. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
- Complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Major in education or a subject area you wish to teach.
2. Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program
- Enroll in a state-approved educator preparation program.
- Programs typically include coursework in teaching methods, classroom management, and subject-specific pedagogy.
3. Pass Required Exams
- Take and pass the Alabama Educator Certification Assessment Program (AECAP) tests.
- This includes the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators and subject-specific Praxis tests.
4. Apply for Certification
- Submit an application to the Alabama State Department of Education.
- Provide all necessary documentation, including transcripts and test scores.
5. Background Check
- Complete a background check and fingerprinting process.
6. Gain Experience
- Start your teaching career with an initial teaching certificate.
- After three years of successful teaching, you can apply for a professional educator certificate.

