There are two parts to the application process.
Qualified candidates for licensure must first complete a criminal background check. Candidates pay fees and receive an authorization form at Educator Background Check.
Complete the related endorsement application(s). Each program has specific applications; make sure to use the correct application(s). Do not leave any information categories blank. Attach the supporting documentation such as official college transcripts, letters to verify employment (do not send letters of reference or resumes), test scores, copies of current professional licenses or other documentation requested by the state specialist.
Health Science:
Biotechnology
Exercise Science/Sports Medicine
Introduction to Health Science
Communication:
Television Broadcasting
Construction Trades:
Engineering Technologies:
Mechanics and Repairs:
Personal and Miscellaneous Services:
Precision Production Trades:
Transportation and Material Moving:
Visual Art:
Submit your application and supporting documentation to:
Education Quality Services
250 East 500 South
PO Box 144200
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200
For additional information regarding specific requirements, contact the education specialist responsible for the area in which you have qualifications.
As you get started with the licensing process, there are two distinct components of which you need to be aware to keep you on track. You need both components to teach Career and Technical Education courses.
A license is an authorization issued by the Utah State Board of Education that permits the holder to serve in a professional capacity in the public education system or an accredited private school.
An endorsement is a specialty field or area earned through course work equivalent to at least an academic minor or through demonstrated competency. Endorsements are listed on the Professional Educator License indicating the specific qualification(s) of the holder.
There are different ways to earn a Professional Educator License.
Professional Educator License. A license is issued to an individual who completes a university teacher preparation program. Contact the university teacher preparation program for more information.
A teacher preparation program for individuals who currently hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Please visit Alternative Routes to Licensure for additional information.
Bachelor’s Degree
Applicants have a degree major in a subject taught in Utah secondary schools.
Non-Bachelor’s Degree
Applicants have work experience in related CTE area.
CTE Specialty
Applicants have valid industry license in related CTE area.
There are two ways in which to earn an endorsement:
Endorsements are requested when a licensed educator wants the authorization to teach outside his/her current endorsement area(s). All endorsement requirements should be completed before the application is submitted.
A SAEP is requested by an educator or district when that district has assigned the educator to teach outside of his/her endorsement area(s). The educator must have at least nine semester hours of related course work and/or two years of related work experience and complete the endorsement requirements within the time frame identified in the plan.
Successful completion of a profession exam approved by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) may serve as a substitute for education and/or work experience requirements for certain Career and Technical Education (CTE) endorsements.
There are national and state competency assessments used in-lieu of occupational experience. Some of these exams are tied to national or state accreditations. These assessments are administered through their individual organizations or government entities. The cost will vary. Please review the respective exam's website of further information on cost, examination site, and dates of availability.
Other certificates/licenses are required in specific program areas and they include:
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):
American Welding Society (AWS):
Utah State Department of Commerce: Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL)
Construction Licensing:
The National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) is a provider of occupational competency assessments used in Utah to evaluate an instructor’s competence in a content area. These assessments are used in lieu of work experience when an individual is applying for a teaching license. The assessments are broken into two parts:
To learn more about a specific exam, visit NOCTI's Teacher Testing site and click on the test name for more information. Not all of the exams listed are offered or applicable in Utah. For a complete list of the exams offered through Utah’s testing service, please refer to the order form.
To order a test, complete and submit the order form with payment, per instructions found on the form. Testing sessions for each exam are offered at least once each year, in early August. Additional sessions will be scheduled if there are five or more individuals who would like to take a given exam.
The cost for a NOCTI exam is $244.00. Fees for NOCTI exams include:
NOCTI Teacher Testing Order Form
Please note the following:
The Utah Photography Teacher Exam (UPTE) was created to fill a void created when NOCTI discontinued their test for this area. This assessment is broken into two parts:
To schedule a test, complete and submit the order form with payment, per instructions found on the form. Testing sessions for each exam are offered at least once each year, in early August. Additional sessions will be scheduled if there are five or more individuals who would like to take a given exam.
Please note the following:
For more information, contact:
Doug Livingston
State of Utah Testing Coordinator
Phone: (801) 538-7598 | E-mail