Applying for Teaching Licenses Outside of Indiana

Applying for a license in other states can be daunting but information is available to help you navigate the process. 

• You should check directly with the licensing authority in that state for current licensing requirements.  Teacher licensing is regulated by state governments and there is no national teacher licensing authority.  Specific course work, testing, or grade point averages may be required that are different than requirements for Indiana licensing.  Links to licensing authorities in all fifty states are found on the Teaching Licensing main page. Most states have excellent web sites detailing licensing procedures for teachers with out-of-state preparation with links to forms and special instructions.

• You should obtain your Indiana license first.

• In most instances, it is best to apply for a license in another state based on a valid (not expired) Indiana license.
• In some states it is mandatory to have the Indiana license first.
• In a few states it may not be absolutely necessary to have an active Indiana license, but completing a licensing program through a college or university will be mandatory.

• Huntington University education programs are accredited by NCATE.  Having completed an NCATE accredited program will be of benefit in some states.

• Some states require the completion of additional requirements even if you have a valid license from Indiana or from other states.

• The costs involved in obtaining a license vary greatly from state to state and can be as high as $300 for the license itself. Additional costs may be incurred through the evaluation process (to determine eligibility for the license), license tests, and other requirements. Most fees are non-refundable.

• Ohio requires different PRAXIS II examinations for licensing than Indiana and has a licensing structure that is different from Indiana’s.  Ohio currently evaluates transcripts of individual applicants to determine which license can be awarded. 

• Michigan requires the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification but will issue a one-year, non-renewable Temporary Teacher Employment Authorization on the basis of the Indiana license (permitting you to apply for teaching positions) to give you one year to pass the MTTC. 

Interstate Compact Agreement

The following states have signed a compact with Indiana agreeing to accept teacher education preparation completed here provided there is a parallel licensing pattern in that state.  Most states that have signed the compact will issue at least a one-year license to applicants who have an Indiana license.  During that year, some states will require teachers to make progress toward meeting requirements in that state.  Other states will issue a permanent license with no restrictions on the basis of Indiana licensing.  Some states have special requirements such as competency tests or background checks that they do not waive for out-of-state applicants. 

If the state you are interested in does not appear on this list, you will need to have your credentials evaluated by their licensing agency in order to know whether you qualify for a license.

Compact States for Instructional Licenses:

Alabama	Hawaii	Nevada	Rhode Island
Alaska	Idaho	New Hampshire	South Carolina
Arizona	Illinois	New Jersey	Tennessee
Arkansas	Kentucky	New Mexico	Texas
California	Maine	New York	Utah
Colorado	Maryland	North Carolina	Vermont
Connecticut	Massachusetts	North Dakota	Virginia
Delaware	Michigan	Ohio	Washington
District of Columbia	Mississippi	Oklahoma	West Virginia
Florida	Montana	Oregon	Wyoming
Georgia	Nebraska	Pennsylvania