Connecticut Teacher Certification Guide

To teach in Connecticut, you’ll need to meet certification and education requirements. Read this page for more info or click the button to download our guide.

Download the Guide Free 1:1 Coaching

A young woman getting certified in Connecticut stands in front of a blue background with illustrations of a diploma, graduation cap and blue ribbon badge

How do you get certified to teach in Connecticut?

If you’re new to teaching and want to get certified to teach in Connecticut:

What kind of teachers are needed in Connecticut?
Choose the right certification endorsement area.
Review your pathway to certification.
How to receive your teacher certification.
How much will certification cost?
Review other resources, if you're still exploring.

Do you already have teaching experience? You may be able to become certified in Connecticut education without attending a preparation course. Check out the “Your Pathway to Teaching” section to learn how.

We do our best to keep all information updated, but because certification requirements are regularly reviewed and revised, it is best to confirm requirements with your preparation course and the Connecticut Department of Education (CSDE) Bureau of Certification before applying.

"Schools are more than just places where students learn how to read and write — they're communities. They're like second families to our students." — Dr. Miguel Cardona

What kind of teachers are needed in CT?

If you already know what you want to teach, skip to the next section. If you're not sure yet or open to teaching different subject areas and grade levels, discover different certification areas below.

Choosing the right certification area

Once you know your grade and subject preferences, you can select a certification endorsement area.

In some cases, you may have multiple certification endorsement options to choose from. For example, if you want to teach fourth, fifth or sixth grade, you could receive elementary endorsement for grades 1-6 or an endorsement for grades 4-8 in a particular subject area.

You can add cross-endorsements in different grade levels and subject areas throughout your teaching career. You don’t have to achieve all your endorsements at once.

What endorsements can I earn?

Are you ready to find your certification endorsement area in Connecticut?

It's easy:

Filter by grade level and subject area to see which certification endorsement(s) apply to your teaching interests.
Hover to explore additional notes and details, like certification shortage areas.

If you prefer to review this information in tables, expand the sections below.

Try Viz

Subject	Grade Range
Elementary	1–6
Integrated Early Childhood/Special Education	Birth–K or PK-Grade 3*
Montessori, Elementary**	1–6
Montessori, Primary**	Birth–K

Subject	Grade Range
English*	7–12
English, Middle School	4–8
History & Social Studies*	7–12
History & Social Studies, Middle School	4–8

Subject	Grade Range	Shortage Area
Art	PK-12
Dance*	PK-12
Music	PK-12
Theatre and Drama**	PK-12
School Library Media Specialist	PK-12	✅

Subject	Grade Range	Shortage Area
Agriculture	PK-12
Biology*	7–12	✅
Biology, Middle School	4–8	✅
Chemistry*	7–12	✅
Chemistry, Middle School	4–8	✅
Computer Science	PK-12
Earth Science*	7–12	✅
Earth Science, Middle School	4–8	✅
General Science*	7–12	✅
General Science, Middle School	4–8	✅
Mathematics*	7–12	✅
Mathematics, Middle School	4–8	✅
Physics*	7–12	✅
Physics, Middle School	4–8	✅
Technology Education**	PK-12	✅

Subject	Grade Range
Health	PK-12
Physical Education	PK–12

Subject	Grade Range	Shortage Area
Comprehensive Special Education	K-12	✅
Integrated Early Childhood/Special Education	Birth–K or PK-Grade 3*	✅
Deaf & Hard of Hearing	PK-12	✅
Blind	PK-12	✅
Partially Sighted	PK-12	✅

Subject	Grade Range
Business*	7–12
Health Occupations, Comprehensive High School**	9–12
Health Occupations, Vocational Technical Schools**	9–12
Family & Consumer Science/Home Economics	PK-12
Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC)₊	7–12
Marketing Education**	7–12
Occupational Subject, Vocational Technical Schools**	9–12
Practical Nurse Education Instruction**	9–12
Trade & Industrial Occupations, Comprehensive High School**	9–12
Vocational Agriculture**	7–12

Subject	Grade Range	Shortage Area
Bilingual Elementary Education*	K-9	✅
Bilingual Middle Grades*	4-9	✅
Bilingual Humanities*	5-12	✅
Bilingual STEM*	5-12	✅
Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts**	1–12
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)	PK-12	✅
World Language Instructor₊	1-6	✅

Your Pathway to Teaching

Once you know what you want to teach, you're ready to start your journey to becoming a certified teacher! In Connecticut, there are three tiers of teacher certification—and a few ways to get you there.

