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How to get an Initial Five Year Teacher Certificate in Alaska

Alaska licenses teachers statewide through the Teacher Education and Certification Office (DEED).1 For the Initial Five Year Teacher Certificate you need at least 3 semester hours2 of education, a passing score on the Basic competency exam (reading, writing, mathematics): Praxis Core, or CBEST, WEST-B, NES Essential Academic Skills, or qualifying SAT/ACT3 and a criminal background check1. The board lists $200 for the initial license4. You renew every 5 years2 and complete 6 credit hours of continuing education5.

Last checked · 10 official sources

Who issues it

Teacher Education and Certification Office (DEED)

Training and experience

Training: at least 3 semester hours2

Exam

Basic competency exam (reading, writing, mathematics): Praxis Core, or CBEST, WEST-B, NES Essential Academic Skills, or qualifying SAT/ACT3

Fees the board lists

Initial license fee: $2004
FBI background check: $604

Renewal

Every 5 years2, 6 credit hours of continuing education5

From another state

License by endorsement and Military service members and spouses26 Details

On this page
  1. Alaska teacher licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs an Initial Five Year Teacher Certificate
  4. Requirements for an Initial Five Year Teacher Certificate
  5. Renewal and continuing education
  6. Emergency Teacher Certificate
  7. Initial Program Enrollment Teacher Certificate
  8. Initial Two Year or Three Year Teacher Certificate
  9. Master Teacher Certificate
  10. Professional Out-of-State Teacher Certificate
  11. Professional Teacher Certificate
  12. Reemployment Teacher Certificate
  13. Check a license or report a problem
  14. Laws and rules
  15. Common questions
  16. Teacher licenses in other states

Alaska teacher licenses

Alaska issues 8 teacher credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

LicenseWhat it coversTraining or experienceExamApplication or license fee
Emergency Teacher CertificateDistrict-sponsored, for one school year, when the district cannot find a qualified certified teacher; not for special education.7––$2004
Initial Five Year Teacher CertificateTeaching in Alaska public schools in the endorsement areas on the certificate.1Training 3 semester hours2Yes3$2004
Initial Program Enrollment Teacher CertificateTeaching for the sponsoring Alaska district while enrolled in a state-approved teacher preparation program.7Experience 5 years7Yes3$2004
Initial Two Year or Three Year Teacher CertificateTeaching in Alaska public schools in the endorsement areas on the certificate.1Training 3 semester hours2Yes3$2004
Master Teacher CertificateTeaching in Alaska public schools in the endorsement areas on the certificate.1Training 3 semester hours2
Experience 2 years6		Yes3$2004
Professional Out-of-State Teacher CertificateTeaching in Alaska public schools in the endorsement areas on the certificate.1Experience 2 years2Yes3$2006
Professional Teacher CertificateTeaching in Alaska public schools in the endorsement areas on the certificate.1Training 3 semester hours2
Experience 2 years6		Yes3$2004
Reemployment Teacher CertificateTeaching in Alaska public schools in the endorsement areas on the certificate.1––$2006

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the Alaska teacher licenses on this page, so they are shown once here, with the licenses they apply to. Each license's own section lists only what differs.

1. Every license level (all 8)

Requirements

Minimum age
18 years old6
Background check
Background check required1
Fingerprints required8
Alaska DPS and FBI reports only (other states’ reports not accepted); a certificate cannot be issued to anyone convicted of a listed crime involving a minor (AS 11.41.410-11.41.460).8
Also required
Copy of a valid state or federal photo ID6

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$20046DEEDNot refundable
FBI background check$604Alaska Department of Public Safety / FBINot refundable

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

  1. Register in TEACH-AK (one-time) and start the application there.9 teachak.alaska.gov9
  2. Mail one fingerprint card rolled by a trained technician (or, if already in a certified Alaska district job, send employment verification instead).8
  3. Pay the certificate fee ($200) and fingerprint processing ($60); fees are non-refundable.4

From another state

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
Professional Out-of-State Teacher Certificate for holders of a current regular (renewable) teaching certificate from another U.S. state with 2 years of teaching under it; valid 2 years, extendable once for 3 years after Alaska studies and multicultural coursework.2
Conditions
Restricted, provisional, emergency, substitute or temporary out-of-state certificates do not count; out-of-country certificates are not accepted.2
Fee
$2006
Route
Military service members and spouses
What the board says
DEED prioritizes complete Professional (out-of-state) applications from spouses of active-duty service members stationed in Alaska.6

2. Every license level except Professional Out-of-State Teacher Certificate

Requirements

Also required
Four mandatory trainings (alcohol/drug-related disabilities; sexual abuse and assault awareness; dating violence awareness; suicide prevention), completed within five years.1

3. Every license level except Reemployment Teacher Certificate

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Other fee$1006DEEDAddition or removal of an endorsement, other than at the time of initial issuance of the certificate. Adding/removing an endorsement after issue. Not refundable
Alaska Reads Act Endorsement$506DEEDK-3 Alaska Reads Act endorsement (rule price through December 30, 2028). Not refundable
Duplicate or replacement license$254DEEDNot refundable

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

4. Every license level except Emergency Teacher Certificate and Reemployment Teacher Certificate

Requirements

Exam
Basic competency exam (reading, writing, mathematics): Praxis Core, or CBEST, WEST-B, NES Essential Academic Skills, or qualifying SAT/ACT3
Given by: ETS (Praxis Core) or other listed vendors3
Passing score: Praxis Core: Reading 156, Writing 162, Math 1503
Praxis Core Reading (5713) 156, Writing (5723) 162, Math (5733) 1503

Fees

The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee.

