STATE RECIPROCITY AGREEMENTS

For many prospective teachers, one question becomes critical to their future planning: “If I become certified in state X will I be able to transfer my certification to state Y?” Teacher certification or licensing reciprocity is a complex issue, with all requirements controlled by the individual states. Anyone wanting to become a teacher must take personal responsibility for determining the requirements of the state in which he or she wants to teach.

Anyone wishing to transfer one state’s certification to a second must be fully acquainted with the rules (including the “fine print”) in both states. It is critically important. A simple but vital example - two states may have a reciprocal agreement, but the receiving state may require transferring applicants possess a year or more actual teaching experience before being allowed to teach in the receiving state.

Our recommendation: Deal directly with the individual office that controls certification in the receiving state in which you wish to transfer your certification. The TTT homepage contains a list of state certifying agencies. Also, please consult with the advisors located in the state TTT offices. The personnel in these offices are knowledgeable about many of the reciprocal requirements for their states.

Another good source for info about reciprocal agreements among the state is the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification. That specific link provides a great deal of information about the exact relationships among the states.