Can You Teach in Kentucky Without a Teaching Degree? Yes, and Kentucky has created more formal pathways for doing so than almost any state in the region.
Kentucky currently faces a persistent teacher shortage: more than 2,000 teaching positions were unfilled in 2024, the average teaching job posting is only 83.5% filled, and the state’s teacher turnover rate reached 16.2% in 2020-21.
In response, the Kentucky General Assembly has enacted nine distinct alternative routes to teacher certification under Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) 161.048 — including one entirely new pathway, established in 2022, that does not require a bachelor’s degree at all.
This guide covers every one of those nine routes in detail, with particular focus on Option 9 (the no-degree pathway) and Option 6 (the most widely used pathway for career changers with bachelor’s degrees in non-education fields).
All information is drawn from primary authoritative sources: the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB), KRS 161.048, the Kentucky Administrative Regulations (16 KAR Chapter 9), the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), and the Go Teach KY portal.
| The Short Answer: Kentucky’s Nine Alternative Routes at a Glance |
| Option 9: Earn bachelor’s degree + teaching cert together in 3 school years. NO degree required at entry. (Only route without a degree requirement.) |
| Option 6: Teach full-time while earning cert in a university program. Requires bachelor’s degree in any field. |
| Option 7: Intensive institute-based training. Requires bachelor’s/graduate degree in the content area. |
| Option 1: Exceptional Work Experience. Requires bachelor’s degree + 10+ years relevant experience. |
| Option 2: Local District Training Program. (No currently active programs — check with KDE.) |
| Option 3: College Faculty. Requires master’s/doctoral degree + 5 years higher education teaching. |
| Option 4: Veterans of the Armed Services. Requires bachelor’s degree + 6+ years of honorable military service. |
| Option 5: Statement of Eligibility for qualified candidates seeking employment before certification. |
| Option 8: Out-of-State Educators with valid licensure from another state. |
| Source: Go Teach KY — Alternative Pathways to Certification (goteachky.com); KRS 161.048. |
Kentucky Teaching: At a Glance
| 9
Alternative Routes (KRS 161.048) One requires NO bachelor’s degree |
2,000+
Teacher Vacancies (2024) Annenberg Institute; NEA |
401
Emergency Certs Issued (Sept 2025) EPSB, Oct 2025 |
$58,325
Avg. Teacher Salary (2024-25) NEA 2025; KY ranks 42nd nat’ly |
| $40,161
Avg. Starting Salary (2024-25) NEA 2025; KY ranks 48th nat’ly |
16.2%
Teacher Turnover Rate (2020-21) Devlin Peck / KDE data |
34
Districts Fully Staffed (2025) KDE Oct 2025 survey (of 173) |
KTIP
Internship Year Required Most alternative routes |
Sources: NEA Rankings and Estimates 2025 (salaries); WBKO/KEA May 2025 (average salary $58,325; starting $40,161); Kentucky Lantern May 2025 (national ranking 42nd); Devlin Peck Ultimate Teacher Shortages 2025 (turnover); LEX18 Oct 2025 (EPSB 401 emergency certs; 34 fully staffed districts); Annenberg Institute 2024 (2,000+ vacancies).
Who Governs Teacher Certification in Kentucky? (EPSB Overview)
All public K-12 teacher certification in Kentucky is overseen by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB), which operates under the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE). The EPSB sets standards for obtaining and maintaining teaching certificates, approves teacher preparation programs, and issues certificates. No person may teach in a Kentucky public school without holding a valid certificate issued by the EPSB.
EPSB Contact and Resources:
- EPSB main site: education.ky.gov/epsb
- Kentucky Educator Credentialing System (KECS) portal: apps.epsb.ky.gov — all certificate applications are submitted here
- Go Teach KY (certification resource hub): goteachky.com
- KDE Division of Educator Preparation and Certification: (502) 564-5846
- Interactive Alternate Pathway form: available at goteachky.com/resources/certification/alternative-pathways/
Sources: Go Teach KY Alternative Pathways page (goteachky.com, updated March 11, 2025); teachercertificationdegrees.com Kentucky 2026; 16 KAR 2:010 (Cornell LII / Justia Law).
The Legal Framework: KRS 161.048 and the Nine Alternative Routes
Kentucky Revised Statute KRS 161.048 is the legal foundation for all nine alternative routes to teacher certification. The statute was most recently amended by House Bill 277 (2022) and Senate Bill 49 (2023). Key legislative changes include:
- HB 277 (2022): Created Option 9 — the only route available to candidates without a bachelor’s degree; established the three-school-year framework for earning a degree and certification simultaneously
- SB 49 (2023): Extended the temporary provisional certificate period for Option 6 and Option 7 programs from three years to up to five total years (four renewals), providing more time to complete certification requirements. Federal IDEA requirements still limit special education and early childhood alternative certification candidates to three years (two renewals).
- December 2023 EPSB action: Extended the -1 Standard Error of Measure (SEM) flexibility for Praxis assessments, and the use of the Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers (PPAT) as an alternative to standardized testing, through at least the 2024-25 school year
- 2024-25 school year (Read to Succeed Act): All new teachers seeking certification must now pass an approved teacher preparation test that includes evaluation of reading instruction knowledge and skills
Sources: Kentucky Teacher newsroom — ‘EPSB approves emergency regulation’ (July 12, 2022); NKyTribune — ‘KDE update on alternative routes’ (July 12, 2023); Kentucky Teacher newsroom — ‘EPSB approves assessment options’ (December 14, 2023); KDE Certification Guidance July 2024 (PDF).
