teach in Hawaii with a license from another state?
- Hawaii participates in the NASDTEC compact. Valid out-of-state certificates are evaluated on a case-by-case basis; content exams may be required.
- Are there alternative routes to teaching in Hawaii?
- Hawaii Teacher Fellows Program: Accelerated pathway for career changers; Teach For America (active in Honolulu and rural islands); Emergency Hire status for shortage areas; Career and Technical Education permits for industry professionals