Elementary School Teacher / Pennsylvania
2026 data Pennsylvania board official source

Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania data shows for Elementary School Teachers

To practice as an elementary school teacher in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Bachelors Degree in Education".

Budget $157 to get started, plus $100 at each renewal on a 5-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 150-hour continuing-education requirement per 5-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

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

Licensing Requirements in Pennsylvania

Education / Training Hours
Bachelors Degree in Education
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$157
Renewal Fee
$100
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 Pennsylvania licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Pennsylvania licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Elementary School Teacher in Pennsylvania? ▼
Pennsylvania's requirements cover, the State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent) exam, and an initial fee of $157. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as an Elementary School Teacher in Pennsylvania? ▼
Certification as an elementary school teacher in Pennsylvania means clearing the state's checklist, and a passing exam score. The Pennsylvania licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Elementary School Teacher license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Pennsylvania require a background check for Elementary School Teacher licensing? ▼
Yes, Pennsylvania requires a criminal background check as part of the elementary school teacher licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Elementary School Teacher in Pennsylvania? ▼
Licensed elementary school teachers in Pennsylvania must complete 150 hours of continuing education every 5 years. The renewal fee is $100.

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.