Option 9: The Only Path Without a Bachelor’s Degree
| OPTION 9 AT A GLANCE — Created by HB 277 (2022) |
| Legal basis: KRS 161.048, amended by HB 277; administrative regulation 16 KAR 9:110E |
| Who qualifies: ANY individual — no degree required at entry |
| What you earn: Both a bachelor’s degree AND initial teaching certification within three school years |
| How it works: Employed in a classified (non-teaching) position (paraprofessional) in a partner school district while completing coursework at a partner university |
| Teaching authority during program: NONE — you cannot serve as the teacher of record until you complete the program and receive certification |
| Delivery model: District + university partnership; includes paraprofessional/residency component; experienced mentor teachers provide coaching |
| Source: Kentucky Teacher newsroom (July 12, 2022); University of the Cumberlands Option 9 page; NKyTribune (July 12, 2023); Appalachia Comprehensive Center (Oct 2022). |
How Option 9 Was Created
In 2022, the Kentucky General Assembly passed House Bill 277, sponsored by Rep. Walker Thomas, which amended KRS 161.048 to create Option 9.
This pathway was explicitly designed to address the teacher shortage by enabling people who have not yet completed a bachelor’s degree to begin working in a school district while simultaneously earning both their degree and teacher certification.
The EPSB approved the administrative regulation (16 KAR 9:110E) at a special meeting on July 11, 2022 — just three days before the legislation became effective.
The Critical Distinction: You Cannot Teach While in Option 9
Option 9 is the only route that does not require a bachelor’s degree. However, unlike Option 6 (where you teach full-time from the start), Option 9 does not allow candidates to serve as the teacher of record during the program.
Candidates are employed in classified (paraprofessional/support) positions — such as instructional aide, teaching assistant, or other school staff roles — while completing coursework. Only after earning the bachelor’s degree and passing required certification assessments can the candidate serve as a licensed teacher.
⚠ Key Distinction: Option 9 gives you paid school employment while earning your degree — but you will be employed as support staff, NOT as the classroom teacher. Full teaching authority only comes after program completion.
Program Structure
- Timeline: Three school years to complete both the bachelor’s degree and initial teaching certification
- Employment component: Employed in a classified (non-teaching) position at a partner school district throughout the program
- Mentoring: Experienced, qualified teachers provide coaching and mentoring during the residency component
- Institutional partnership: Requires a college or university to partner with a district (or group of districts) and receive EPSB approval for the specific program
- No temporary or provisional certificate: Unlike Options 6 and 7, Option 9 does NOT issue any provisional certificate during the program — certification only follows completion
Currently Approved Option 9 Programs
As of December 2024, the EPSB had approved the following Option 9 partnerships (this list is growing — verify current approved programs at education.ky.gov/epsb):
| University Partner | School District(s) |
| Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) | Boone County Schools |
| Northern Kentucky University (NKU) | Diocese of Covington, Fort Thomas Independent, Gallatin County, Grant County |
| University of the Cumberlands | Ashland Independent, Gallatin County, Garrard County, Logan County, Mercer County, Murray Independent, Pendleton County |
| [Additional programs continue to be approved] | Contact EPSB or individual universities for current list |
Source: NKyTribune — ‘KY’s EPSB approves additional expedited certification programs’ (December 21, 2024); Appalachia Comprehensive Center — ‘EPSB approves two Option 9 partnerships’ (October 2022).
How to Apply for Option 9
- Identify a participating district: Contact school districts in your area to ask if they participate in an EPSB-approved Option 9 program. Alternatively, check the EPSB website for a current list of approved programs.
- Contact the partner university: Reach out to the university partner to learn about program admission requirements, coursework, and scheduling.
- Apply for a classified position: Apply for an instructional aide, paraprofessional, or other eligible support staff role at the partner school district.
- Enroll in the university program: Upon acceptance into both the district position and the university program, begin concurrent enrollment.
- Complete three school years of program, residency, and coursework: Work in your classified role, receive mentoring from experienced teachers, and complete all degree and certification coursework.
- Pass required Praxis assessments. After or near program completion, pass the required content and pedagogy assessments.
- Apply for initial teaching certificate through KECS. Once the bachelor’s degree is conferred and certification assessments passed, apply through the KECS portal.
Option 6: University-Based Alternative Route
Option 6 is described by the EPSB as ‘the most commonly used alternative route for pursuing teacher certification’ in Kentucky. It allows individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-teaching field to begin teaching immediately in a Kentucky school district while simultaneously completing an EPSB-approved teacher preparation program at a participating university.
Unlike Option 9, Option 6 candidates CAN serve as the teacher of record from their first day — they just must be enrolled in the certification program concurrently.
Source: TTT.KY.GOV (the EPSB teacher preparation portal), Option 6 description page (last modified November 19, 2024); University of Kentucky College of Education newsroom.
Eligibility Requirements
- Bachelor’s or graduate degree from an accredited institution: The degree does NOT need to be in education
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75: Calculated on undergraduate transcript; some programs use 3.0 on the last 30 credit hours as an alternate qualifier
- Major/coursework relevant to the certification area sought: OR a passing score on the Praxis content assessment in the desired area (check with your target university program)
- Admission to an EPSB-approved Option 6 program: At a participating Kentucky college or university
- Offer of employment from a Kentucky school district: In the certification area for which you are enrolled
Source: TTT.KY.GOV Option 6 page; teachercertificationdegrees.com Kentucky Alternative Certification 2026.
