How to Become a Certified Teacher in Alabama with a Bachelor’s Degree

If you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree and feel called to teach, Alabama offers clear and flexible pathways to classroom certification. Whether you studied education or pursued a different major, you can become a certified teacher in Alabama by meeting state requirements and passing the necessary Praxis exams.

This guide explains how to become a certified teacher in Alabama with a bachelor’s degree, step by step. You’ll learn about eligibility, testing requirements, application steps, timelines, and renewal expectations—so you can move forward confidently and avoid common pitfalls.

Can You Become a Teacher in Alabama with a Bachelor’s Degree?

Yes. Alabama allows individuals with a bachelor’s degree to pursue teacher certification through standard or alternative routes.

Education vs. Non-Education Degrees

• Education majors typically follow the standard certification route.

• Non-education majors can qualify through approved alternative certification programs.

What matters most is that your degree comes from an accredited institution and that you meet Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) requirements.

Standard vs. Alternative Certification

• Standard Certification: For candidates who completed a traditional teacher preparation program as part of their degree.

• Alternative Certification: Designed for career changers or those with subject-area degrees but no formal education training.

Alabama Teacher Certification Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree

To qualify, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Acceptable degrees include:

• Education (elementary, secondary, special education, etc.)

• Subject-area degrees aligned with teaching fields (math, English, science, history, and more)

Teacher Preparation Program

You must complete a state-approved teacher preparation program, either:

• Embedded within an education degree, or

• Completed separately through an alternative route program approved by ALSDE

Background Check

All candidates must pass a background clearance process, which includes:

• Fingerprinting

• Criminal history review conducted through ALSDE

This step is mandatory before certification can be issued.

Testing Requirements

Most candidates must pass Praxis exams:

• Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (or qualify for an ACT/SAT exemption)

• Praxis Subject Assessments aligned with the teaching field

Step-by-Step: How to Get Certified in Alabama

Step 1: Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree

Choose a degree that aligns with your intended teaching area. Accreditation is essential—degrees from non-accredited institutions are not accepted.

Step 2: Complete a State-Approved Teacher Preparation Program

Options include:

• Traditional university-based teacher preparation programs

• Alternative certification programs for non-education majors

• Fast-track routes for high-need subject areas

Step 3: Pass the Required Praxis Exams

You may need:

• Praxis Core (unless exempt)

• Praxis Subject Assessment(s)

Register through the official testing system, select Alabama as your score recipient, and allow time for preparation.

Step 4: Submit Your Application to ALSDE

Applications are submitted through the Alabama teacher certification portal. Required documents typically include:

• Official transcripts

• Test score reports

• Background check clearance

• Application fee

Step 5: Receive Your Alabama Professional Educator Certificate

Once approved, you’ll receive your certificate, which is valid for a defined period and must be renewed through continuing education.

Alternative Teacher Certification in Alabama

Alternative certification is ideal if you:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree outside education

• Are transitioning from another career

• Want to begin teaching while completing preparation requirements

Interim Employment Certificate (IEC)

The IEC allows candidates to teach while enrolled in an approved alternative program. Requirements typically include:

• A qualifying bachelor’s degree

• Enrollment in an ALSDE-approved program

• Meeting testing and background requirements

Alabama Teacher Certification Exams Explained

Praxis Core

Assesses foundational academic skills in:

• Reading

• Writing

• Mathematics

Some candidates qualify for exemptions based on ACT or SAT scores.

Praxis Subject Assessments

These exams measure subject-specific knowledge for the grade level and content area you plan to teach. Passing scores are set by ALSDE and vary by test.

Testing Tips

• Review the test framework carefully

• Focus on content areas weighted most heavily

• Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions

How Long Does Alabama Teacher Certification Take?

Traditional Route Timeline

• Bachelor’s degree: 4 years

• Teacher preparation: included or 1 additional year

• Testing and application processing: several weeks to a few months

Alternative Route Timeline

• Certification eligibility can begin within months

• Teaching may start under an IEC while completing program requirements

Teacher Reciprocity: Transferring a License to Alabama

Alabama offers reciprocity for out-of-state teachers. You may qualify if you:

• Hold a valid teaching license from another state

• Meet Alabama testing and background requirements

Additional documentation and fees may apply during the evaluation process.

Alabama Teaching Certificate Renewal

Most Alabama teaching certificates require periodic renewal through ALSDE.

Key Renewal Elements

• Completion of continuing education or professional development

• Earning approved CEUs or credits

• Submitting the Alabama teacher renewal application before the deadline

Staying current with Alabama educator certification renewal requirements helps avoid license expiration or lapses.

Cost of Becoming a Certified Teacher in Alabama

Typical expenses include:

• Praxis exam fees

• Application and renewal fees

• Background check and fingerprinting costs

• Program tuition (if applicable)

Planning ahead can help you manage these costs efficiently.

Teacher Salary and Job Outlook in Alabama

Teacher salaries in Alabama vary by:

• District

• Experience level

• Education and certification type

High-demand subject areas often include:

• Special education

• Mathematics

• Science

• Career and technical education

Overall, Alabama continues to need qualified educators across grade levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a teacher in Alabama without an education degree?
By enrolling in an ALSDE-approved alternative certification program and meeting testing requirements.

Can you teach in Alabama with a bachelor’s degree?
Yes, if you complete a preparation program and earn certification.

What exams are required for Alabama teacher certification?
Most candidates take Praxis Core and Praxis Subject Assessments.

How do I apply for an Alabama teaching certificate online?
Through the Alabama teacher certification portal operated by ALSDE.

How do I get a provisional or interim teaching certificate in Alabama?
By qualifying for and applying for an Interim Employment Certificate.

How do I renew an Alabama teaching certificate?
By completing the required professional development and submitting renewal materials before expiration.

Final Thoughts: Start Your Certification Journey Today

Becoming a certified teacher in Alabama with a bachelor’s degree is an achievable goal—whether you’re a recent graduate or a career changer. By understanding the certification process, preparing strategically for Praxis exams, and following each step carefully, you can enter the classroom with confidence.

Your next step is simple: confirm your eligibility, begin preparing for required exams, and move forward with your application. Your teaching career in Alabama starts now.