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Physics
The physics certification program includes classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and more. The content is thorough but the program is simple—prepare for and take your certification exams, complete state requirements, and start a teaching career without debt. With open enrollment, you can get started anytime and become a physics teacher in just a few months.
Two exams
Your American Board Exams
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 Physics Exam
The physics certification exam includes classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and more. The grade band covered by the physics certification varies by state — see the state list below for the exact range where you plan to teach.
Where you can teach
States Offering Physics
American Board offers physics certification in the states listed below. Grade bands, state-required exams, and licensure steps vary by state, so select your state to see the specific requirements and to enroll.
Why this subject
Teaching Physics
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 STEM 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.
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, an online text book per subject, study plans, work books, and plenty of practice exams.
Physics Study Materials
Most candidates choose to use the live, online study materials. But some candidates prefer a hard copy. This printable PDF is available for all candidates and gives you a feel for way study material is presented.
Physics 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.
Physics 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 Physics?
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, choose your state from the list above or browse all states where we operate.