Phoenix

Certification and Testing

While the requirements to become an Arizona teacher are rigorous, the benefits are immense. Corps members must pass the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA), and through partnerships with Arizona State University and Rio Salado College over their two years, the majority of Phoenix corps members end their commitment as a fully certified Arizona teacher.

In Arizona, most corps members teach with the state’s Intern Certificate for two years and then, provided they have fulfilled all coursework and testing requirements, receive the state’s Provisional Certificate. For secondary and special education corps members who remain in Arizona beyond two years, the Arizona Department of Education offers a $5,000 Transition to Teaching grant on the first day of their third year of teaching.

At a Glance

Costs to Begin Teaching
Testing: $210-310
Travel for testing : Amounts will vary, but in many cases travel will be required
Up-front Certification Program Cost: $129 (certificate and background check), $60 (University program application)
University Partnership Costs (total, two years): Rio Salado College - Certificate only: $4,400-4,800; Arizona State University - M.A. + Certificate: $17,000

Costs to Maintain Emergency Credential
N/A