How Option 6 Works: The Hiring Eligibility Letter
When you are admitted to an Option 6 program, the college or university produces a Hiring Eligibility Letter that you present to school districts when applying for teaching positions. This letter confirms your enrollment in the program and the certification area for which you are
eligible for hire. This letter is your key to accessing teaching positions before you hold a full certificate — it effectively tells districts that you are on a supervised pathway to full licensure.
The EPSB then issues a Temporary Provisional Certificate, valid for one year, which authorizes you to teach in Kentucky. This certificate is renewed annually for up to a total of five years (four renewals) upon recommendation of your enrolled university program, provided you maintain enrollment and employment concurrently.
| Option 6 Temporary Provisional Certificate — Renewal Terms |
| Initial certificate: Issued upon admission to program and commencement of employment. Valid 1 year. |
| Renewal: Up to 4 renewals (5 total years) for most areas. Certificate renewed yearly upon university recommendation. |
| IMPORTANT EXCEPTION: Special Education and Early Childhood Education candidates are limited to 2 renewals (3 total years) due to federal IDEA requirements. |
| Renewal requires: Ongoing concurrent employment in the certification area AND continued enrollment in the program. |
| Source: TTT.KY.GOV Option 6; NKyTribune (July 12, 2023, citing Senate Bill 49, 2023); KDE Certification Guidance July 2024 PDF. |
Completing Option 6 and Earning Your Professional Certificate
Upon completing all program requirements, passing all required certification assessments, and receiving a recommendation from your employing school district verifying one year of teaching experience, the university recommends you to the EPSB for issuance of the Professional Certificate.
The district recommendation verifies experience but does not require the district to continue employing you — it simply confirms the teaching experience occurred.
✔ Practical Tip: Option 6 is ideal for career changers with a strong background in a content area (e.g., a mathematics professional who wants to teach high school math, or a biologist who wants to teach secondary science). Your existing content knowledge may fulfill the content area coursework requirement, and the program focuses primarily on pedagogy and teaching methods.
Universities Offering Option 6 Programs
Most EPSB-approved Kentucky universities offer Option 6 pathways. Major programs include:
- University of Kentucky (UK) — STEM and Early Childhood (Option 6) program
- Northern Kentucky University (NKU) — MAT with Option 6 track; also SpEd
- University of the Cumberlands — Option 6 programs including several content areas
- Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) — Option 6 programs in multiple content areas
- Morehead State University — Option 6 programs
- Western Kentucky University (WKU) — Option 6 pathways
- Louisville Teacher Residency — full-year apprenticeship via UofL or Bellarmine University; JCPS partnership
- Teach Kentucky Partnership — JCPS initiative recruiting Option 6 teachers nationally via MAT program
Sources: TTT.KY.GOV Option 6; University of Kentucky newsroom (STEM/ECE expansion); Jefferson County Public Schools article on teacher shortage initiatives; University of the Cumberlands Option 9 page.
Option 7: Institute Alternative Route (Intensive Training Program)
Option 7 provides a compressed, intensive training program for candidates who hold a bachelor’s or graduate degree specifically in the content area they wish to teach. It differs from Option 6 in that the pedagogical training is condensed into an intensive institute program rather than spread across multiple semesters.
Eligibility Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with a declared academic major in the area of certification sought, OR a graduate degree in a related field
- Minimum GPA of 2.75 overall, or 3.0 on the last 30 credit hours completed
- Exceptional scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core)
- Passing score on the Praxis content assessment in the desired subject area
Program Structure
Approved Option 7 programs consist of intensive in-person training:
- Middle/Secondary certification: 180 clock hours (6 hours per day for 6 weeks)
- Elementary certification: 240 clock hours (6 hours per day for 8 weeks)
As of early 2025, there are two EPSB-approved programs in Kentucky offering this pathway. Teach For America is one of the recognized Option 7 pathways in Kentucky. For current program locations, contact EPSB or visit the KDE alternative routes page.
Certificate and Completion
Like Option 6, Option 7 candidates receive a Temporary Provisional Certificate renewable for up to five total years. After completing the program, passing all assessments, and being recommended by the employing district, candidates receive the Professional Certificate. The same IDEA-based limitation of three total years applies to special education and early childhood candidates.
Source: teachercertificationdegrees.com Kentucky Alternative Certification 2026; Go Teach KY Alternative Pathways (March 2025); Kentucky Teacher newsroom (July 12, 2022)
Option 1: Exceptional Work Experience Certification
Option 1 recognizes professionals with substantial, documented work experience in a field relevant to a teaching certification area. This pathway is designed for those who have demonstrated deep expertise through professional practice rather than academic preparation in education.
Eligibility Requirements
- Exceptional work experience in the endorsement area (10 or more years of relevant professional experience — see Go Teach KY for precise requirements by content area)
- Minimum bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 2.75
- Academic major in the certification area, OR a passing score on the Praxis content assessment in that area
- Employer recommendations documenting the nature and quality of the relevant work experience
- Offer of employment from a local Kentucky school district in the relevant content area
Certification Process
Certification under Option 1 is based on portfolio approval by the EPSB rather than completion of a preparation program. The portfolio documents the candidate’s exceptional work experience, employer recommendations, and educational credentials. Once the portfolio is approved:
- Provisional Certificate: Issued to teach for one year while participating in the Kentucky Teacher Internship Program (KTIP)
- Professional Certificate: Issued upon successful completion of KTIP and meeting all program requirements
Sources: teachercertificationdegrees.com Kentucky Alternative Certification 2026; Go Teach KY Alternative Pathways (March 2025).
