I already have a college degree

Steps to becoming a teacher in Alabama:

• Route 1: Traditional Approach


• Step 1:
  Request information from accredited institutions regarding Master's programs with certification or simply certification programs.


• University of Phoenix
• Capella University
• Ashford University


• Step 2:
  Call the Alabama Department of Education at #334-229-4271 and either set up an appointment with an advisor or speak with one over the phone.


• Step 3:
  Download the Application Process Form Here.


• Step 4:
  Have fingerprints taken at your local police station and request two fingerprint cards. Fill out form to give consent for criminal history background review. Download form Here.


• Step 5:
  You must meet the requirements of the Alabama Prospective Teacher Testing Program (APTTP). For information on the test and requirments, click Here.


• Step 6:
  On completion of your accredited education program, you will send a packet containing the following contents:
  • Completed application packet
  • $20^* non-refundable application fee
  • Official Transcripts of all degrees and credits you have earned
  • Two fingerprint cards, a Release Form, a Background Review Consent Form, and a separate $49 nonrefundable fingerprint fee
  • Include copies of APTTP test scores
  * All fees should be in the form of cashiers check or money order made payable to the Alabama State Department of Education.
  
  
  To this address:
  Teacher Education and Certification Office
  5215 Gordon Persons Building
  Post Office Box 302101
  Montgomery, AL. 36130-2101


• Step 7:
  Sit Back and Relax!

• Route 2: Alternative Approach


Alabama's Alternative Baccalaureate-Level Certificate allows the holder to begin teaching prior to the completion of a teacher education program. This certification is good for one scholastic year and then must be renewed. 3 years is the maximum amount of time one may hold an alternative certification before they must have satisfied the requirments for and satisfactorily applied for their professional educators credentials.


• Step 1:
  Request information from accredited institutions regarding Master's programs with certification or simply certification programs.


• University of Phoenix
• Capella University
• Ashford University


• Step 2:
  Call the Alabama Department of Education at #334-229-4271 and either set up an appointment with an advisor or speak with one over the phone. Do not use their website. Navigation and functionality is horrible and you will waste a lot of time that could be used beginning your coursework or doing laundry.


• Step 3:
  Download the Application Process Form Here. Download the Application Form Here.


• Step 4:
  Have fingerprints taken at your local police station and request two fingerprint cards. Fill out form to give consent for criminal history background review. Download form Here.


• Step 5:
  You must meet the requirements of the Alabama Prospective Teacher Testing Program (APTTP). For information on the test and requirments, click Here.


• Step 6:
  You must be assigned a mentor by the employing superintendent or headmaster in the school where you wish to teach.


• Step 7:
  On completion of your accredited education program, you will send a packet containing the following contents:
  • Completed application packet
  • $20^* non-refundable application fee
  • Official Transcripts of all degrees and credits you have earned
  • Two fingerprint cards, a Release Form, a Background Review Consent Form, and a separate $49 nonrefundable fingerprint fee
  • Include copies of APTTP test scores
  * All fees should be in the form of cashiers check or money order made payable to the Alabama State Department of Education.
  
  
  To this address:
  Teacher Education and Certification Office
  5215 Gordon Persons Building
  Post Office Box 302101
  Montgomery, AL. 36130-2101


• Step 8:
  Sit Back and Relax!




Back to Alabama Teacher Certification/Credentialing
Or, Steps to become a teacher in Alabama

Learn about the requirements of another state by clicking on one of the state certification links to your left.

Request information from schools by clicking on the links or school logos below.