To begin, choose a path below that works for you based on your current education level and experience.

Which statement fits you best?

If you have at least two years of teaching experience, you may be eligible to start teaching without attending a teaching course. This includes teaching experience in another state, another country, a private school, or a college or university.

To get certified based on experience, you must:

Have at least 20 months of full-time teaching experience in the same school teaching in your desired certification area (time as a substitute, paraeducator or in another non-certified position do not count).
Pass subject-specific assessments and meet all coursework requirements.

If you don’t meet the experience requirements but did attend an educator prep course in another state, this will also qualify you for a similar certification pathway. (2)

Have you completed at least 10 months of successful teaching in the past 10 years? You may be able to fast-track your certification and waive your program’s student teaching requirement. To be eligible, you must have completed your teaching experience in a public school in another state, in a state-approved nonpublic school, as a certified employee of a board of education or under a Durational Shortage Area Permit in Connecticut. This waiver is at your program’s discretion, so check with program staff to find out if this is an option for you.

You can email for more questions.

I earned my certification in a Northeastern region state or territory

If you have a teaching certificate from a Northeastern region state or territory, you may qualify for “enhanced reciprocity.” Basically, this means you can fast-track your Connecticut teaching certificate. You’ll submit a single application packet to show you have a valid teaching certificate. Once the Department of Education approves your packet, you’ll receive your Connecticut teaching certificate in an endorsement area comparable to the one you already hold.

This option is available for certified teachers in Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia. Learn more at the Enhanced Reciprocity FAQs page.

I earned my certification in another country

If you earned your certification outside of the U.S., you’ll need to submit additional paperwork. Visit the CSDE’s “Foreign Credentials for Certification” section for more information. The process to get certified based on your international experience or credentials will likely will take longer and require more steps, like additional coursework and testing.

Get step-by-step instructions for applying for certification based on prior experience on CSDE's website.

How to earn your teacher certification

1
Choose the subject area you want to teach.
Explore your options and consider high needs subjects and specialties, like math, trades, bilingual education, and special education.

Need advice or have questions? Talk to a TEACH Connecticut career coach for free, and receive advice on how to choose a certification area, how to find the right teaching program, what tests to take and more. Visit the TEACH Connecticut coaching page to start.
2
Earn a bachelor’s degree from a nationally accredited university.
Your bachelor’s degree should be in a field closely related to what you want to teach (though there are some exceptions to this rule, such as state-designated shortage areas). Connecticut accepts degrees from a large number of universities, but you should confirm that yours is nationally accredited.

If you have a bachelor’s degree from outside of the U.S., your credentials must be evaluated by an agency currently approved by the CSDE to determine if they meet the requirements.

Paying for your program can feel like a lot. That's where our financial aid guide comes in: get our favorite tips to find grants, scholarships, loan forgiveness opportunities and other strategies to cover your costs.
3
Graduate—and earn a recommendation—from a state-approved educator preparation program.
Each program sets its own requirements for admission and completion. Your preparation program must formally recommend you for certification.

You can meet this requirement either as part of your undergraduate coursework, or by applying to and graduating from a preparation program after earning your bachelor’s degree.

Need a little support to prepare your teaching program applications? Our teacher prep program application guide has all the info you need to ace your exams, request your transcripts, win over your interviewer and more.

TEACH Connecticut can help you reduce your teaching program application costs! We’ll reimburse up to $100 for any expenses required for you to apply to a teaching program (like application fees, transcript fees and more). Get the details on our Fee Reimbursements page.

Through your preparation program, you will:
1. Take coursework related to (1) the specific subject and grade levels you are seeking certification in and (2) the teaching profession more broadly, including teaching tools and strategies.
2. Participate in hands-on, clinical experiences in a variety of classroom settings, where you can observe and practice with instructors, mentors and teachers who are effective and experienced.
3. Prepare an edTPA portfolio of lesson plans, student work and other artifacts during your student teaching placement to submit for assessment (learn more about this requirement in our testing guide!).
Start by browsing TEACH Connecticut’s Programs page.
4
Pass Connecticut content area assessments.
You’ll have to pass one or more tests designed to show you know your subject well enough to teach it. Depending on your teaching program, you might take a test before you enroll, during your program or after you finish.

