Elementary School Teacher / District of Columbia
2026 data District of Columbia board official source

District of Columbia Elementary School Teacher License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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

What the District of Columbia data shows for Elementary School Teachers

District of Columbia's path to elementary school teacher licensure runs through board-approved instruction and a passing score on State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent), plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. District of Columbia folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Bachelors Degree in Education".

The initial price tag is $158, and renewal costs $101 every 5 years. The license also carries an ongoing 150-hour continuing-education requirement per 5-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: State-specific — NASDTEC agreements between some states.

Licensing Requirements in District of Columbia

Education / Training Hours
Bachelors Degree in Education
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$158
Renewal Fee
$101
Renewal Cycle
Every 5 years
Continuing Education
150 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

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Compare all states for Elementary School Teacher All District of Columbia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with District of Columbia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Elementary School Teacher in District of Columbia? ▼
District of Columbia requires, passing an exam (State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent)), and an initial fee of $158. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as an Elementary School Teacher in District of Columbia? ▼
District of Columbia licenses elementary school teachers who complete its requirements and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the District of Columbia licensing board.
Can I transfer my Elementary School Teacher license to District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does District of Columbia require a background check for Elementary School Teacher licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for elementary school teacher licensing in District of Columbia. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Elementary School Teacher in District of Columbia? ▼
District of Columbia ties continued elementary school teacher licensure to 150 continuing-education hours, due every 5 years, alongside a $101 renewal fee.

Related Guides

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

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.