2026 Certification Guide
How to Become a Teacher in Kentucky
Everything you need to know to earn a Kentucky teaching certificate — from degree requirements and required exams to alternative routes and reciprocity.
Step-by-Step: Getting Certified in Kentucky
- 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
Kentucky 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 certification area
- edTPAPerformance assessment during student teaching
- 4
Apply for Your Certificate
Submit your application to Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB), 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 Provisional Certificate (valid 3 years) allows you to begin teaching. Advance to a Standard Certificate (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 Kentucky
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.
- Statement of Eligibility (SOE): Allows teaching while completing certification requirements
- Career and Technical Education certification for industry professionals
- Adjunct Instructor Certificate for part-time specialized instruction
Out-of-State Certification & Reciprocity
Kentucky participates in the NASDTEC compact. Out-of-state educators with valid certificates receive reciprocal review; content exams may be required.
Tip: If you hold a valid teaching license from another state, contact Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) directly about your reciprocity options before re-taking any exams. Many states streamline the process for experienced educators.
What Will You Earn in Kentucky?
Now that you know how to get certified, find out what to expect to earn. Kentucky teachers start around $38,000 and average $54,206 per year statewide.
Kentucky Teacher Salary Guide →Ready to apply?
Browse current teaching positions in Kentucky — apply directly on district sites.
Data sources: Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board. Certification requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) before beginning a preparation program. EduJobsBoard is not affiliated with any state education department.
Frequently asked questions about teaching in Kentucky
- How do I become a teacher in Kentucky?
- Kentucky certification is administered by Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB). 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; SOE pathway allows immediate classroom entry with completion in 3 years.
- What exams are required to teach in Kentucky?
- Kentucky 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 certification area); edTPA (Performance assessment during student teaching). Most are computer-based and offered year-round at testing centers.
- How long is a Kentucky teaching license valid?
- The initial Provisional Certificate is valid for 3 years. After meeting professional development and experience requirements, you can advance to the Standard Certificate which is valid for 5 years, renewable.
- Can I teach in Kentucky with a license from another state?
- Kentucky participates in the NASDTEC compact. Out-of-state educators with valid certificates receive reciprocal review; content exams may be required.
- Are there alternative routes to teaching in Kentucky?
- Statement of Eligibility (SOE): Allows teaching while completing certification requirements; Career and Technical Education certification for industry professionals; Adjunct Instructor Certificate for part-time specialized instruction