2026 data Arizona board official source

Arizona Elementary School Teacher License Requirements

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

Instructs students in grades K-6. Requires state teaching certificate.

What the Arizona data shows for Elementary School Teachers

To practice as an elementary school teacher in Arizona, the state licensing board requires board-approved training, a passing score on State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent). A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Arizona's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Bachelors Degree in Education".

Budget $214 to get started, plus $131 at each renewal on a 5-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 150 hours of continuing education are due every 5-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

For elementary school teachers, the reciprocity picture is: State-specific — NASDTEC agreements between some states.

Licensing Requirements in Arizona

Education / Training Hours
Bachelors Degree in Education
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$214
Renewal Fee
$131
Renewal Cycle
Every 5 years
Continuing Education
150 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Arizona licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Elementary School Teacher in Arizona?
Arizona requires, passing an exam (State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent)), and an initial fee of $214. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as an Elementary School Teacher in Arizona?
Certification as an elementary school teacher in Arizona means clearing the state's checklist, and a passing exam score. The Arizona licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Elementary School Teacher license to Arizona from another state?
Elementary School Teacher licenses generally reciprocate as follows: State-specific — NASDTEC agreements between some states. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Arizona licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Arizona require a background check for Elementary School Teacher licensing?
A criminal background check is mandatory for elementary school teacher licensing in Arizona. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Elementary School Teacher in Arizona?
To stay licensed as an elementary school teacher in Arizona, plan on 150 hours of continuing education per 5-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $131.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites