{"id":6722,"date":"2026-02-04T11:34:05","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T11:34:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prepsaret.com\/praxis\/idaho-teacher-certification-requirements"},"modified":"2026-06-02T19:53:10","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T19:53:10","slug":"idaho-teacher-certification-requirements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prepsaret.com\/praxis\/idaho-teacher-certification-requirements","title":{"rendered":"Idaho Teacher Certification Requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
To earn an Idaho teaching certificate, you must hold a bachelor’s degree, complete a state-approved educator preparation program, pass the required Praxis Subject Assessment(s) for your endorsement area, pass a background check, and submit a completed application to the Idaho State Department of Education. The standard certificate is valid for five years and is renewable.<\/i><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Teaching in Idaho is a rewarding career choice at a pivotal moment. With over 900 teacher vacancies reported in recent peak years and a 2024 Educator Pipeline Report from the Idaho State Board of Education confirming that shortages in special education, math, and science remain acute, the state’s public schools need qualified educators now more than ever. That demand creates real opportunity \u2014 but only after you clear the certification hurdle.<\/span><\/p>\n

This Prepsaret<\/a> guide walks you through every step of Idaho teacher certification, from degree requirements and Praxis exams to alternative routes, reciprocity, and renewal. Whether you are a college senior entering a traditional preparation program, a career changer exploring the ABCTE pathway, or an out-of-state teacher relocating to Boise, this is the most complete resource available.<\/span><\/p>\n

Certification and professional standards in Idaho are overseen by two bodies: the Idaho State Department of Education (SDE) Educator Certification Department and the Idaho State Board of Education (SBOE). Idaho Code \u00a733-1202 sets the statutory minimum qualifications for all instructional certificates. You can verify any educator’s current certification status using the <\/span>SDE Certification Lookup Tool<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Types of Idaho Teaching Certificates<\/b><\/h2>\n

Idaho issues several distinct certificate types. Understanding which one applies to your situation is the first decision you need to make.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Certificate type<\/b><\/td>\nDuration<\/b><\/td>\nWho it’s for<\/b><\/td>\nRenewable?<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard (5-year)<\/span><\/td>\n5 years<\/span><\/td>\nTraditional program completers<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Interim (3-year)<\/span><\/td>\n3 years<\/span><\/td>\nNon-traditional \/ career changers \/ out-of-state<\/span><\/td>\nConverts to 5-year<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Emergency Provisional<\/span><\/td>\n1 year<\/span><\/td>\nDistricts facing critical vacancies<\/span><\/td>\nLimited renewals<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Charter School-Specific<\/span><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\nEducators in charter schools only<\/span><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pupil Service Staff<\/span><\/td>\n5 years<\/span><\/td>\nCounselors, psychologists, SLPs<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Career Technical Education (CTE)<\/span><\/td>\n5 years<\/span><\/td>\nIndustry professionals teaching CTE<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Basic Eligibility Requirements for Idaho Teacher Certification<\/b><\/h2>\n

Idaho Code \u00a733-1202 establishes the minimum threshold. Every applicant for a standard instructional certificate must satisfy all five of the following conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bachelor’s Degree<\/b><\/h3>\n

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution is the non-negotiable starting point. Idaho does not specify a required major for all endorsement areas \u2014 what matters is that your undergraduate coursework aligns with the subject area and grade level you plan to teach.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For elementary education, most programs require a major in liberal studies or elementary education. Secondary candidates typically major in the subject they will teach (e.g., biology, history, mathematics).<\/span><\/p>\n

Candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field are not shut out \u2014 they may qualify for one of Idaho’s non-traditional certification routes, detailed below.<\/span><\/p>\n

State-Approved Educator Preparation Program<\/b><\/h3>\n

All candidates for initial certification must complete a state-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP). Idaho-approved EPPs are offered by every public university in the state as well as several private institutions and online providers. The SDE maintains a current list on its Be an Educator page.<\/span><\/p>\n

Traditional programs are offered through colleges and universities and combine coursework with a supervised student teaching placement. Non-traditional programs, such as those offered through ABCTE, the College of Southern Idaho, and Lewis-Clark State College, are designed for candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to enter teaching without completing a full university preparation program.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Student Teaching \/ Supervised Clinical Practice<\/b><\/h3>\n

For traditional program candidates, a full-time, semester-long student teaching placement is required. During this placement, you teach in a K-12 classroom while supervised by both a cooperating classroom teacher and a university supervisor. You are responsible for planning, instruction, classroom management, and assessment under guided mentorship.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candidates who are hired to teach during their student teaching year may work with the hiring school to apply for an Alternative Authorization, which allows them to teach in a classroom while completing the supervised experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Required Praxis Subject Assessments<\/b><\/h3>\n

Idaho requires all candidates for initial certification to pass the Praxis Subject Assessment(s) corresponding to their intended endorsement area. These tests are administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service) and measure content knowledge and, in some cases, pedagogy skills specific to a grade band or subject.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Praxis exam fee typically ranges from <\/span>$90 to $170 per test<\/b>, depending on the specific assessment. Most subject-area exams are offered in 12-day testing windows roughly monthly. A 21-day waiting period is required between retake attempts.<\/span><\/p>\n