Option 2: Local District Training Program
Option 2 allows local school districts or groups of districts to seek EPSB approval for their own district-run training programs for teachers. Candidates eligible for Option 2 programs could include those who have completed 30 hours of study or have five years of relevant field experience.
⚠ Important: As of the date of this guide’s most recent update, there are no currently active Option 2 programs approved by the EPSB. Candidates interested in Option 2 should contact the KDE Division of Educator Preparation and Certification at (502) 564-5846 for current status.
Source: Go Teach KY Alternative Pathways (March 11, 2025) — ‘There are no current Option 2 programs approved by the EPSB.’
Option 3: College Faculty Certification
Option 3 provides a provisional certificate for individuals who currently teach at the college or university level and want to transition to K-12 teaching. The pathway recognizes depth of subject expertise and higher education teaching experience as substitutes for a traditional teacher preparation program.
Eligibility Requirements
- Master’s or doctoral degree in the academic content area for which certification is sought
- Minimum of five years of full-time teaching experience (or equivalent) at a regionally or nationally accredited institution of higher education in the academic content area
Certificate Terms
- One-year provisional certificate: Issued to teach at any grade level
- Non-renewable: This certificate does NOT lead to professional certification in Kentucky
- Limitation: This is a terminal certificate — it does not convert to a full professional certificate
Source: Go Teach KY Alternative Pathways (goteachky.com, March 11, 2025).
Option 4: Veterans of the Armed Services
Kentucky has created a dedicated pathway honoring the service and skills of military veterans. Option 4 recognizes that veterans often possess significant expertise, leadership capability, and subject matter knowledge directly applicable to teaching.
Eligibility Requirements
- Active duty military: Currently serving with six (6) or more years of honorable service, OR
- Veterans: Honorably discharged from active duty with at least six (6) years of service
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in an endorsement area with a GPA of at least 2.75, OR an advanced degree
- Assessments: Passing scores on EPSB-approved subject content assessments
Certification Process
- Statement of Eligibility: Candidates may receive this before securing employment — allows job searching as a pre-certified candidate
- Provisional Certificate: Issued once a teaching position is secured; valid for one year while completing KTIP
- Professional Certificate: Issued upon successful completion of KTIP
Sources: teachercertificationdegrees.com Kentucky Alternative Certification 2026; Go Teach KY Alternative Pathways (March 2025).
Option 5: Statement of Eligibility Route
Option 5 allows candidates who meet the qualifications for certification to receive a Statement of Eligibility from the EPSB before securing employment. This essentially pre-approves a candidate for hire, allowing them to present themselves to school districts as eligible for a Provisional Certificate.
This pathway is connected to the proficiency evaluation process and is available to candidates with a bachelor’s degree and a GPA of at least 2.75 (or 3.0 on the last 30 credit hours taken) who meet content area qualification requirements.
The Statement of Eligibility is particularly useful for candidates who want to begin their job search before completing all elements of an alternative preparation program. Once employment is confirmed, the Provisional Certificate is issued, and KTIP begins.
Sources: teachercertificationdegrees.com Kentucky Alternative Certification 2026; Go Teach KY Alternative Pathways (March 2025).
Option 8: Out-of-State Educators
Option 8 provides a pathway for educators who are already certified in another state to obtain Kentucky certification. Kentucky is a member of the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, which became official with the addition of a tenth member state.
Basic Reciprocity Requirements
- Hold a valid, unencumbered teaching license from another U.S. state or territory
- The out-of-state license must require a bachelor’s degree and completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program
- Pass state-required assessments (Praxis content and PLT, or equivalent)
- Full requirements may be waived for candidates with two years of teaching experience in the same subject and grade level as the out-of-state certificate
Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact
Kentucky’s participation in the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact provides streamlined recognition for eligible out-of-state licenses. An eligible license from a compact member state may be granted an equivalent license in Kentucky without completing additional requirements. Contact KDE at (502) 564-5846 to verify your state’s compact membership and determine your specific requirements.
Sources: Go Teach KY Alternative Pathways (March 2025); NKyTribune (July 12, 2023 — compact update); EPSB Special Education Guide (specialeducationguide.com).
Adjunct Instructor Certification (Part-Time Teaching)
The Adjunct Instructor Certification is an additional pathway — separate from the nine statutory options — that allows individuals with subject matter expertise to teach part-time in Kentucky public schools. Key characteristics:
- Who qualifies: Individuals with expertise and a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with a major or minor in an academic content area, plus additional qualifications (varies by content area)
- Teaching authority: Part-time instruction only — not a full-time teacher of record position
- Duration: Renewable annually
- Critical limitation: The Adjunct Instructor Certification does NOT lead to professional certification in Kentucky — it is a terminal credential for part-time use
- Use case: Best suited for professionals who want to contribute to Kentucky classrooms on a part-time basis without pursuing full certification
Source: Go Teach KY Alternative Pathways (March 11, 2025).
