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Alabama Special Education
The special education certification program covers professional skills and background knowledge, general special education practices, a strong focus on special education laws, and more. This program is designed to ensure every student receives a quality education, regardless of ability.
Special Education at a glance
Grade bandK–6, 6-12
Standard program cost$1,900
Alabama state subject examPraxis 5901
exams
Your American Board Exams
American Board Special Education Exam
The special education certification program covers professional skills and background knowledge, general special education practices, a strong focus on special education laws, and more. The special education exam will prepare you to teach grades K-12. The special education exam will not lead to certification unless paired with elementary education certification.
American Board Elementary Education Exam
The elementary certification program covers core subjects for our youngest learners including English language arts, history, math, and science. It also provides essential foundational knowledge for special education teachers.
Professional Teaching Knowledge Exam
All American Board teachers must demonstrate their competency in pedagogy (the art and science of teaching) to complete their certification.
American Board’s special education program allows you to apply for your Conditional Certificate in a Teaching Field in:
- Special Education (K-6) OR
- Special Education (6-12)
The state subject area Praxis exam(s) you take will determine which licensure area you receive your endorsement in.
Why this subject
Teaching Special Education in Alabama
Proven Methodology
American Board’s program materials are aligned to nationally-recognized subject standards. We provide all the study materials you need to pass your certification exams.
Learn at Your Pace
American Board’s program is completely online and self-paced, so you can study and test when you feel prepared.
Real-World Experience
Bringing real-world experience into the classroom, you’ve got an opportunity to inspire the next generation of students to pursue this critically important subject.
Finish Without Debt
American Board is the fastest, most affordable pathway to your teaching career. Transform your passion for teaching into a meaningful career without years of unnecessary debt.
Before you enroll
Requirements
To maintain a trusted level of quality, each American Board teacher must meet two program entry requirements. Teacher candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree and pass a background check.
Transcripts
American Board future teachers need a bachelor’s degree in any field; it does not have to match your teaching subject. Upon enrollment, provide all official transcripts to transcripts@americanboard.org.
Background Check
American Board requires that all teachers pass our mandatory background check. This is in addition to the background check that will be required by your state and local school.
What can I teach with this certification?
American Board’s Special Education program allows you to apply for your Conditional Certificate in a Teaching Field in Special Education (K-6) OR Special Education (6-12).
What exam do I need to take to receive my Statement of Eligibility for Special Education?
In order to receive your Statement of Eligibility in Special Education (K-6), you will take the Praxis 5901: Elementary Education (Three Subject Bundle), in addition to completing your background check and verifying your citizenship or lawful presence in the United States. There is not a Praxis exam requirement for you to receive your Statement of Eligibility in Special Education 6-12.
What exam(s) do I need to take to for the issuance of a Professional Educator Certificate in Special Education?
In order to be eligible for your Professional Educator Certificate in Special Education (K-6), you will need to take the Pearson: Foundations of Reading exam, Praxis: Special Education Content Knowledge 5355, AND the state required pedagogy assessment.
In order to be eligible for your Professional Educator Certificate in Special Education (6-12), you will need to take the Praxis: Special Education Content Knowledge 5355, AND the state required pedagogy assessment.
- Individuals who complete LESS THAN three full years of teaching experience while holding the CCTF must pass the edTPA. 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.
Why is the Elementary Education program required for Special Education certification?
American Board requires candidates seeking Special Education certification to also complete the Elementary Education program because it provides essential foundational knowledge across core subject areas. This foundation is critical for teaching special education students, who often need support in a range of academic skills. The Elementary Education and Special Education programs work together to ensure candidates are fully prepared to meet diverse student needs and promote academic success.
Does the Special Education program cost more because it included Elementary Education?
No. Elementary Education is automatically included when you enroll in Special Education, and the cost is the same as any other subject area.
Pricing
Plans For Everyone
Premium
- Content standards
- Study materials
- Study plan
- Practice exams and quizzes
- Job counseling workbook
- Job counseling webinar
Get an Inside Look at Your Course Materials
Our course materials are crafted by subject-matter experts, ensuring you have everything you need to pass your certification exams on the first try. Course materials include subject standards, study materials, study plans, work books, and plenty of practice exams.
Special Education Study Plan
Candidates who are the most successful in the program come to the table with a plan. That’s why we provide a Study Plan for each subject, to guide you through the process.
Special Education Standards
Each subject comes with its own list of standards. These standards align with nationally-recognized material and tell you what you need to know or know how to do in order to teach the subject you’re pursuing.
Professional Teaching Knowledge (PTK) Study Materials
The PTK course is automatically included with each subject area, and every American Board candidate is required to complete it.
Ready to teach Special Education in Alabama?
Enroll online in minutes and start studying the same day — or try a free trial first to see how the program works. For state licensing steps, see the Alabama certification requirements.