American Board › States › Idaho
Idaho Teacher Certification
Congratulations! You are on your way to becoming a teacher in Idaho. No semesters and no campus visits — just a clear path from where you are today to an Idaho classroom of your own.
Idaho
$1,900Standard Program Cost
Online
Self-paced
Competency-based
1
Study
Pass the required subject-area and PTK exams provided by American Board.
2
Teach
Obtain a full-time teaching position in an Idaho school.
3
Apply
Apply to the Idaho State Department of Education for your interim certificate.
4
Complete
Complete the Idaho mentor program.
Elementary (K-8)
The elementary certification program covers core subjects for our youngest learners including English language arts, history, math, and science.
Special Education (K-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 (6-12)
The English language arts certification program covers comprehension of texts, oral and written language skills, and more.
General Science (6-12)
The general science certification program covers scientific investigation, biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics.
History (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 (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’m so glad I went for it! As a full time mom of four kids, I wasn’t sure if obtaining my teaching certification was feasible. American Board not only made it possible, but also made the process easy and affordable. The course content, videos and detailed schedule helped me gain the knowledge and confidence needed to land my dream job. Thank you American Board!”
Kelsey Wells, Idaho Teacher
How to Get Your Idaho Teaching License
Step 1
Enroll in American Board’s online teacher certification program.
Step 2
Prepare for and pass American Board’s required Professional Teaching Knowledge (PTK) and subject area exams.
Step 3
Receive your American Board Certificate and obtain a full-time teaching position in an Idaho school.
Step 4
Apply to the Idaho State Department of Education for an Interim Certificate (valid 3 years) and begin teaching.
How to Upgrade to an Idaho five-year renewable Educator Certificate
Step 1
While teaching on your interim certificate, complete the following within 3 years:
- Complete the Idaho State Board of Education-approved mentor program (a two-year program)
- Complete an Individual Professional Learning Plan
- Achieve two (2) years successful evaluations in the assignment area which aligns to the endorsement(s)
- Complete the ICLC/ICLA and MTI/TMT, if applicable
Step 2
Apply for your five-year renewable certificate as an Interim Certificate Completer.
What additional requirements are there for me to upgrade my All Subjects (K-8), Exceptional Child Generalist (K-12), and Math (K-12) license?
Candidates pursuing an All Subjects (K-8) and/or Exceptional Child Generalist (K-12) endorsement will additionally need to complete the Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Course or Assessment (ICLC/ICLA). The All Subjects (K-8) and Exceptional Child Generalist (K-12) endorsement and those applying for the secondary Mathematics endorsement will also need to complete the Mathematical Thinking for Instruction course or Teaching Mathematical Thinking (i.e., TMT) For additional information on these requirements, please visit the Idaho Teacher Certification website.
How long do my exam results and American Board certificate last?
If your exam results or American Board certificate are more than five years old and you have not applied for licensure, you will have to retake your American Board exams and be reissued a new certificate.
Can I enroll in General Science as a standalone subject area?
Candidates who want to pursue the Idaho Natural Science Endorsement must enroll in a single-subject science area, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics, alongside General Science. General Science cannot be completed as a standalone subject area. The PTK and General Science assessments alone do not qualify candidates for the Idaho Natural Science Endorsement. Candidates are advised to complete the PTK and their single-subject science assessment before taking the General Science assessment.
Where can I find more information about Idaho teaching requirements?
For more information on state teaching requirements and how to apply for your license, visit the Idaho 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.