I already have a college degree

Steps for becoming a teacher in Ohio:

• Route 1: Initial Ohio Teaching Certification


When first earning your Ohio Teaching Certification, you will be awarded a two-year Provisional Teacher Certification. In order to earn your five-year Professional Teacher Licensure, you will need to pass the Praxis III assessment and successfully complete an entry-year program.


• Step 1:
  Request information regarding Master's programs with certification or simple teacher certification programs from the accredited institutions below. Teacher Preparation Programs.


• University of Phoenix
• Walden University
• Capella University
• Ashford University


• Step 2:
  You will need to get an Ohio Civilian Background Check. If you have not lived continuously in Ohio for the last five years, you will also need to submit a background check from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
  • Ohio Civilian Background Check Information
  • If you need to complete an FBI background check, request a fingerprint card from the Office of Educator Licensure by calling (614) 466-3593
  Send your fingerprint card to:
  Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation
  P.O. Box 365
  London, OH 43140
  
  
  If the Office of Educator Licensing has not received your results by the time you submit your application, call the BCI at (740) 845-2375


• Step 3:
  You will need to pass applicable portions of the NTE/ Praxis II exams. The score reports must be sent directly to the Office of Educator Licensing, the Ohio recipient # is R7945). Find testing information here, Praxis II.


• Step 4:
  Download the Application Process Form Here.


• Step 5:
  On completion of your accredited education program, you will send a packet containing the following contents:
  • Completed application packet
  • $24^* non-refundable application fee
  • Official Transcripts of all degrees and credits you have earned
  • The signature of your recommending college indicating you have successfully completed the academic and experience requirements.
  * All fees should be in the form of check or money order made payable to "Ohio T.E.C"
  
  
  To this address:
  Office of Educator Licensure
  25 South Front Street, Mail Stop 105
  Columbus, Ohio 43215-4183
  Or call for more information at (614) 466-3593


• Step 6:
  Sit Back and Relax!

• Route 2: Ohio Alternative Teacher Certification


Ohio Alternative Teacher Certification allows you to begin teaching prior to the completion of a teacher education program. The Alternative Certification Program is available for those wishing to teach grades 7-12 and Special Education in grades K-12. Alternative Teacher Certification is valid for two years and is non-renewable.


• Step 1:
  You will need to have an Ohio Civilian Background Check. If you have not lived continuously in Ohio over the last five years, you will also need to submit a background check from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
  • Ohio Civilian Background Check Information
  • If you need to complete an FBI background check, request a fingerprint card from the Office of Educator Licensure by calling (614) 466-3593
  Send your fingerprint card to:
  Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation
  P.O. Box 365
  London, OH 43140
  
  
  If the Office of Educator Licensing has not received your results by the time you submit your application, call the BCI at (740) 845-2375


• Step 2:
  Download the application for the Alternative Teacher Certification, Here.


• Step 3:
  Make sure you attach Official Transcripts to your application.


• Step 4:
  If your application is based on work experience, a letter of verification must be submitted with your application. You should have at least five years of work experience related to the field in which you wish to teach, and three years of experience must be within the last five years.


Send to this address:
Office of Educator Licensure
25 South Front Street, Mail Stop 105
Columbus, Ohio 43215-4183



• Step 5:
  Sit Back and Relax!




Back to Ohio Teaching Certification/Credentialing
or, Steps to become a teacher in Ohio

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