Alternative Teaching Certificate

A formal review is required to verify that all requirements have been met. Please visit the "How to Submit Official Documents" below for the proper submission of the required documents. Failure to submit documents as described could cause a delay in the processing of the application.

• Application: A completed application for certification.
• Fee: The fee for this certificate is $60. Per Board-rule, certification fees are non-refundable.
• AZDPS IP Card: A valid Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Enrollment Letter: A Verification of Enrollment Letter (Initial Application) or Verification of Adequate Progress Letter (Extension Application) issued by the state board approved Educator Preparation Program.
• Official Transcripts: Official Transcripts documenting a Bachelor's degree and all applicable coursework.
  • Note: If you completed your degree and applicable coursework at an institution outside of the United States, you must submit an evaluation from a Department approved foreign credential evaluation agency. Please see the "Approved Foreign Credential Evaluation Agencies" list.

The Alternative Teaching certificate is issued for one year and may be extended yearly for two consecutive years. To apply for the initial issuance, submit the following:

Official Transcripts

• Official transcripts documenting a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution (college or university). If you completed your degree and applicable coursework at an accredited institution outside of the United States, you must submit an evaluation from a Arizona Department of Education approved foreign credential evaluation agency in lieu of official transcripts.

Verification of Enrollment

• Verification of enrollment in an Arizona State Board of Education-approved educator preparation program leading to a standard teaching certificate, signed by the appropriate designee. Please contact the approved Educator Preparation Program Provider for information on requesting the Alternative Teaching enrollment letter from the appropriate designee.
  • The appropriate letter will include both the Educator Preparation Program logo and the Arizona Department of Education logo.

The Alternative Teaching Certificate may be extended yearly for no more than two consecutive years. There is no fee to apply for an extension of an Alternative Teaching certificate. To apply for the extension of an Alternative Teaching certificate, submit the following:

Application

• A completed Application to extend the Alternative Teaching certificate. You may apply online through the My Certification Portal or submit a paper Application to Extend an Alternative Teaching Certificate.

Verification of Adequate Progress

• Verification from the Board-approved educator preparation program in which the alternative teaching certificate holder is enrolled that the holder has made adequate progress toward program completion. Please contact the approved Educator Preparation Program Provider for information on requesting the Alternative Teaching adequate progress letter from the appropriate designee.
  • The appropriate letter will include both the Educator Preparation Program logo and the Arizona Department of Education logo.

This certificate includes the following allowable deficiencies that must be completed within the specified timeframe:

• U.S. Constitution: A college/university course OR a passing score on the approved exam covering United States Constitution.
• AZ Constitution: A college/university course OR a passing score on the approved exam covering Arizona Constitution.

Applicants will have three (3) years to complete the above allowable deficiency requirements, except that if they are certified in History, Social Studies, or Political Science/American Government, they have one (1) year to meet these requirements. If these are not met within the allowable timeframe, the certificate will be placed on a non-disciplinary suspension. Once the deficiencies are corrected, the non-disciplinary suspension will be removed, and the certificate will be re-activated to the original expiration date. For additional information and resources for meeting these deficiencies, please visit the Deficiency Removal page.

Documents Requiring Submission by the Verifying Authority

• Official Transcripts: Transcripts that are uploaded through the educator portal or emailed by the applicant are not& official and will not be accepted. Official transcripts and foreign credential evaluations must be submitted as follows:
  • Electronic official transcripts must be sent directly by the college or university to [email protected] or through Parchment.
  • Paper official transcripts must be in a sealed envelope and mailed by the college or university to the Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit; PO Box 6490,  Phoenix, AZ  85005-6490.
  • Foreign credential evaluations must be sent directly by the approved foreign credential evaluation agency to [email protected], mailed to the Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit or sent through our online Contact Form.

Accepted Photocopies from the Applicant

• AZDPS IVP Card: Submit a photocopy of the Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance card.
• Program Verification Letter: A letter verifying that you are enrolled in an Arizona State Board-approved alternative path to certification program or an Arizona State Board-approved educator preparation program. The letter must be signed by the appropriate designee from the educator preparation program.