Kentucky Teacher Internship Program (KTIP)
The Kentucky Teacher Internship Program (KTIP) is a mandatory component for most initial certificate recipients in Kentucky. KTIP is a one-year mentored internship designed to support new teachers during their first year of full-time teaching.
Understanding KTIP is essential for anyone pursuing teaching through an alternative route, as it is the bridge between provisional and professional certification for most pathways.
KTIP Requirements
- When it occurs: During the first year of teaching under a Provisional Certificate (after completing the alternative preparation program for Options 1 and 4; concurrently with the last year of the program for Options 6 and 7)
- Three-party mentoring: The teacher candidate (intern), a resource teacher (mentor), and a principal (administrator) collaborate in a structured support and evaluation process
- Observations: Formal observations and evaluations occur throughout the school year
- Outcome: Successful completion of KTIP leads to the EPSB recommendation for a Professional Certificate (the 5-year certificate)
- Non-completion: If KTIP is not completed successfully, the candidate cannot receive the Professional Certificate and may not be renewed in the teaching position
Sources: teachercertificationdegrees.com Kentucky Alternative Certification 2026; TTT.KY.GOV Option 6 page (last modified November 19, 2024); 16 KAR 2:010 (Kentucky Legislative Research Commission).
KTIP for Special Education and Early Childhood Alternative Candidates
Federal law under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) imposes additional restrictions on alternative certification for special education teachers. Under Section 612(a)(14) of IDEA, special education teachers must either hold full state certification or be participating in a qualifying alternative route to certification.
Kentucky no longer issues emergency certificates for teaching exceptional children or interdisciplinary early childhood education as of 2024. Alternative route candidates in these areas are subject to a three-year total limit (two renewals of the temporary provisional certificate), not the five-year limit that applies to other content areas.
Source: KDE Certification Guidance July 2024 (PDF from education.ky.gov); NKyTribune (July 12, 2023)
Required Assessments: Praxis Core, PLT, and Content Tests
Nearly all Kentucky teaching pathways — traditional or alternative — require passing standardized assessments. The specific tests required and when they must be passed vary by route, but the following is the full picture.
Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Praxis Core)
The Praxis Core tests — covering Reading, Writing, and Mathematics — are required for admission to most Kentucky teacher preparation programs. For alternative route candidates applying to Option 6, the Core must typically be passed before or early in the program. The EPSB requires Praxis Core scores to be sent to both the institution and to the EPSB (EPSB recipient code: 7283).
- Note: Some candidates may be able to substitute qualifying ACT scores (contact your specific program for details, as NKU and other institutions have this provision)
- Scores valid for: 10 years from the test date for admission purposes
Praxis Subject Assessment (Content Test)
All candidates seeking initial certification must pass the Praxis Subject Assessment for their specific content area and grade level. This test demonstrates content knowledge in the subject you wish to teach. Examples include:
- Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (7001) — Required for elementary certification; 4 hours 15 minutes; computer-delivered
- Praxis Mathematics: Content Knowledge (5161) — Secondary math teachers
- Praxis Biology (5235), Chemistry (5245), Physics (5265) — Secondary science teachers
- Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) — Secondary ELA teachers
- Praxis Social Studies: Content Knowledge (5081) — Secondary social studies teachers
Sources: ETS Praxis Kentucky state requirements page; Boyce College Praxis II guide; teachercertification.com Kentucky 2026; NKU Praxis I Core admissions page.
Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT)
The PLT exam tests pedagogical knowledge — how to teach — and is required for most initial certification pathways in Kentucky. It is grade-level specific:
- PLT: Early Childhood — for PreK-3 programs; passing score: 155 (Boyce College data)
- PLT: K-6 — for elementary programs; passing score: 155
- PLT: 5-9 — for middle school programs
- PLT: 7-12 — for secondary programs
Note: The PLT is NOT required for Restricted School Specialists in some programs. Verify your specific requirement with your EPSB-approved program.
Reading Instruction Assessment (New Requirement 2024-25)
Under the Kentucky Read to Succeed Act, the EPSB amended requirements effective with the 2024-2025 school year: all new teachers seeking certification must pass an approved teacher preparation test that includes evaluation of reading instruction knowledge and skills.
This is an additional requirement on top of the standard Praxis Subject Assessment and PLT. Check with your specific program for the approved assessment options for your certification area.
Source: Kentucky Teacher newsroom — ‘EPSB approves assessment options’ (December 14, 2023); KDE Read to Succeed Act guidance.
Expanded Assessment Flexibility (2023-24 Extension)
Through at least the 2024-25 school year, the EPSB has approved two expanded assessment options:
- -1 Standard Error of Measure (SEM) adjustment: Allows candidates who score within one SEM below the required cut score on Praxis assessments to still qualify, providing meaningful flexibility for candidates who are close but not quite at the minimum score
- Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers (PPAT): A performance-based alternative to standardized content and pedagogy testing, designed to evaluate real teaching performance rather than test-taking. Accepted as an alternative to standard Praxis requirements under 16 KAR 6:010
Kentucky Certificate Ranks Explained (Rank III to Rank I)
Kentucky uses a unique rank-based certificate system that ties compensation and professional advancement to educational attainment. Understanding the rank structure helps you plan your long-term career trajectory.
| Rank | Requirements | What It Means | Typical Salary Impact |
| Rank III | Bachelor’s degree + completion of EPSB-approved EPP + KTIP completion | Initial professional certificate; starting point for most teachers | Base salary (lowest tier) |
| Rank II | Rank III + EPSB-approved master’s degree OR Initial National Board Certification (NBCT) | Mid-career recognition; often required for leadership roles | Salary increase; often $5,000-$10,000+ above Rank III |
| Rank I | Rank II + approved master’s degree AND 30 additional semester hours of EPSB-approved graduate coursework | Advanced professional status; highest academic rank | Highest salary tier; typically $10,000-$20,000+ above Rank III |
| Rank II via NBCT | National Board Certification while holding Rank III | Alternative path to Rank II without completing full master’s program | Same compensation benefit as Rank II via master’s degree |
Sources: teachercertification.com Kentucky 2026; teachercertificationdegrees.com Kentucky 2026; EPSB certification rank overview.
