Secondary School Teacher / Pennsylvania
2026 data Pennsylvania board official source

Pennsylvania Secondary 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 7-12. Requires state teaching certificate.

What the Pennsylvania data shows for Secondary School Teachers

Pennsylvania sets the entry bar for secondary school teachers at board-approved training and a passing score on State Subject Area Exam (Praxis II or equivalent). A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Pennsylvania's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Bachelors Degree plus Subject Certification".

The initial price tag is $157, and renewal costs $100 every 5 years. 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.

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

Licensing Requirements in Pennsylvania

Education / Training Hours
Bachelors Degree plus Subject Certification
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State Subject Area Exam (Praxis II 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 Secondary 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 Secondary School Teacher in Pennsylvania? ▼
Pennsylvania requires, passing an exam (State Subject Area Exam (Praxis II or equivalent)), and an initial fee of $157. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Secondary School Teacher in Pennsylvania? ▼
To become a licensed secondary school teacher in Pennsylvania, you must meet the state's requirements. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Pennsylvania licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Secondary School Teacher license to Pennsylvania from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for secondary school teachers: State-specific — NASDTEC agreements between some states. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Pennsylvania licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Pennsylvania require a background check for Secondary School Teacher licensing? ▼
Yes, Pennsylvania requires a criminal background check as part of the secondary school teacher licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Secondary School Teacher in Pennsylvania? ▼
Licensed secondary 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.