How to Become a Teacher in Indiana: Teacher Certification

This is a general guide to the steps a person might take to become certified to teach in the state of Indiana. Please check with your state to make sure you have the most up-to-date information about the certification process.

If you'd like to see teaching salary data for Indiana, see here.

Traditional Approach for the Indiana Teacher Certification

1. Earn your bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited university.
2. Teacher Preparations: This will include teacher prep courses, student teaching and other types of internships. In order to receive an Indiana Teacher Certification, you must have some experience in teaching, even if it’s unpaid.
3. Pass The Praxis I Test (Basic Skills) and the Praxis II Content Test (Subject Area)
4. Submit the following:
   • Completed Application
   • $35 check/money order payable to State of Indiana
   • Official transcripts, degrees, and school credits
   • Criminal History Report
   • Copies of all test scores
   • Mail to:
     Indiana Department of Education
     151 West Ohio Street
     Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
     (317)232-9010
5. Do you want to renew your Indiana Teacher Certification?
   • Apply for your renewal

Alternative Approach for the Indiana Teacher Certification

Alternatively, there is another path you can take to get your teaching credentials in Indiana. This is also called the Indiana Emergency Permit. With this permit, you can begin your teaching career before you complete your teacher education program.

1. You must still earn your bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited university.
2. Over six years of experience in a related occupation
3. Schedule an appointment or speak to one of the representatives at the Indiana Department of Education (334) 229-4271 about earning a teaching certificate
4. Pass the Praxis I Test (Basic Skills) and the Praxis II Content Test (Subject Area) from ETS.
5. Submit the following:
   • Completed Application
   • $35 check/money order payable to State of Indiana
   • Official transcripts, degrees, and school credits
   • Criminal History Report
   • Approved Indiana Emergency Permit Form
   • Call (317) 232-9010 for details
6. Apply for an Indiana teaching job

Sources:

1. Licensing Verification and Information System (LVIS) How-to Guide for Applicants, Indiana Department of Education, http://www.doe.in.gov/sites/default/files/licensing/lvis-applicant-manual-612.pdf
2. The Praxis Tests, Educational Testing Service, https://www.ets.org/praxis
3. Indiana School Personnel Job Bank, Indiana Department of Education, https://www.doe.in.gov/idoe/jobs/indiana-school-personnel-job-bank