Review the CSDE's Guide to Assessments for Educator Certification in Connecticut for more info.

Stressed about testing? You're not alone! Our certification test guide covers everything from exam registration to study materials to what to expect on test day.
5
Submit an application to the state and pay the application fee.
After you meet the requirements above, it’s time for you to formally apply for your teaching certificate. In-state graduates applying for their first certificate must submit a paper application.

You can contact the CSDE’s Bureau of Certification with any questions. Processing time usually takes 6 to 12 weeks.

By creating an online account for the Connecticut Educator Certification System (C.E.C.S.), you can pay fees online, check the status of your application, or print unofficial copies of your certificates and permits. Out-of-state graduates may apply for certification online.

How much will certification cost?

The total costs will vary depending on the preparation program you attend and the tests required for your certification endorsement area. Below are some of the costs you can expect while earning and obtaining your initial certification:

Initial certificate: $200
edTPA Portfolio assessment: $300
Content-specific exams: Starting at $120

It's understandable to have your eye on the cost of preparation programs, but there are lots of scholarships, loan forgiveness and other funding opportunities that can lower your program costs. Check out Financial Aid & Scholarships to find out more.

Additional Resources

Create an Account

A device shows TEACH Connecticut resources, including application checklists, program profiles and deadline reminders

Create a career roadmap.
Get 1-on-1 expert advice.
Follow how-to guides for getting certified.
Access prep program application checklists.
Claim fee reimbursements towards application and testing expenses.

We’re always working on something new to help the next generation of great teachers. With an account, you get first dibs!

Create an Account

References

Federal Student Aid, Wondering whether you can get your federal student loans forgiven for your service as a teacher?, https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/teacher
Connecticut State Department of Education, Becoming Certified in Connecticut, https://portal.ct.gov/SDE/Certification/Bureau-of-Certification/Getting-Certified-in-Connecticut

Connecticut Teacher Certification Guide

To teach in Connecticut, you’ll need to meet certification and education requirements. Read this page for more info or click the button to download our guide.

How do you get certified to teach in Connecticut?

Choosing the right certification area

Once you know your grade and subject preferences, you can select a certification endorsement area.

You can add cross-endorsements in different grade levels and subject areas throughout your teaching career. You don’t have to achieve all your endorsements at once.

What endorsements can I earn?

Are you ready to find your certification endorsement area in Connecticut?

It's easy:

Filter by grade level and subject area to see which certification endorsement(s) apply to your teaching interests.
Hover to explore additional notes and details, like certification shortage areas.

If you prefer to review this information in tables, expand the sections below.

Your Pathway to Teaching

Subject	Grade Range
Elementary	1–6
Integrated Early Childhood/Special Education	Birth–K or PK-Grade 3*
Montessori, Elementary**	1–6
Montessori, Primary**	Birth–K

Subject	Grade Range
English*	7–12
English, Middle School	4–8
History & Social Studies*	7–12
History & Social Studies, Middle School	4–8

Subject	Grade Range	Shortage Area
Art	PK-12
Dance*	PK-12
Music	PK-12
Theatre and Drama**	PK-12
School Library Media Specialist	PK-12	✅

Subject	Grade Range	Shortage Area
Agriculture	PK-12
Biology*	7–12	✅
Biology, Middle School	4–8	✅
Chemistry*	7–12	✅
Chemistry, Middle School	4–8	✅
Computer Science	PK-12
Earth Science*	7–12	✅
Earth Science, Middle School	4–8	✅
General Science*	7–12	✅
General Science, Middle School	4–8	✅
Mathematics*	7–12	✅
Mathematics, Middle School	4–8	✅
Physics*	7–12	✅
Physics, Middle School	4–8	✅
Technology Education**	PK-12	✅

Subject	Grade Range
Health	PK-12
Physical Education	PK–12

Subject	Grade Range	Shortage Area
Comprehensive Special Education	K-12	✅
Integrated Early Childhood/Special Education	Birth–K or PK-Grade 3*	✅
Deaf & Hard of Hearing	PK-12	✅
Blind	PK-12	✅
Partially Sighted	PK-12	✅

