Steps to become a teacher in Connecticut:

Follow the steps below and begin your career as a teacher in Connecticut. If you wish to become a teacher before acquiring your Initial Educator Certification, find out how to qualify for an Alternative Teacher Certification.
  • Connecticut Initial Educator Certification

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


    • 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. Connecticut Teacher Preparation Programs.

    • Step 3:
      Download or request an application by mail for your Initial Educator Certification ED_170A , Here. Some sections in this application will need to be completed by the college or university where you received your Teacher Education.

    • Step 4:
      You must pass the content area assessment for your certification through the Praxis I and II examinations. For more information, call (860)713-6969

    • Step 5:
      Your Initial Educator Certification packet should contain the following contents:
      • Completed application packet
      • Official Transcripts of all degrees and credits you have earned
      • Non-refundable fee of $100 by check or money order made payable to: Treasurer, State of Connecticut

    • Send to this address:
      Connecticut State Department of Education
      Bureau of Educator Preparation and Certification
      P.O. Box 150471-Room 243
      Hartford, CT. 06115-0471

      If you have more Questions, Call (860)713-6969

    • Step 6:
      Sit Back and Relax!

  • Connecticut Alternative Teacher Certification

  • The Alternative Route to Certification (ARC) in Connecticut allows the candidate to enter the classroom as a teacher prior to the completion of a teacher education program.

    *Important* -- You must possess a Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university to be considered for the Alternative Route to Certification Program. Browse through our teacher education programs.

    Alternative Route to Certification I & II

    There are two Alternative Route's to Certification. They are exactly similar except for the initial coursework that is to be completed. In route I, the certification candidate will complete a 9 week summer teacher education program prior to entering the classroom. Route II is designed for the working professional who has a 9-5 job and wishes to keep this job while completing the teacher preparation. The ARC II begins with a 24-week course of part-time instruction occurring Friday evenings and all day Saturdays from Oct. - May. The following are requirements of both Alternative Certification Routes I and II:
    • Step 1:
      Download the ED_172 application form, Here.

    • Step 2:
      You must pass the content area assessment for your certification through the Praxis I & II or ACTFL examinations.

    • Step 3:
      Obtain Official Transcripts (photocopies will not be permitted) and attach them to your application

    • Step 4:
      Call (860)947-1300 to get more information on the requirements for applying for the Alternative Route to Certification.

    • Step 5:
      Upon request of the Superintendent of a Connecticut Board of Education, a Temporary 90-day Certificate will be issued to the ARC graduate.

    • Step 6:
      After 90 days of successful service as a teacher, the ARC graduate will then need to apply for an Initial Educator Certificate.

    • Step 7:
      The following are requirements of the ARC graduate while holding the Initial Educator Certificate:
      1. Complete 20 months of successful teaching service
      2. Complete 30 hours of continuing education
      3. Completion of Beginning Educator Support and Training (BEST) Program. Find out more about BEST.

    • Send application materials to this address:
      Connecticut State Department of Education
      Bureau of Educator Preparation and Certification
      P.O. Box 150471-Room 243
      Hartford, CT. 06115-0471

      If you have more Questions, Call (860)713-6969

    • Step 8:
      Sit Back and Relax!

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.




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