I already have a college degree
Gain the credentials you need

• Arkansas Initial Teacher Certification


• Step 1:
  
  
  You must have at least a bachelor's degree to become a teacher in Arkansas. Request information from accredited institutions regarding Bachelor's programs, Master's programs with certification or simply certification programs.


• University of Phoenix
• American InterContinental University
• Capella University
• Ashford University


• Step 2:
  
  
  To begin the application, you will either want to have completed your teacher education program or at least be currently enrolled in a program.


• Step 3:
  
  
  Download an application for your Initial Arkansas Teaching Certification, Here.
  


• Step 4:
  
  
  You must have originals of your Praxis test scores:

  • Praxis I, Reading, Writing and Math
  • Praxis II, content test for all parts required in your individual licensure
  • Praxis II, Principles of Learning and Teaching
  • Find information on Arkansas' certification testing requirements on the ETS Praxis Series website, Here


• Step 5:
  
  
  You must successfully complete the Arkansas Required Criminal Background Check. Contact Arkansas' Office of Professional Licensure and request the Criminal Background Check forms. Call this number: (501) 682-4342


• Step 6:
  
  
  Request Official Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended (photocopied transcripts will not be accepted).


• Step 7:
  
  
  The institution from which you are taking your teacher preparation coursework and practicum experience through will need to complete the last page of your application. Find Teacher Education Programs Here.


• Step 8:
  
  
  Your Initial Teacher Certification packet will contain the following contents:
  
  
  • Completed application packet
  • Official Transcripts of all degrees and credits you have earned
  • Documentation of your Criminal Background Check
  • Scores from your successful completion of required Praxis exams.
  
  
  Send to this address:
  Office of Professional Licensure
  Arkansas Department of Education
  #4 State Capitol Mall
  Room 106B or Room 107B
  Little Rock, AR 72201
  Telephone Number: 501-682-4342


• Step 8:
  
  
  Sit Back and Relax!


• Arkansas Non-Traditional Licensure Program


Arkansas' Non-Traditional Licensure Program allows the holder to begin teaching prior to the completion of a teacher education program. This is a two-year program that involves assessments, teaching, portfolio development, instructional modules (summer and monthly) and mentoring. At the end of the program, the applicant will be eligible for their Initial Arkansas Teaching License.


• Step 1:
  
  
  You must have a Bachelor's Degree or higher to qualify for the Non-Traditional Licensure Program.


• Step 2:
  
  
  Download the NTLP application form, Here.


• Step 3:
  
  
  Obtain Official Transcripts (photocopies will not be permitted)


• Step 3:
  
  
  You must successfully complete the Arkansas Required Criminal Background Check. Contact Arkansas' Office of Professional Licensure and request the Criminal Background Check forms. Call this number: (501) 682-4342


• Step 4:
  
  
  You must have originals of your Praxis test scores:

  • Praxis I, Reading, Writing and Math
  • Praxis II, content test for all parts required in your individual licensure
  • Praxis II, Principles of Learning and Teaching
  • Find information on Arkansas' certification testing requirements on the ETS Praxis Series website, Here


• Step 5:
  
  
  A check of money order of $1200 made out to TeachArkansas NTLP must be accompanied with the form or submitted online by credit card if you are completing an online application.


• Step 6:
  
  
  Applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA if holding a Bachelor degree or 2.75 if holding a Master's degree over the last 60 hours.


• Step 7:
  
  
  You must attach a resume or documentation of work history to the application form.


• Step 8:
  
  
  Mail your application:


Send to this address:
TeachArkansas
NTL Program Advisor
501 Woodlane Suite 220 C
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201


• Step 9:
  
  
  Sit Back and Relax!




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

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.