If you're passionate about teaching and want to start your career in education, getting certified is your first big step. Fortunately, becoming a certified teacher in Alabama is more straightforward than you might think — especially if you're looking for an alternative path to traditional teacher education programs.

Whether you're a recent graduate, a professional looking to change careers, or a paraprofessional in a school district, here's how to get your Alabama teacher certification in 5 simple steps.

Step 1: Understand Alabama’s Teacher Certification Requirements

Before you start, familiarize yourself with the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) requirements. To teach in public schools, you must meet academic qualifications, pass required exams, and complete a teacher preparation program.

Basic Requirements Include:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

• Completion of a teacher preparation program (traditional or alternative)

• Passing scores on the Praxis or equivalent exams

• Background check clearance

Step 2: Choose the Right Teacher Preparation Program

If you haven’t gone through a traditional education program, don’t worry — Alabama accepts alternative teacher certification pathways. One of the most flexible and affordable options is the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (American Board).

The American Board program is fully online, self-paced, and specifically designed for career changers and non-traditional students. It’s an approved route to teacher licensure in Alabama for many subject areas.

Step 3: Pass the Required Certification Exams

To qualify for teacher certification in Alabama, you must pass subject-area tests and a professional teaching knowledge exam. The American Board offers two main assessments:

• Subject Area Exam – focused on the subject you plan to teach

• Professional Teaching Knowledge (PTK) Exam – covers classroom management, instruction, and pedagogy

These exams are affordable, flexible, and designed for people without a formal education degree.

Step 4: Apply for a Provisional Certificate

Once you pass the American Board exams, you can apply for an Alabama Alternative B Teaching Certificate, also known as a provisional certificate in a teaching field (PCTF). This certificate allows you to begin teaching while completing any additional requirements.

Many schools in Alabama accept candidates with this certification, especially in high-need subjects like math, science, and special education.

Step 5: Start Teaching and Complete On-the-Job Training

Once hired by a school, you’ll begin teaching while participating in a mentorship or support program provided by the school district. This on-the-job experience helps you apply what you've learned and grow as an educator.

After completing your provisional teaching period and meeting the state’s requirements, you’ll be eligible to apply for a Class B Professional Educator Certificate — Alabama’s standard teaching credential.

Final Thoughts: Launch Your Teaching Career in Alabama

Getting certified to teach in Alabama is achievable — even if you didn’t major in education. The American Board’s flexible, affordable online program has helped thousands of professionals earn their Alabama teacher certification and make a lasting difference in students' lives.

📚 Change lives. Start with your own. Become a certified teacher in Alabama now!