High-Need Subject Areas and Shortage Data
Kentucky’s teacher shortage is well-documented and is particularly acute in specific subject areas. Understanding where shortages are greatest helps alternative route candidates identify the strongest job opportunities.
Official Shortage Data
According to the KDE 2024-2025 Educator Shortage Survey and the Kentucky Teacher Workforce Pipeline data:
- As of September 1, 2024-25 school year start: 447 vacant licensed educator positions, including 363 vacant special education and early childhood teaching positions and 889 vacant general teaching positions
- 13% of all vacancies across Kentucky remained unfilled for the entire 2023-2024 school year
- 72% of districts reported fewer qualified candidates applying over the past two years (KDE 2024 survey)
- JCPS (Jefferson County Public Schools) averages approximately 300 unfilled teaching vacancies per year
- In 2024, more than 2,000 teacher vacancies were reported statewide (Annenberg Institute)
- Only 34 of 173 survey respondents (20%) reported no unfilled positions as of September 2025 — an improvement, but the vast majority still struggled
Sources: Kentucky Teacher newsroom — KDE educator shortage webcast coverage (November 19, 2024); LEX18 — ‘Kentucky schools make strides’ (October 16, 2025); Devlin Peck — Teacher Shortages by State 2025; JCPS article on teacher initiatives.
U.S. Department of Education Designated Shortage Areas (2023-24)
The U.S. Department of Education’s Teacher Shortage Area designations for Kentucky in 2023-2024 include:
| Shortage Area | Grade/Level |
| Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE) | Pre-K / Birth to Primary |
| Special Education (multiple categories) | P-12 |
| Mathematics | Secondary (5-12) |
| Science | Secondary (5-12) |
| English as a Second Language (ESL) | P-12 |
| Career and Technical Education (CTE) | Secondary |
| Foreign Languages (several) | P-12 |
| Art and Music (some districts) | P-12 |
Sources: U.S. Department of Education Teacher Shortage Areas report for 2023-2024 (tsa.ed.gov/#/reports); teachercertificationdegrees.com Kentucky 2026 (citing USDOE TSA report); NKyTribune — Northern Kentucky teacher shortage 2025 (citing secondary math and science as most affected).
Getting Started on Your Alternative Path
The exact steps vary by which alternative route is appropriate for you, but the following framework applies to most candidates. Use the Go Teach KY interactive pathway tool at goteachky.com/resources/certification/alternative-pathways/ to determine which specific option fits your situation.
The Universal Starting Steps
- Assess your qualifications. What is your education level? Do you hold a bachelor’s degree? What subject areas do you have expertise in? What GPA did you maintain? This determines which of the nine options are available to you.
- Use Go Teach KY’s interactive tool. Complete the interactive Alternate Pathway form at goteachky.com to receive a personalized recommendation for which pathway suits your background.
- Identify target certification areas. Review the EPSB-approved certificate types at goteachky.com/resources/certification/epsb-approved-certificates/ to identify which grade level and content area you want to teach.
- Register for Praxis Core (if applicable). For Options 6 and 7, you will typically need Praxis Core scores to gain admission to the program. Register at praxis.ets.org and designate the EPSB (code 7283) as a score recipient.
- Research and contact programs. For Option 9: Contact participating districts and universities. For Option 6: Contact EPSB-approved universities in your area with the desired program. For Option 7: Find current approved institutes.
- Apply for admission to the program. Submit your university application with all required documentation: transcripts, GPA verification, content area qualification evidence (major/coursework or Praxis content score).
- Receive your Hiring Eligibility Letter (Options 6 and 7). Once admitted, your university produces this letter authorizing you to apply for teaching positions.
- Apply for teaching positions. Use the Kentucky Educator Placement Service (KEPS) at education.ky.gov/districts/HR/KEPS/ and individual district HR portals. Present your Hiring Eligibility Letter.
- Notify EPSB upon employment. Your university will submit a mentoring collaboration agreement with your district to EPSB. The EPSB then issues your Temporary Provisional Certificate.
- Complete program and KTIP. Fulfill all program coursework, pass all required Praxis assessments, complete the one-year KTIP internship, and receive your Professional Certificate.
