For individuals with bachelor's degrees who have never completed teacher education programs, there are still routes to becoming a certified teacher in Utah. The Utah Alternative Route to Licensure (ARL) is a teacher preparation program offered to candidates who wish to teach elementary, middle, and secondary school.
Interested in learning about the traditional approach? Contact schools offering teaching certification programs in Utah.
Grand Canyon University - Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral programs
For those seeking licensure or looking to enter the field of education for the first time, but with a degree in a field other than education, GCU has initial programs that lead to licensure and programs that do not lead to licensure.
USC Rossier Master of Arts in Teaching Online — No GRE *
Purdue Global University - offering Bachelors and Masters programs
From master’s degrees to teacher-certification pathways, Purdue Global University offers flexible online education programs to help you pursue a career in teaching, enhance your current skills, or advance in your education career.*
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: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.
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.
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:
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.
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: