2026 data Arkansas board official source

Arkansas Secondary School Teacher License Requirements

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

Instructs students in grades 7-12. Requires state teaching certificate.

What the Arkansas data shows for Secondary School Teachers

Becoming a licensed secondary school teacher in Arkansas means clearing a defined set of hurdles: board-approved training, a passing score on State Subject Area Exam (Praxis II or equivalent), plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Arkansas regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Bachelors Degree plus Subject Certification".

The initial price tag is $87, and renewal costs $63 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.

On reciprocity, secondary school teachers should know: State-specific — NASDTEC agreements between some states.

Licensing Requirements in Arkansas

Education / Training Hours
Bachelors Degree plus Subject Certification
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State Subject Area Exam (Praxis II or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$87
Renewal Fee
$63
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 Arkansas licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Secondary School Teacher in Arkansas?
Arkansas's requirements cover, the State Subject Area Exam (Praxis II or equivalent) exam, and an initial fee of $87. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Secondary School Teacher in Arkansas?
Certification as a secondary school teacher in Arkansas means clearing the state's checklist, and a passing exam score. The Arkansas licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Secondary School Teacher license to Arkansas from another state?
Secondary 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 Arkansas licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Arkansas require a background check for Secondary School Teacher licensing?
Arkansas does require a background check before issuing a secondary school teacher license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Secondary School Teacher in Arkansas?
To stay licensed as a secondary school teacher in Arkansas, plan on 150 hours of continuing education per 5-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $63.

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