One important procedural note: the Idaho SDE cannot receive Praxis score reports electronically. When applying for certification, you must download, print, and mail or fax your official score reports to the Idaho SDE together with your application packet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Endorsement area<\/b><\/td>\nPraxis test<\/b><\/td>\nMinimum passing score<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Elementary Education (K-8)<\/span><\/td>\nElementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5001\u20135005)<\/span><\/td>\nVaries by subtest<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mathematics (6-12)<\/span><\/td>\nMathematics: Content Knowledge (5165)<\/span><\/td>\n157<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Biology (6-12)<\/span><\/td>\nBiology: Content Knowledge (5235)<\/span><\/td>\n150<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
English Language Arts (6-12)<\/span><\/td>\nEnglish Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5039)<\/span><\/td>\n167<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Special Education<\/span><\/td>\nSpecial Education: Core Knowledge (5354)<\/span><\/td>\n151<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
History (6-12)<\/span><\/td>\nSocial Studies: Content Knowledge (5081)<\/span><\/td>\n149<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Source: ETS Praxis Idaho Test Requirements \u2014 <\/span><\/i>praxis.ets.org\/state-requirements\/idaho-overview.html<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Background Check and Fingerprinting<\/b><\/h3>\n

All applicants must pass a criminal background check. Idaho uses a fingerprint-based check through the Idaho State Police and the FBI. You will need to complete fingerprinting through an Idaho-approved LiveScan provider before your certificate can be issued. The State Board of Education may refuse to issue a certificate to any applicant for reasons that would constitute grounds for revoking an existing certificate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Application Process and Fees<\/b><\/h3>\n

Once you have completed your preparation program, passed your Praxis exam(s), and cleared your background check, you apply for your certificate through the Idaho SDE. Applications are submitted online through the Idaho System for Educational Excellence (ISEE) portal. You will need to:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Create an account on the ISEE portal at <\/span>boardofed.idaho.gov<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Upload your official college transcripts<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Print and mail or fax your official Praxis score report(s) to the Idaho SDE<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Submit proof of your student teaching or supervised clinical experience<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Pay the applicable application fee (currently $100 for initial certificates; $75 for renewal)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Detailed Look at Idaho Certificate Types<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Standard Five-Year Certificate<\/b><\/h3>\n

    The standard instructional certificate is Idaho’s primary teaching credential. It is valid for five years, expires on August 31 of the expiration year, and is renewable. Once issued, the certificate specifies the grade levels and subject areas (endorsement areas) the holder is authorized to teach.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    You may only accept teaching assignments within your certified endorsement areas, though occasional temporary exceptions are authorized through emergency or alternative authorization processes.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Interim Certificate for Non-Traditional Candidates<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree but have not completed a traditional state-approved program are typically issued an Interim Certificate valid for three years. During those three years, the candidate must complete a non-traditional educator preparation program (such as ABCTE, CSI, or LCSC) and meet all remaining certification requirements to qualify for conversion to a five-year renewable certificate. Out-of-state teachers entering Idaho under reciprocity also receive an Interim Certificate.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Prepsaret insight: The Interim Certificate is Idaho’s on-ramp for career changers. It is not a lesser credential \u2014 you are a fully authorized teacher of record in your endorsement area throughout the three years.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Emergency Provisional Certificate<\/b><\/h3>\n

    When a school or district cannot find a fully qualified candidate for a vacancy, the SDE may issue an Emergency Provisional Certificate for one year. These are granted to the individual at the request of the hiring district and require the candidate to be actively working toward full certification.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Districts in critical-need subject areas such as special education, mathematics, and science account for the majority of emergency authorizations issued each year.<\/span><\/p>\n

    According to the Idaho SDE’s 2024-2025 data, <\/span>alternative authorizations and emergency provisionals continue to increase<\/b> as districts struggle to fill vacancies with traditionally certified candidates \u2014 a trend documented in the 2024 Educator Pipeline Report published by the Idaho State Board of Education.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Pupil Service Staff Certificates<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Idaho issues separate certificates for school counselors, school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and other pupil services personnel. These certificates carry their own preparation program and exam requirements. If you are pursuing one of these careers rather than classroom instruction, contact the SDE Certification Department directly for current requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Alternative Routes to Idaho Teacher Certification<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Idaho recognizes that a traditional four-year education degree is not the only preparation for effective teaching. For individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, the state offers several non-traditional pathways that let you teach while you complete certification requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n

    What ‘Alternative’ Means in Idaho<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Idaho’s non-traditional routes are not shortcuts \u2014 they are differently structured pathways that lead to the same standard five-year certificate. All non-traditional candidates must still hold a bachelor’s degree, pass the required Praxis exams, complete a mentored teaching experience, and satisfy any state-specific coursework requirements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    The difference is that you complete much of this while working as a teacher of record under an Interim Certificate, rather than before entering the classroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

    American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE)<\/b><\/h3>\n

    ABCTE is an online, competency-based program that Idaho officially recognizes. Candidates must pass two exams: the Professional Teaching Knowledge exam (which tests pedagogy) and a subject area exam aligned with their intended endorsement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    ABCTE is particularly popular with career changers who have deep content knowledge in a field such as science, mathematics, or technology.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Upon completion of ABCTE requirements, candidates receive an Interim Certificate and must complete a one-year mentored classroom experience in Idaho before qualifying for the standard five-year certificate. The ABCTE website is americanboard.org.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Teach for America (TFA)<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Idaho accepts TFA candidates working toward the standard requirements for Idaho teacher licensure. The TFA preparation program in Idaho is administered jointly with Boise State University. TFA prioritizes highly qualified candidates in critical-need areas including biology, math, and technology education. TFA participants receive an Interim Certificate while completing their two-year commitment.<\/span><\/p>\n

    College of Southern Idaho (CSI) and Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC)<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Both CSI and LCSC offer state-approved non-traditional certification programs designed for candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree. These are institution-specific programs tailored to particular teaching areas. Candidates typically receive an Interim Certificate while enrolled and convert to the standard five-year certificate upon program completion.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Who Should Consider an Alternative Route<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Alternative certification is well-suited for:<\/span><\/p>\n