Alabama

Alabama Certification & Training

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Learn more about the process for becoming certified to teach in the Alabama region. Alabama has three approaches that are explained below.

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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:

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. 

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.

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.