Alternative Certification Requirements

Education Requirements

Recommended Programs for Educators:

In order to apply for the alternative licensure program in Utah, candidates must already have bachelor's degrees from accredited colleges or universities. Candidates seeking certification as a secondary school teacher must have majored in the endorsement area they wish to teach.

Examples of these areas include:

• Career and Technical Education
• Computer Science
• Dance
• Educational Technology
• English
• Film
• Fine Arts
• Gifted and Talented
• Health
• Journalism
• Mathematics
• Music
• Physical Education
• Science
• Social Studies
• Speech
• Stage Craft Theater
• Theatre
• Visual Arts
• World Languages

Candidates seeking certification in elementary education must have obtained between 27 and 38 semester hours directly related to curriculum in Utah elementary education subjects. Candidates must have taken at least one course in the following subject areas:

• Science
• English
• Math
• Social Studies
• Fine Arts
• Physical Education or Health

Examinations

During enrollment in an alternative certification program, candidates complete PRAXIS II Subject Area Assessments in the area they wish to become endorsed in. Different endorsement areas have different scoring requirements. For information on all scoring requirements in Utah, click here.

Experience

Before they are admitted into the Utah ARL program, candidates must apply for teaching jobs in their school districts. After being hired, candidates should inform the ARL office. The ARL office will then detail a Professional Growth Plan for the candidate that will consist of teaching experiences and on-the-job learning.

Candidates enter a mentorship program and work with a trained professional who will help them gain the experience necessary to earn a full teacher's certification. During this period, a school's principal will monitor a candidate and provide feedback for their in-class experience.

Document and Application Requirements

Candidates who meet educational and background requirements are able to apply for the Utah ARL program. Candidates may find the application form here.

Candidates should complete all applicable information on the form and include original transcripts from their colleges or universities confirming their degree backgrounds. Candidates submitting applications for elementary education certification must also complete an eligibility checklist confirming they have taken the required courses.

Candidates should fill out all forms and send the application in addition to a $100 application fee to the Utah State Office of Education at:

Utah State Office of Education
Educator Quality and Licensing
250 East 500 South
P.O. Box 144200
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-420

Criminal History Background Check

Candidates for alternative certification in Utah must complete a background check and fingerprinting requirements. The process may be completed online.

Applicants should select the “LiveScan” option and follow the directions on the documentation provided. Fingerprinting and background checking requires a $74 fee payable by debit or credit card.

Contact Information

More information on alternative routes to licensure in Utah may be found by contacting the State Office of Education at 801-538-7740. Candidates may also visit the office at:

Utah State Office of Education
PO Box 144200
250 East 500 South
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114