Subject	Grade Range
Business*	7–12
Health Occupations, Comprehensive High School**	9–12
Health Occupations, Vocational Technical Schools**	9–12
Family & Consumer Science/Home Economics	PK-12
Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC)₊	7–12
Marketing Education**	7–12
Occupational Subject, Vocational Technical Schools**	9–12
Practical Nurse Education Instruction**	9–12
Trade & Industrial Occupations, Comprehensive High School**	9–12
Vocational Agriculture**	7–12

Subject	Grade Range	Shortage Area
Bilingual Elementary Education*	K-9	✅
Bilingual Middle Grades*	4-9	✅
Bilingual Humanities*	5-12	✅
Bilingual STEM*	5-12	✅
Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts**	1–12
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)	PK-12	✅
World Language Instructor₊	1-6	✅

To begin, choose a path below that works for you based on your current education level and experience.

How much will certification cost?

Initial certificate: $200
edTPA Portfolio assessment: $300
Content-specific exams: Starting at $120

Create an Account

Create a career roadmap.
Get 1-on-1 expert advice.
Follow how-to guides for getting certified.
Access prep program application checklists.
Claim fee reimbursements towards application and testing expenses.

We’re always working on something new to help the next generation of great teachers. With an account, you get first dibs!

Subject	Grade Range	Shortage Area
French*	7–12	✅
German*	7–12	✅
Italian*	7–12	✅
Latin & Classical Humanities*	7–12	✅
Mandarin Chinese*	7–12	✅
Portuguese*	7–12	✅
Russian*	7–12	✅
Spanish*	7–12	✅
Other World Language*	7–12	✅

Connecticut Teacher Certification Guide

How do you get certified to teach in Connecticut?

If you’re new to teaching and want to get certified to teach in Connecticut:

What kind of teachers are needed in CT?

There are perks for teaching in a state-designated shortage area:

What subjects are "shortage areas"?

Narrow down the options

For example, if you want to teach young children, consider a high-demand specialty area:

Or, to broaden your options, consider a subject area that allows you to teach all grade levels:

Choosing the right certification area

What endorsements can I earn?

It's easy:

Elementary & Early Childhood

English & History

World Languages

Humanities & Arts

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

Physical Education & Health

Special Education

Career & Technical Education

Academic Specialty

Your Pathway to Teaching

Which statement fits you best?

I'm a first-time teacher

Programs for undergraduates

Programs for college graduates

I already have teaching experience

To get certified based on experience, you must:

I earned my certification in a Northeastern region state or territory

I earned my certification in another country

Teaching is my second career

How to earn your teacher certification

Choose the subject area you want to teach.

Earn a bachelor’s degree from a nationally accredited university.

Graduate—and earn a recommendation—from a state-approved educator preparation program.

Pass Connecticut content area assessments.

Submit an application to the state and pay the application fee.

How much will certification cost?

People also ask...

How much do teachers in Connecticut make?

How long does it take to become a teacher in Connecticut?

What are the minimum education requirements for Connecticut teachers?

What's the difference between an initial, provisional and professional certification?

Additional Resources

CSDE Educator Preparation Providers Guide

CSDE Certification Guides & Fact Sheets

CSDE Bureau of Certification FAQ

Create an Account

References

Connecticut Teacher Certification Guide

How do you get certified to teach in Connecticut?

If you’re new to teaching and want to get certified to teach in Connecticut:

What kind of teachers are needed in CT?

There are perks for teaching in a state-designated shortage area:

What subjects are "shortage areas"?

Narrow down the options

For example, if you want to teach young children, consider a high-demand specialty area:

Or, to broaden your options, consider a subject area that allows you to teach all grade levels:

Choosing the right certification area

What endorsements can I earn?

It's easy:

Elementary & Early Childhood

English & History

World Languages

Humanities & Arts

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

Physical Education & Health

Special Education

Career & Technical Education

Academic Specialty

Your Pathway to Teaching

Which statement fits you best?

I'm a first-time teacher

Programs for undergraduates

Programs for college graduates

I already have teaching experience

To get certified based on experience, you must:

I earned my certification in a Northeastern region state or territory

I earned my certification in another country

Teaching is my second career