Elementary School Teacher / Rhode Island
2026 data Rhode Island board official source

Rhode Island Elementary School Teacher License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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

What the Rhode Island data shows for Elementary School Teachers

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

Budget $195 to get started, plus $120 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 Rhode Island

Education / Training Hours
Bachelors Degree in Education
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$195
Renewal Fee
$120
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 Rhode Island licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Rhode Island licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Elementary School Teacher in Rhode Island? ▼
Rhode Island's requirements cover, the State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent) exam, and an initial fee of $195. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as an Elementary School Teacher in Rhode Island? ▼
Rhode Island licenses elementary school teachers who complete its requirements and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Rhode Island licensing board.
Can I transfer my Elementary School Teacher license to Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island. Verify the specifics with the Rhode Island licensing board.
Does Rhode Island require a background check for Elementary School Teacher licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the elementary school teacher licensing process in Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island? ▼
Licensed elementary school teachers in Rhode Island must complete 150 hours of continuing education every 5 years. The renewal fee is $120.

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.