Oklahoma Initial Teacher Certification

Steps to becoming a teacher in Oklahoma:

• Route 1: Oklahoma Initial Teaching License


The Oklahoma Initial Teaching License is the credential issued to applicants who have not taught before and have completed an Oklahoma teacher certification program.


• Step 1:
  Request information from accredited institutions regarding Bachelor's, Master's and PhD programs. Teacher Preparation Programs.


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


• Step 2:
  All applicants must have fingerprints on file. You may have your fingerprints taken two different ways:
  • Fingerprints may be taken electronically at the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) OR,
  • Have your fingerprints taken at your local sheriff's office. You must first contact the OSDE by email at certforms@sde.state.ok.us, by calling (405) 521-3337 or by regular mail:
  Request information from:
  Oklahoma State Department of Education
  Professional Standards Section
  Hodge Education Building - Room 212
  2500 North Lincoln Boulevard
  Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105-4599


• Step 3:
  You will need to register for and pass the Oklahoma competency exams. You will need to register for these exams through the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation. The following are the exams you will need to register for:
  • The Oklahoma General Education Test (OGET)
  • The Oklahoma Subject Area Test (OSAT)
  • The Oklahoma Professional Teaching Exam (OPTE)
  
  
  You may access this information and register for exams three different ways.
  
  
  • Through the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation website at www.ceoe.nesinc.com
  • By phone: (405) 525-2612
  • By regular mail:

    Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation
    4545 N. Lincoln Blvd. Suite 275
    Oklahoma City, OK. 73105-3418


• Step 4:
  Download the Application for the Oklahoma School License. Make sure your application packet contains the following items before sending:
  • Official Transcripts of all college credits earned.
  • Completed Fingerprint cards.
  • Notarized signiture and date.
  • Licensing fees made payable to the "Oklahoma Department of Education"


Send to this address:
Oklahoma State Department of Education
Professional Standards Section
Hodge Education Building - Room 212
2500 North Lincoln Boulevard
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105-4599


• Step 6:
  Sit Back and Relax!

• Route 2: Oklahoma Alternative Placement Program


The Alternative Placement Program allows candidates to begin teaching in an Oklahoma classroom prior to the completion of a teacher preparation program.


• Step 1:
  You will need to have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree and two years of work experience in the subject area of your expertise.
  • Your degree must be from a field of study that corresponds to the area you are going to be teaching and earning your certification.


• Step 2:
  Download the Oklahoma Alternative Placement Program Information Packet and the Oklahoma Alternative Placement Application, Here.


• Step 3:
  You Application should contain the following:
  • Complete application
  • Official Transcripts of all college credit
  • A current resume with work experience and phone #'s for employment references
  • $40 evaluation and licensing fee by personal check, cashier's check or money order made payable to the "Oklahoma Alternative Placement Program"
  
  
  Send to this address
  Oklahoma Alternative Placement Program
  2500 North Lincoln Boulevard, Room 212
  Oklahoma City, OK 73105


• Step 5:
  Sit Back and Relax!


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

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.