How to Become a Teacher in Arizona: Certification & Credential Guide
Navigating how to become a teacher in Arizona can feel complicated when you are balancing degree requirements, state testing, IVP fingerprint clearance cards, and requirements across multiple state agencies. Missing a step or putting off your background check can delay your path into the classroom and the start of your teaching career.
As a CAEP-accredited alternative certification provider, #TEACH helps career changers and working adults understand Arizona teacher certification requirements step by step, supported by 400+ hours of practice-intensive coursework and individualized instructional coaching.
Step 1: Confirm Your Degree Qualifies
The alternative pathway to becoming a certified teacher is built for people whose degree is in something other than education. Candidates must typically hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution, pass a background check, and enroll in a state-approved educator preparation program to qualify. #TEACH also asks for a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher.
Your major does not limit you. You can certify in an area you did not study, as long as you pass the required assessments for it.
Step 2: Get Your IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
This part of the certification and credential process is required by law, as the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) states that “all teachers and individuals who work in the classroom are required to have an Identity Verified Prints (IVP) fingerprint clearance card per Arizona Revised Statute 15-106.”²
The IVP fingerprint clearance card is issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), not ADE, and DPS also has its own application process.² It is best to start this step early, as delays in receiving your clearance card can hold up other parts of the certification process.
Step 3: Plan for Your Exams
Arizona requires a subject knowledge exam and a professional knowledge exam, and ADE notes there are “several ways to meet exam requirements” for both.3 The Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments are the usual route, and equivalent out-of-state exams may be accepted if the other state reported a passing status.3
There is also a U.S. and Arizona Constitutions requirement. Our Arizona alternative teaching certification guide lays out what applies to your certificate, and ADE publishes the full list of required exams. Exam scores do not expire, so testing early helps move your journey forward.
Step 4: Enroll in a State-Approved Preparation Program
Arizona will not issue a teaching credential on the strength of your degree alone. You need a state-approved educator preparation program, and the one you choose determines what your first year in the classroom feels like. Our Arizona teaching program combines flexible online coursework with individualized instructional coaching, offering certification pathways in elementary education and secondary subjects including mathematics, science, social studies, English language arts, physical education, world languages, fine arts, and business education.
If you are comparing providers, check accreditation first. #TEACH is accredited by CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation), meaning our coursework, coaching, and candidate outcomes meet national standards for teacher preparation. Our guide on evaluating program quality covers what else to look for before enrolling.
Step 5: Apply Through ADE Connect
Certification applications run directly through the ADE online portal. ADE specifies that candidates must establish an ADE Connect account prior to submitting a certification application. Creating your portal account early ensures your documentation and program verification can be processed without delay.
From Alternative License to Standard Professional License
An alternative teaching license is a starting point. After you complete all program requirements, including one full academic year of teaching as a teacher of record with successful evaluations, your Alternative License converts to an Arizona Standard Professional License. That residency year is why 1-on-1 coaching matters far more than isolated coursework hours. You are managing a classroom and being evaluated at the same time. To learn what that year involves and explore financial options, review our pricing and payment plans.
Ready to Teach in Arizona?
While state certification steps follow a clear administrative process, leading a classroom for the first time requires hands-on preparation and continuous mentor support. Explore how our residency-based model works before enrolling; watch our program webinar to see how #TEACH prepares you for classroom success.
When you are ready, start your application today, or contact our admissions team with your questions.
Step Into Teaching with a $1,000 Scholarship
Future educators: #TEACH is awarding five $1,000 Creating Hope Scholarships to eligible applicants and enrolled residents in our CAEP-accredited residency. Apply by September 30, 2026.