International Teacher Certification
Interested in teaching anywhere in the world? With a bachelor’s degree and a desire to make a difference, American Board can help you achieve your dream. International schools often seek individuals certified through an American-based education program such as ours. Our program offers candidate services, exams, online coursework, practice exams and more!
Before you begin
Check with your school first
We strongly recommend contacting any schools where you’re interested in teaching before beginning our program to confirm they accept American Board certification. Some schools may have additional requirements for employment.
For teachers
Become a Teacher Abroad
Earn your American Board certification online in four steps.
Step 1: Enroll
Select the grade and subject area you want to teach and enroll in American Board’s certification program.
Step 2: Study
Use American Board’s signature materials to study for your two required exams, a subject area exam and a Professional Teaching Knowledge (PTK) exam that assesses the skills and knowledge required of the teaching profession.
Step 3: Submit your documents
After you have passed both exams, submit to American Board your transcript and background check for approval.
Step 4: Get certified
Receive your American Board certification and begin teaching!
International candidates
Transcripts and Background Checks
Every candidate submits official transcripts and passes a background check. If your degree was earned or you live outside the United States, here is what to send.
Transcripts and credential evaluation
If your degree was earned outside of the United States, you must submit a credential evaluation along with your official transcripts. You must hold the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Apply for a course-by-course or general credential evaluation through one of these companies:
- World Education Services (WES)
- American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)
- Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE)
- National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
Have digital transcripts sent to transcripts@americanboard.org, or have sealed physical copies mailed to:
American Board
1123 Zonolite Rd, Suite 29
Atlanta, Georgia 30306
Background check
Candidates outside of the United States submit a background check or a letter from their local police or government jurisdiction verifying that they have not committed any felonies or misdemeanors while living in that jurisdiction.
Have the letter sent directly to:
American Board
1123 Zonolite Rd, Suite 29
Atlanta, Georgia 30306
Your background check is completed at the end of your program, after you pass your exams and before your certificate is issued.
Why American Board
Teach Internationally with American Board
World-Class Educators
International schools often seek teachers certified through American-based education institutions such as American Board, which provides a structured and proven path to teacher certification.
Classrooms Around the World
American Board is a nonprofit organization established by the United States Department of Education to modernize the teaching profession by streamlining the certification procedure. The organization has certified thousands of teachers who now lead their very own classrooms in the U.S. and across the world.
FAQs
Common questions
What if my degree was earned outside of the United States?
If your degree was earned outside of the United States, you must complete a credential evaluation and hold the equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree or higher. The candidate is responsible for ordering and paying for the credential evaluation. Learn more on our Transcripts page.
How does my background check work if I live outside the United States?
Candidates who want to teach outside of the United States will submit a letter from their local police or government jurisdiction verifying that they have not committed any felonies or misdemeanors while living in that jurisdiction. The international background check letter should be sent directly to: American Board, 1123 Zonolite Rd, Suite 29, Atlanta, Georgia 30306.
Where do I take my exams?
All exams are proctored at Pearson VUE testing centers. Pearson VUE has testing centers across the United States and many centers abroad. The exams will be conducted on a computer. Click here to find a Pearson VUE center near you.
Can I take my exams online at home?
American Board’s Professional Teaching Knowledge (PTK) exam is the ONLY American Board exam able to be taken online at home. ALL other exams MUST be taken at a Pearson VUE testing center. If you are interested in taking your PTK exam online, be sure to visit the American Board OnVUE website for system requirements and directions.
When do I take my exams?
Whenever you’re ready! Because our program is self-guided, you will be able to determine when you are ready to take your exams (especially after completing the included practice exams).
Ready to get started?
Enroll online in minutes and start studying the same day, or reach out and our team will help you find the right path to the classroom.