5. Every license level except Emergency Teacher Certificate and Initial Program Enrollment Teacher Certificate

What it covers

Teaching in Alaska public schools in the endorsement areas on the certificate.1

How to apply

Temporary or provisional license
District-sponsored Emergency and Program Enrollment certificates exist for those who do not yet meet requirements.2

6. Every license level except Emergency Teacher Certificate, Professional Out-of-State Teacher Certificate and Reemployment Teacher Certificate

Requirements

Exam
Content area exam for each endorsement (Praxis II, NES, or ACTFL for world languages)10
Given by: ETS (Praxis II), Pearson (NES), ACTFL10

7. Every license level except Emergency Teacher Certificate, Initial Program Enrollment Teacher Certificate and Reemployment Teacher Certificate

Requirements

Education or training
Bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited university and completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program.2
Exam
Alaska Reads Act K-3 qualification (e.g., Praxis Teaching Reading: Elementary 5205, score 159; Pearson Foundations of Reading 240) for teachers of grades K-310
Given by: ETS or Pearson10
Passing score: 5205: 159; Foundations of Reading: 24010

8. Initial Five Year Teacher Certificate, Initial Two Year or Three Year Teacher Certificate, Master Teacher Certificate and Professional Teacher Certificate

Requirements

Also required
Alaska Reads Act K-3 endorsement needed to teach grades K-3.2

How to apply

  1. Upload official transcripts, the State Approved Program Verification Form, exam score reports and proof of the four mandatory trainings.2

9. Initial Five Year Teacher Certificate, Master Teacher Certificate, Professional Out-of-State Teacher Certificate and Professional Teacher Certificate

Renewal

Renewal fee
$2006
Continuing education
6 credit hours each renewal period5
Required topics
Credits must relate to current certified employment, an endorsement area, or a program leading to a sought endorsement; the four mandatory trainings must be completed within the previous five years.5
Approved courses
Regionally or nationally accredited college credit, CEUs or micro-credentials from approved providers, or pre-approved non-academic credit.5
Exemptions
The commissioner may waive a renewal requirement for good cause.6
If it expires
Within 12 months after expiration: reinstate with the same six credits; after 12 months you apply as a new (initial) applicant.5
A lapsed certificate means you are not certified and may not work in a certificated position until reinstated.5

10. Initial Five Year Teacher Certificate, Master Teacher Certificate and Professional Teacher Certificate

Requirements

Education or training
At least 3 semester hours2
Approved Alaska studies coursework (3 semester hours) and approved Alaska multicultural coursework (3 semester hours), required by AS 14.20.020(h)1
Education or training
At least 6 semester hours2
6 semester (or 9 quarter) hours of college credit in the five years before applying (the Alaska studies/multicultural courses can count).2

Renewal

How often
Every 5 years2
When it expires
Five-year certificate; may be renewed from one year before expiration; reinstatement possible within 12 months after expiration.5

11. Initial Program Enrollment Teacher Certificate and Reemployment Teacher Certificate

Renewal

How often
Every year71

12. Initial Two Year or Three Year Teacher Certificate and Professional Out-of-State Teacher Certificate

Renewal

How often
Every 2 years2

Who needs an Initial Five Year Teacher Certificate

Other rules on who may do this work:

  • An applicant awaiting a decision may teach for up to three months (plus a 60-day written extension).1

Requirements for an Initial Five Year Teacher Certificate

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 8, group 9 and group 10 under Applies to every license level.

Experience
Only for holders of an Initial Two/Three Year certificate who have not yet met the two-year teaching requirement for the Professional certificate.2
License you must hold first: Initial Two Year or Three Year Teacher Certificate2

Renewal and continuing education

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your Alaska Initial Five Year Teacher Certificate. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Emergency Teacher Certificate

District-sponsored, for one school year, when the district cannot find a qualified certified teacher; not for special education.7

Requirements

Education or training
At least an associate degree from an accredited institution.6
Also required
District Request and Assurance Form and Emergency Certificate Waiver Form required; mentor commitment by the district.6

How to apply

  1. Upload the District Request and Assurance Form and the Emergency Certificate Waiver Form from the sponsoring district, plus proof of the four mandatory trainings.7

Renewal

When it expires
Valid only for the school year issued (expires June 30); not renewable, though a district may request another if progress is shown.6

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 3 under Applies to every license level.

