Becoming Certified to Teach

Certification can be obtained in two to three years depending on route taken:

• Two years for a master's degree (Interim Employment Certificate – IEC )
• Three years for the non-masters degree route (Provisional Certificate in Teaching Field - PCTF)

Alternative Certification with a Master’s Degree

A master's degree is required for elementary, but not for secondary. The master's degree can be completed in two years.

Teachers have elected to take master's courses at the following universities:

• University of West Alabama (Elementary and Secondary Education)
• The University of Alabama at Birmingham (Secondary Education)

Length of Certification Pathway: 

• 2-3 years, depending on course load

Certification Cost: $10,210 - $13,320

• Praxis II Testing: $120 - $180
• State Certification Fee: $30 per year
• University Application Fee: $30 - $50
• Tuition: $10,000 - $13,000

Alternative Certification with no Master’s Degree - Provisional Certificate in a Teaching Field

The PCTF route results in a certification in teaching in the subject area that you are teaching. To receive certification without obtaining a master’s degree, Teach For America Alabama has teamed up with Athens State University to offer online courses towards alternative certification. Tuition is also deferred until AmeriCorps funds have been received. 

• Athens State University (Secondary Education)

Length of Certification Pathway: 

• 2 years of coursework & teaching
• 1 additional year of teaching 

Certification Cost: $3,210 - $4,210

• Praxis II Testing: $120
• State Certification Fee: $30 per year
• University Application Fee: $30
• Tuition: $3,000 - $4,000

Alternative Certification with no Master’s Degree - Conditional Certificate in a Teaching Field

To receive certification without obtaining a master’s degree, Corps members can also choose to pursue a CCTF certification through Teachers of Tomorrow. These are online courses that can be completed at your own pace - teachers can become certified in 1.5 - 3 years.

• Teachers of Tomorrow (Secondary Education)

Length of Certification Pathway:

• 1.5 - 3 years of coursework & teaching, depending on your pace

Certification Cost: $3,280 - $3,310

• Praxis II Testing: $120
• State Certification Fee: $30 per year
• Tuition: $3,100 (AmeriCorps funds cannot be used towards this cost)

Costs can range depending on whether teachers want to pursue a post-baccalaureate alternative teaching certification (lower end of cost spectrum) or a Master’s Degree.