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Out-Of-State Educator License Application
Welcome to the Utah Out-of-State Licensure Application Process
Thank you for your inquiry regarding teaching in Utah. We welcome your interest in working with Utah students. To apply for a Utah Educator License, please read the following instructions carefully. Please note that these instructions are only for applicants who have never attained a Utah Educator License. If you have ever held a Utah license you must renew via the in-state process.
Click here if your are a Foreign Credentialed-Educator
It is important to note that some licensing requirements may differ from those in your state. It is wise to study Utah’s requirements for endorsements before submitting your application (please see http://www.schools.utah.gov/cert/Endorsements-ECE-License.aspx to learn more about endorsement requirements. any additional fees for endorsements are not required). A step-by-step process follows this application checklist, where all of these requirements are spelled out in detail.
1. Application checklists
2. Tracking your application’s process
3. Step-by step instructions to complete application package
4. License levels
Here is what to include in your application (Incomplete Applications are Returned to Sender).
- The completed application form.
- The evaluation filing fee of $90. Make your check or money order out to USOE.
- Official copies of all college/university transcripts. They do not need to be sealed in an envelope, but they need to be originals, not photocopies. Highlighting your degree and the date it was confirmed on the transcript is very helpful for processing. Do not have transcripts sent to us from institutions of higher education. Have them sent to you and include them in your application.
- If you are a new graduate and have compleded a program from an NCATE or TEAC-accredited university, we will accept an Institutional Recommendation. If you completed a program through a university that does not have NCATE or TEAC accreditation, obtain licensure in the state where the program is located and include a copy of the license with their complete packet.
- If you have a license(s) from another state, an original or clear photocopy of said license(s).
- If you have teaching experience, verification of full-time, licensed out of state experience.
- PRAXIS II test scores if the score has been reported to you, or a copy of your admission ticket for an upcoming exam.
- Verification that you have applied for the required background check.
Click here for a list of Praxis tests. Click here to register for these tests.
If you send an incomplete application it will be returned to you. We cannot physically house and file incomplete applications while waiting for missing components.
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E-mail will be the primary form of communication during the licensure process, so please make sure the e-mail address on your application is correct and remember to monitor it frequently. Please report any changes in address or e-mail to the Utah State Office of Education to ensure timely license processing.
Applicants may follow the progress of the evaluation by accessing their personal files in Comprehensive Administration of Credentials for Teachers in Utah Schools (CACTUS). CACTUS help may be accessed at (800) 866-5852. Prospective employers may access this record during the hiring process.
Your new Utah Educator License will be mailed to you when all requirements are complete, including test score results and your fingerprint background check. All personal documents in your packet will be returned to you at the end of the process. We strive to complete the process in as timely a manner as possible, and the quickest turn-around time comes when you begin with a complete application.
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Please submit all of the items listed below in a complete application package to the address on the application form. Incomplete packages will be returned. More information, links, or the forms you will need are accessible via the linked headings.
Fingerprint Background Check
- Complete a Fingerprint Background check. There is a place on the application packet to confirm that you have completed this step. The Live Scan done in Utah is much faster than the fingerprinting cards, but either route is acceptable. Background checks done in other states are not accepted. You must begin this process first.
Application Form
- Fill out the Application Form completely. A signature is required for a complete application. When requesting specific endorsements, make sure you have checked the requirements for the endorsement (http://www.schools.utah.gov/cert/Endorsements-ECE-License.aspx). While Utah holds licensing reciprocity agreements with many states, you may still have additional requirements to meet. This is true both in terms of the PRAXIS requirements, and also in terms of specific coursework requirements. Check the endorsement requirements at the appropriate websites.
- For most information about the requrements for Career and Technical Education endorsements go to http://schools.utah.gov/cte/licensing.html .
Praxis II Test Score(s)
- For initial licensure, you will most likely have to take at least one PRAXIS II test. Tests from other states are not accepted unless they are PRAXIS II assessments with the same test number as the tests required in Utah. When you apply, either provide a copy of all four pages of the score sheet for the approved Praxis II content test if you have already taken it, or provide documentation verifying registration for the appropriate test(s). Register to take the appropriate Praxis II test(s) at the earliest possible date. You cannot be licensed until your test score has been reported to us. Therefore it is in your best interest to register for the next possible PRAXIS assessment. Have scores reported to the Utah State Office of Education, and when you get your own score report, forward the e-mail to us so we can be sure to make note of it.
Fees
- License Fee: $90
- Background Check: $74
Make check or money order payable to Utah State Office of Education. Since you will have already paid on-line for the background check, the total due will be $90.00.
Transcripts
- Include original transcripts of all university credit including transcripts of undergraduate and transfer credit. Transcripts must show degrees posted. Transcripts must be original and bear the university seal. Application packages will be considered incomplete and will be returned if all transcripts are not included. All transcripts will be returned to the applicant at the end of the licensure process. Please do not have transcripts sent directly to us from institutions. Have them sent to you and include them in your application.
Verification of Educator Experience
- Complete Verification of Educator Experience Form, if applicable. Forms must show all former employment and be signed by an official school or district administrator. Completed forms must be gathered by the applicant and submitted as part of a complete application package. If your Human Resources office uses a separate form, you can attach their form to the Verification of Educator Experience Form. We only need and want verification of actual out-of-state full-time educator experience. We do not need or take into consideration letters of recommendation, copies of contracts, sick day or tax forms.
Educator License(s)
- Application packages must include a copy of any educator license(s) held by the applicant. Licenses submitted must be clear copies of both sides of the license, or original documents. If your state does not print licenses, but only provides electronic records of your license, then print and include this verification.
New Graduates
- New graduates must include either an educator license from the state in which the degree-granting institution resides or an Institutional Recommendation from the degree-granting NCATE or TEAC-accredited institution. The recommendation must carry an official seal. Institutional Recommendation forms will be accepted only as part of a complete application package.
Alternative Routes to Licensure
- Applicants who completed an alternative educator program must include official documentation of program completion and an official program description including class descriptions. This evidence will be considered in lieu of a traditional course of study from a teacher-preparation program.
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A Level 1 Utah Educator License will be issued as an initial Utah License for all out-of-state applicants. Applicants with less than three years prior teaching experience will be required to participate in the three-year Early Years Enhancement (EYE) program. Applicants with three or more years experience may be promoted to a Level 2 license (see Utah Teacher License Levels for more information.) after a year of experience in Utah and a recommendation from their employing district.
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