Elementary School Teacher / Maine
2026 data Maine board official source

Maine Elementary School Teacher License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

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

What the Maine data shows for Elementary School Teachers

Maine'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. Maine folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Bachelors Degree in Education".

Budget $41 to get started, plus $38 at each renewal on a 5-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 150 hours of continuing education per 5-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

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

Licensing Requirements in Maine

Education / Training Hours
Bachelors Degree in Education
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$41
Renewal Fee
$38
Renewal Cycle
Every 5 years
Continuing Education
150 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Elementary School Teacher in Maine? ▼
Maine's requirements cover, the State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent) exam, and an initial fee of $41. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as an Elementary School Teacher in Maine? ▼
To become a licensed elementary school teacher in Maine, you must meet the state's requirements. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Maine licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Elementary School Teacher license to Maine from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for elementary school teachers nationally works like this: State-specific — NASDTEC agreements between some states. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Maine. Verify the specifics with the Maine licensing board.
Does Maine require a background check for Elementary School Teacher licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the elementary school teacher licensing process in Maine. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Elementary School Teacher in Maine? ▼
Maine ties continued elementary school teacher licensure to 150 continuing-education hours, due every 5 years, alongside a $38 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.