Timeline Expectations by Route
| Route | Minimum Entry Requirements | Time to Full Professional Certificate |
| Option 9 | No degree required; must secure classified position in partner district | 3 school years (degree + cert) + KTIP year = ~4 years total |
| Option 6 (Career Changer) | Bachelor’s degree in any field; 2.75 GPA; content qualification | 1-5 years in program + 1 KTIP year; can begin teaching immediately |
| Option 7 (Institute) | Bachelor’s/grad degree in content area; strong test scores | 6-8 week institute + 1 KTIP year; total ~1-2 years |
| Option 1 (Work Experience) | Bachelor’s + 10+ years relevant experience + portfolio | Portfolio review timeline + 1 KTIP year; total ~1-2 years |
| Option 4 (Veterans) | Bachelor’s degree + 6+ years military service + content test | Statement of Eligibility + 1 KTIP year = ~1-2 years |
| Option 8 (Out-of-State) | Valid out-of-state license; KY assessments | Assessment timeline; may qualify for immediate professional cert with 2+ years experience |
Approved Programs by University
The following Kentucky universities offer EPSB-approved alternative certification programs. For the most current and complete list, visit education.ky.gov/epsb and search for accredited educator preparation providers.
| University | Location | Notable Alternative Route Programs | Contact |
| University of Kentucky (UK) | Lexington | Option 6 STEM and Early Childhood (expanded 2024) | education.uky.edu |
| University of Louisville (UofL) | Louisville | Louisville Teacher Residency (Option 6 MAT; JCPS partnership) | louisville.edu/education |
| Northern Kentucky University (NKU) | Highland Heights | Option 6 MAT; SpEd; Option 9 (Covington, Fort Thomas, Gallatin, Grant Co. districts) | nku.edu/coe |
| Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) | Richmond | Option 6; Option 9 (Boone County Schools) | eku.edu/education |
| University of the Cumberlands | Williamsburg | Option 6; Option 9 (9 district partnerships) | ucumberlands.edu |
| Western Kentucky University (WKU) | Bowling Green | Option 6; multiple content areas | wku.edu/education |
| Morehead State University (MSU) | Morehead | Option 6; multiple content areas | moreheadstate.edu/education |
| Bellarmine University | Louisville | Louisville Teacher Residency (Option 6 MAT; JCPS) | bellarmine.edu/education |
| Murray State University | Murray | Option 6; multiple content areas | murraystate.edu/education |
| Campbellsville University | Campbellsville | Alternative certification programs | campbellsville.edu |
Sources: TTT.KY.GOV Option 6 page; NKyTribune (December 2024); University of Kentucky newsroom; JCPS teacher shortage initiatives article; Appalachia Comprehensive Center.
Teacher Salary and Benefits Overview
Understanding Kentucky teacher compensation is important for career planning. While Kentucky teachers face wage challenges relative to the national average, the benefits package — particularly the retirement system — adds significant value to total compensation.
Current Salary Data (NEA 2025-26 and 2025 Reports)
| Metric | Kentucky Figure | National Comparison | Source |
| Average public school teacher salary (2024-25) | $58,325 | National avg: $72,030; KY ranks 42nd | NEA 2025 / WBKO |
| Average beginning teacher salary (2024-25) | $40,161 | KY ranks 48th nationally | NEA 2025 / K Country 105.7 |
| Average beginning teacher salary (2025-26) | $41,901 | KY ranks 47th nationally | NEA 2026 / WBKO May 2026 |
| Average public school teacher salary (2025-26) | Increasing 3.5% per NEA national trend | KY no across-the-board raise since 2008 | NEA 2026 report |
| Median teacher salary (N. KY, 2023-24) | $58,926-$62,630 (varies by district) | Covington: $58,926; Kenton Co: $62,630 | LINK nky Sept 2025 |
| Teacher pay gap vs. college-educated peers | 75 cents on the dollar | Economic Policy Institute, Sept 2024 | KEA press release |
Sources: NEA Rankings and Estimates 2025 (WBKO/KEA April 30, 2025); NEA 2026 data (WBKO May 4, 2026); Kentucky Lantern (May 23, 2025 — salary ranking 42nd, average $58,325); LINK nky (September 17, 2025 — N. KY district salary comparison); Economic Policy Institute (September 2024)
Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement System (KTRS)
The Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement System (KTRS) is a defined benefit pension plan for Kentucky public school educators. KTRS is a significant component of total teacher compensation and a meaningful attraction for those considering the profession:
- Defined benefit formula based on years of service and final average salary
- Employees contribute a percentage of salary; employer contribution from state and district
- Healthcare coverage available through KTRS for qualifying retirees
- Full retirement after 27 years of service at any age, or age 60 with 5 years of service
- KTRS replaces Social Security for most Kentucky teachers — teachers do not contribute to Social Security through their teaching employment
Other Benefits
- Health insurance through the Kentucky Employees’ Health Plan (KEHP)
- Paid leave: sick days, personal days, bereavement leave
- Summer calendar (10-month academic year for most positions)
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Kentucky public school teachers are employed by government entities and may qualify after 120 qualifying payments
- TEACH Grants: Available for teachers in high-need fields in low-income schools (see studentaid.gov)
How to Become a Teacher in Kentucky Without a Teaching Degree: FAQs
Can I become a teacher in Kentucky without a bachelor’s degree?
Yes — through Option 9. Created by House Bill 277 in 2022 and governed by 16 KAR 9:110E, Option 9 allows candidates without a bachelor’s degree to earn both a degree and initial teaching certification within three school years, while working in a classified (non-teaching) position at a partner school district.
This is the only one of Kentucky’s nine alternative routes that does not require a bachelor’s degree at entry. You cannot serve as the classroom teacher during the program — that authority only comes after you earn your degree and pass required assessments.
What is the fastest way to become a teacher in Kentucky without a traditional degree?
