Secondary School Teacher / Kentucky
2026 data Kentucky board official source

Kentucky Secondary 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 7-12. Requires state teaching certificate.

What the Kentucky data shows for Secondary School Teachers

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

Upfront cost is $93, with renewal running $66 on a 5-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 150 hours of continuing education are due every 5-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

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

Licensing Requirements in Kentucky

Education / Training Hours
Bachelors Degree plus Subject Certification
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State Subject Area Exam (Praxis II or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$93
Renewal Fee
$66
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 Secondary School Teacher All Kentucky licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Kentucky licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Secondary School Teacher in Kentucky? ▼
Kentucky requires, passing an exam (State Subject Area Exam (Praxis II or equivalent)), and an initial fee of $93. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Secondary School Teacher in Kentucky? ▼
Kentucky licenses secondary school teachers who complete its requirements and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Kentucky licensing board.
Can I transfer my Secondary School Teacher license to Kentucky from another state? ▼
For secondary school teachers, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: State-specific — NASDTEC agreements between some states. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Kentucky licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Kentucky require a background check for Secondary School Teacher licensing? ▼
Kentucky 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 Kentucky? ▼
Licensed secondary school teachers in Kentucky must complete 150 hours of continuing education every 5 years. The renewal fee is $66.

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.