Initial Program Enrollment Teacher Certificate

Teaching for the sponsoring Alaska district while enrolled in a state-approved teacher preparation program.7

Requirements

Education or training
Bachelor’s degree plus current enrollment in an approved teacher preparation program (Proof of Program Enrollment form).7
Experience
At least 5 years7
Five years of experience in the subject to be taught (resume).7

How to apply

  1. Upload official transcripts (bachelor's degree), the Proof of Program Enrollment form, basic competency and content exam score reports, a resume showing five years of experience in the subject, the District Request and Assurance Form, and proof of the four mandatory trainings.7

Renewal

When it expires
One year, extendable twice by one year (second extension needs Alaska studies + multicultural coursework); not renewable.7

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 6 and group 11 under Applies to every license level.

Initial Two Year or Three Year Teacher Certificate

Requirements

Education or training
At least 3 semester hours2
Alaska studies (3 sem. hrs) and Alaska multicultural (3 sem. hrs) coursework: needed for the one-year extension, or at application to get the three-year version.2
Experience
None: for new teachers with under two years of teaching.2

Renewal

When it expires
Two years, extendable once for one year at no charge (Alaska studies + multicultural coursework); three-year version if that coursework is done at application. Not renewable.2

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 8 and group 12 under Applies to every license level.

Master Teacher Certificate

Requirements

Experience
At least 2 years6
Meet all Professional Teacher Certificate requirements and hold current National Board certification (NBPTS).2

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 8, group 9 and group 10 under Applies to every license level.

Professional Out-of-State Teacher Certificate

Requirements

Experience
At least 2 years2
Two years of teaching under the out-of-state regular certificate.2
License you must hold first: Current, valid regular (renewable) out-of-state teacher certificate, still valid when the Alaska contract begins.2
Also required
Mandatory trainings: complete the four trainings (verification of at least one).2
Also required
Endorsements mirror the out-of-state certificate.2

How to apply

  1. Upload your current out-of-state regular teacher certificate, official transcripts, the State Approved Program Verification Form and proof of the four mandatory trainings.2

Renewal

When it expires
Two years + one three-year extension; then renewable.2

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 7, group 9 and group 12 under Applies to every license level.

Professional Teacher Certificate

Requirements

Experience
At least 2 years6
Two years of teaching experience while holding a valid teacher certificate (resume + most recent evaluation), with a proficient or exemplary evaluation.6

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 8, group 9 and group 10 under Applies to every license level.

Reemployment Teacher Certificate

Requirements

Education or training
No new coursework at issue; endorsements carry over from the expired certificate; meet current requirements during its term (AS 14.20.017: one year).2
Experience
Previously held an Alaska certificate valid for at least 2 years that has been expired for over one year.2

How to apply

  1. Upload proof of the four mandatory trainings; endorsements carry over from the expired Alaska certificate.2

Renewal

When it expires
One year (AS 14.20.017); non-renewable; then apply for Professional or Second Initial certificate.1

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 5 and group 11 under Applies to every license level.

Check a license or report a problem

Before you hire a teacher in Alaska, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in Alaska is on the Alaska license lookup page.

Look up a license
teachak.alaska.gov9

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Common questions

How long does it take to get an Initial Five Year Teacher Certificate in Alaska?

The rules set at least 3 semester hours2 before you can be licensed. The board does not publish how long it takes to process an application.

Can I transfer my teacher license to Alaska?

DEED publishes this route for the Initial Five Year Teacher Certificate: license by endorsement2. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew an Initial Five Year Teacher Certificate in Alaska?

Every 5 years2. Continuing education: 6 credit hours5. The renewal fee is $2006.

Teacher licenses in other states

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

  1. AS 14.20.010-14.20.215 Teachers (certification)Alaska State Legislature (Alaska Statutes)Checked November 8, 2026
  2. Teacher CertificatesAlaska Department of Education and Early Development, Teacher Education and CertificationChecked November 8, 2026
  3. Basic competency examsAlaska Department of Education and Early Development, Teacher Education and CertificationChecked November 8, 2026
  4. Teacher Certification FeesAlaska Department of Education and Early Development, Teacher Education and CertificationChecked November 8, 2026
  5. Renewal and reinstatementAlaska Department of Education and Early Development, Teacher Education and CertificationChecked November 8, 2026
  6. 4 AAC 12 Certification of professional personnelAlaska State Legislature (Alaska Administrative Code)Checked November 8, 2026
  7. District-sponsored certificatesAlaska Department of Education and Early Development, Teacher Education and CertificationChecked November 8, 2026
  8. FingerprintsAlaska Department of Education and Early Development, Teacher Education and CertificationChecked November 8, 2026
  9. Teacher Certification homeAlaska Department of Education and Early Development, Teacher Education and CertificationChecked November 8, 2026
  10. Content area examsAlaska Department of Education and Early Development, Teacher Education and CertificationChecked November 8, 2026