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field, Option 6 is typically the fastest path — you can begin teaching as the teacher of record almost immediately upon admission to an approved program and receiving your Hiring Eligibility Letter.
For candidates without a bachelor’s degree, Option 9 requires three school years plus a KTIP year, making the earliest realistic timeline to full professional certification approximately four years. Option 7 (institute-based) may be the fastest route for content-area degree holders due to its compressed 6-8 week training format.
Do I need to pass the Praxis to teach in Kentucky through an alternative route?
Yes, in virtually all cases. Most alternative routes require passing Praxis Core (for program admission), the Praxis Subject Assessment (content test for your area), and the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam.
The specific timing — whether tests must be passed before starting or can be completed during the program — varies by route and institution. Additionally, beginning in 2024-25, all new teachers must pass an approved reading instruction knowledge assessment. Kentucky has also extended -1 SEM flexibility and PPAT as alternative options through at least 2024-25 to make the testing requirements more accessible.
How long does it take to complete Option 6 (the most common alternative route)?
Option 6 allows you to begin teaching immediately. The program itself can take anywhere from one to five years to complete, depending on the university and certification area. Senate Bill 49 (2023) extended the temporary provisional certificate to allow up to five total years (four renewals) for most content areas.
For special education and early childhood candidates, federal IDEA law limits the program to three total years (two renewals). Most candidates complete Option 6 within two to three years of part-time coursework while teaching full-time.
What is KTIP and is it required for alternative route teachers?
KTIP (Kentucky Teacher Internship Program) is a one-year mentored internship that most new Kentucky teachers — including alternative route completers — must complete before receiving a Professional Certificate.
It involves structured support from a resource teacher (mentor) and a principal, formal observations, and evaluations throughout the school year.
Most alternative routes require KTIP during the final year of teaching under a Provisional Certificate. Successful completion of KTIP is required for the Professional Certificate to be issued.
Can I get emergency certification in Kentucky if I don’t meet the standard requirements?
Kentucky’s emergency certificate (governed by KRS 161.100) was previously used to fill urgent staffing needs but is now significantly restricted. As of 2024, Kentucky no longer issues emergency certificates for teaching exceptional children or interdisciplinary early childhood education under federal IDEA requirements.
Emergency certificates that are still issued are strictly limited to specific job assignments and are not a substitute for pursuing proper certification. As of September 1, 2025, EPSB had issued 401 emergency certificates — described by EPSB as reserved for ‘truly emergent situations.’
What subjects are most in demand for teachers in Kentucky?
Based on the U.S. Department of Education’s 2023-24 Teacher Shortage Area designations for Kentucky, the highest-need areas include: Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE), Special Education (multiple categories), Secondary Mathematics, Secondary Science, English as a Second Language (ESL), Career and Technical Education (CTE), and Foreign Languages.
These areas face the most acute shortages and generally offer the most favorable hiring conditions for alternative route candidates.
What salary can I expect as an alternative route teacher in Kentucky?
The average beginning teacher salary in Kentucky was $40,161 for 2024-25 (NEA data), rising to $41,901 in 2025-26 — both nationally in the bottom tier (47th-48th). The average overall teacher salary is $58,325 (2024-25), ranking 42nd nationally.
Individual salaries vary by district, with Jefferson County and Northern Kentucky metro districts generally paying more. Alternative route teachers are placed on the same salary schedule as traditionally certified teachers and can advance to Rank II (with a master’s degree) or Rank I (master’s + 30 additional graduate hours) for significant salary increases.
How do I apply for a Kentucky teaching certificate through an alternative route?
All Kentucky teaching certificate applications are submitted through the Kentucky Educator Credentialing System (KECS) portal at apps.epsb.ky.gov. For most alternative routes, the process starts with your university program — they initiate the EPSB admission record and submit supporting documentation.
For Option 1 (Work Experience) and Option 4 (Veterans), you may initiate the EPSB process directly. The Go Teach KY interactive tool at goteachky.com is the recommended starting point to identify the best route for your situation.
How to Become a Teacher in Kentucky Without a Teaching Degree: Conclusion
Becoming a teacher in Kentucky without a traditional teaching degree is not only possible — it is a structured, legally established pathway supported by nine distinct alternative routes under KRS 161.048.
For candidates without any degree at all, Option 9 represents a genuine on-ramp into the profession through a three-year, earn-while-you-learn model that results in both a bachelor’s degree and initial teaching certification.
For career changers with bachelor’s degrees in non-education fields, Option 6 is the most commonly used and most immediately accessible route, allowing full-time teaching from day one while completing certification coursework.
Kentucky’s teacher shortage is real and persistent: more than 2,000 vacancies in 2024, 72% of districts reporting fewer qualified applicants, and only 34 of 173 districts fully staffed at the start of 2025-26.
This shortage means that qualified alternative route candidates — especially in special education, mathematics, science, ESL, and early childhood — face genuinely favorable hiring conditions across the Commonwealth.
The path is clear. Identify which alternative route matches your background using the Go Teach KY interactive tool. Contact a participating university program. Pass the required Praxis assessments. Begin teaching — or working in a school while you complete your training — and complete the KTIP year. Kentucky’s classrooms need talented, motivated people from all professional backgrounds, and the state has deliberately built the pathways to welcome them.
Kentucky EPSB | education.ky.gov/epsb | Go Teach KY: goteachky.com | KDE Division of Educator Preparation: (502) 564-5846 | Data current