Arizona Certification Checklist
For Teachers and Administrators
ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) has more requirements for certification beyond going through the ASU Teacher Preparation program. You can see all requirements on the official ADE's website.
Keep in mind that completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state. If you are planning to apply for certification in other states, either via reciprocity or directly through another state, please take time to review the ASU professional licensure webpage.
The ASU professional licensure page give students the opportunity to select your program, and check under the determinations to find out where our program stands with the state(s) where you plan to apply for certification. If you cannot find the information you are looking for there be sure to visit the website for your state’s credentialing body for further information on teacher certification within your state. If you have further questions about certification in another state after reviewing the information provided there, please contact the ASU MLFTC Compliance office for further assistance at MLFTCcompliance@asu.edu.
The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) outlines certification requirements for each certification path. We have condensed this information and tailored it to account for our teacher/administrator certification programs. However, please always go back to the original source on the ADE website for your reference. We recommend that you prepare the above prior to or during the final semester of your program so there is no delay in receiving your teacher/administrator certificate.
Teacher Certification Checklist for a Credential in Arizona:
Create an account with the ADE through the Educator Portal to then submit the following throughout your duration of your time in the program and before completion is recommended:
IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
Instructions to obtain IVP card - In general terms, be prepared to fill out an application via the Arizona Department of Public Safety portal, and then choose how to provide your physical prints via the options given
The ADE required AEPA Exam(s)
The exams are an ADE requirement outside of the teacher preparation program ASU offers. Students are recommended to independently schedule and complete these exams throughout their duration of the program.
The ADE US/AZ Constitution Requirements
Considered an "allowable deficiency" meaning for some that it may not need to be completed by the time you apply for your credential. It must be addressed within 1-3 years of intial teacher certification. Recommended to complete this during your program if it is something you still need. This is an ADE official requirement outside of your degree requirements.
History teachers must have this addressed within 1 year of applying for their initial teacher credential.
All other content areas must addressed within 3 years of initial teacher certification.
If you are an Alternative Teaching Certificate holder it must be addressed within 3 years of this certification.
An Institutional Recommendation (IR)
Students can make an Educator Portal account, however, they should not start their teacher credential application until after ASU has notified them (upon completition of their program) that their Institutional Recommendation (IR) has been sent on their behalf to the ADE. The ADE has specifically requested that students wait until their IR is on file otherwise there may be delays.
An IR is valid for up to 1 year.
Replaces the need to send official transcripts.
The application for your teacher credential along with the application fee within the Educator Portal
Students that are recipients of the ATA award are eligible for an application fee waiver.
Web Resource: Arizona Department of Education's Certification Requirements
Administrator Certification Checklist for a Credential in Arizona:
Create an account with the ADE through the Educator Portal to then submit the following throughout your duration of your time in the program and before completion is recommended:
IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
Instructions to obtain IVP card - In general terms, be prepared to fill out an application via the Arizona Department of Public Safety portal, and then choose how to provide your physical prints via the options given
The ADE required Principal Certification AEPA Exams
The exams are an ADE requirement outside of the Principal Certification program ASU offers. Students are recommended to independently schedule and complete these exams throughout their duration of the program.
The ADE required Verification of Teaching Experience
Verification of three years of full-time teaching experience in PreK-Grade 12. Please have your district/school human resources office complete and submit the "Verification of PreK-12 Teaching Experience" form to verify your teaching experience. There are instructions on the form for how to complete.
An Institutional Recommendation (IR)
Students can make an Educator Portal account, however, they should not start their prinicpal credential application until after ASU has notified them (upon completition of their program) that their Institutional Recommendation (IR) has been sent on their behalf to the ADE. The ADE has specifically requested that students wait until their IR is on file otherwise there may be delays.
An IR is valid for up to 1 year.
Replaces the need to send official transcripts.
The application for your teacher credential along with the application fee within the Educator Portal
Students that are recipients of the ATA award are eligible for an application fee waiver.
Web Resource: Arizona Department of Education's Principal, PreK-12 Certificate Information