American Board › States › Alabama
Alabama Teacher Certification
Congratulations! You are on your way to becoming a teacher in Alabama. No semesters and no campus visits — just a clear path from where you are today to an Alabama classroom of your own.
$1,900Standard Program Cost
Online
Self-paced
Competency-based
1
Enroll
Enroll in American Board’s online certification program and begin studying.
2
Apply
Secure a teaching position, apply for your CCTF, and start teaching.
3
Study
Pass your subject area and PTK exams and any state requirements.
4
Teach
Teach one to three years, then upgrade to a Professional Educator license.
Elementary (K-6)
The elementary certification program covers core subjects for our youngest learners including English language arts, history, math, and science.
Special Education (K-6, 6-12)
The special education certification program covers professional skills and background knowledge, general special education practices, a strong focus on special education laws, and more.
Biology (6-12)
The biology certification program covers scientific investigation, cell biology and microbiology, molecular biology, and more.
Chemistry (6-12)
The chemistry certification program covers atomic structure, periodicity, and matter; reactions and reactivity, and more.
English Language Arts (4-8, 6-12)
The English language arts certification program covers comprehension of texts, oral and written language skills, and more.
General Science (4-8, 6-12)
The general science certification program covers scientific investigation, biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics.
History (4-8, 6-12)
The history certification program covers both U.S. and world history including topics such as classical civilizations and the establishment and growth of a republic.
Math (4-8, 6-12)
The mathematics certification program covers domains including algebra, geometry, probability and statistics, and calculus.
Physics (6-12)
The physics certification program includes classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and more.
“I chose American Board because it allowed me the flexibility to gain hands-on teaching experience while working on my certification independently in my free time.”
Kaprese Warren, American Board graduate
How to Get Your Alabama Teaching License
Step 1
Enroll in American Board’s online teacher certification program. You must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a GPA of 2.5 or higher to be eligible to enroll.
- If your GPA is between 2.0 and 2.49, you may still enroll, but will have to obtain an increased Praxis score on your Content Knowledge Assessment.
Step 2
Request your Letter of Eligibility from American Board:
- Submit proof of passing score(s) of the current Alabama approved Praxis Subject Assessment as outlined on the Approved American Board Teaching Fields & Testing Requirements chart.
- Complete a criminal history background check by both the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation (ASBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the ALSDE.
- Submit verification of United States citizenship or lawful presence in the United States.
Please note: The Letter of Eligibility is different from the welcome email you receive upon enrollment.
The Letter of Eligibility must be formally requested from American Board after the above requirements have been completed. When submitting your request, please include the subject area and grade level you would like listed on the Letter of Eligibility. Keep in mind that only one subject area and one grade level may be listed on the Letter of Eligibility.
Step 3
Obtain your Conditional Certificate in a Teaching Field (CCTF) by securing a teaching position and having your human resources administrator submit your CCTF application by October 1st of the applicable school year. This is a one year teaching certificate that must be renewed each year. Up to three CCTFs may be held (if eligible) within four consecutive scholastic years.
Step 4
Begin teaching and prepare for and pass American Board’s required Professional Teaching Knowledge (PTK) and subject area exams before your program expiration date.
How to Upgrade to an Alabama Professional Educator Certificate
Step 1
Teach on your CCTF for at least 1 year and complete the Alabama Teacher Mentoring Program.
Step 2
Complete the state required pedagogy assessment.
- Individuals who complete LESS THAN three full years of teaching experience while holding the CCTF must pass the edTPA assessment. EdTPA must be completed while employed and while holding the CCTF.
- Individuals who complete three full years of teaching experience while holding the CCTF may choose to pass the edTPA OR the Praxis PLT.
Step 3
Apply for your Professional Educator Certificate in conjunction with American Board.
Can I complete my American Board exams before I receive my Letter of Eligibility?
Yes! You American Board exams may be completed anytime between your enrollment and testing expiration date.
How do I renew my Conditional Certificate in a Teaching Field?
After your first year teaching on a CCTF, you may request up to two more CCTFs. To qualify for an additional CCTF, American Board must issue you a continuation letter that states you are in good standing and eligible for an additional CCTF.
What if my GPA is between a 2.0 and a 2.49?
If your GPA is between a 2.0 and a 2.49, you will have to obtain an increased Praxis score on your Content Knowledge Assessment. You can see the requirements for the increased Praxis score option on the Alabama Achieves website.
Do I have to complete the Elementary Education and Special Education subject area exams to complete the Special Education program?
Yes. American Board’s Elementary Education program is automatically included with the Special Education program at no additional cost, and you will complete both subject area exams along with the Professional Teaching Knowledge exam. Upon completion, you will receive two certificates, one in Elementary Education and one in Special Education. Please note that you will apply for your Conditional Certificate in a Teaching Field (CCTF) for Special Education only.
Can I hold a Conditional Certificate in a Teaching Field (CCTF) in multiple subject areas?
No, Alabama candidates can only hold a Conditional Certificate in a Teaching Field (CCTF) in ONE subject area.
What does my program expiration date mean?
Your program expiration date aligns to completing your American Board exams. However, you will remain active with American Board after you pass your exams until American Board recommends you for your Professional Educator Certificate.
Where can I find more information about Alabama teaching requirements?
For more information on state teaching requirements and how to apply for your license, visit the Alabama State Department of Education website.
Ready to get started?
Choose your state and subject, enroll online in minutes, and start studying the same day — or try the free one-week trial first to see how the program works.