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More than 54 million students were enrolled in K-12 schools in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. More than 10 million adults worked in K-12 schools, including 5 million teachers.

Most schools require teachers to have a state-issued teaching certificate or license. How long does it take to get a teaching certificate? Educators typically spend four to six years meeting the education and experience requirements for teaching licensure. However, the time commitment and process varies based on an educator’s location and pathway. 

The fastest route to a teaching certificate starts with earning a bachelor’s degree in education, though that’s not the only option. Educators and aspiring educators can advance in their careers by earning a master’s degree in education . 

Teaching Certificate State Requirements

Each state has its own requirements for teacher certification. These requirements vary depending on what grade level and subject a person wants to teach. For example, middle school and high school teachers must meet subject-area requirements to be licensed to teach in certain subject matters.

State requirements can impact how long it takes to get a teaching certificate. In most cases, educators need a bachelor’s degree, student teaching experience, and passing scores on required teaching certificate exams. For example, most states require teachers to pass a basic skills test and subject knowledge tests. 

After meeting their state’s education, experience, and exam requirements, candidates apply for a teaching certificate through their state’s department of education or board of education. 

The certificate process generally includes verification of the candidate’s qualifications and a background check, which can add several weeks or even months to the time it takes for them to receive their certification. In Pennsylvania, the Division of Certification Services reports its current processing times on its website. 

Of the 3.8 million teachers working in public schools in 2020-2021, all but 2% held some form of teaching certificate, according to the latest data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). While most public schools require teachers to have a teaching license or certificate, educators can teach at a private school without certification.

Options for Obtaining a Teaching Certificate

Educators typically follow one of two pathways to obtain a teaching certificate. While both require a bachelor’s degree and classroom experience, how long it takes to get a teaching certificate is different for each.

Traditional Pathway

The traditional pathway to a teaching certificate starts with earning a four-year bachelor’s degree in education. Undergraduate teaching programs incorporate student teaching into the curriculum and prepare students to meet the requirements for a teaching certificate. Candidates then need to pass their states’ required exams, which can include content area testing. 

Traditional Pathway Steps to a Teaching Certificate

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in education

2. Complete student teaching requirements

3. Pass teaching certificate exams

4. Apply for a teaching certificate

The traditional pathway takes around four years to complete. During that time, prospective teachers take education courses, complete one to two semesters of supervised teaching placements, and pass exams. 

Education Certification Program Pathway

Prospective teachers who have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education take a different pathway to a teaching certificate. These candidates can enroll in a state-approved educator preparation program, such as an accredited Master of Education (MEd) program, that includes coursework and student teaching.

Education Certification Program Pathway Steps to a Teaching Certificate

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree 

2. Complete an educator preparation program, such as an MEd

3. Complete student teaching requirements

4. Pass teaching certificate exams

5. Apply for a teaching certificate

The education certification program pathway takes five to six years to complete—four years for an undergraduate degree and one to two years for educator preparation, which typically includes 12 to 20 weeks of student teaching. 

Benefits of Earning a Master of Education

Individuals can earn a MEd degree to develop specialized teaching expertise, enhance their current skills, and increase their earning potential. Graduate-level training can also help educators obtain instructional certifications or endorsements that can be added to their teaching certificates or enter the profession without a bachelor’s degree in education. 

Increase Earning Potential

Earning a master’s degree in education can lead to a higher salary . Nationally, public school teachers with a master’s degree earned nearly $15,000 more per year than those with a bachelor’s degree in the 2020-2021 school year, according to the NCES. 

In Pennsylvania, educators with a master’s degree had a starting salary that was more than $4,000 higher than that of those with a bachelor’s degree in 2025, according to the National Education Association. And the top salary for teachers with a master’s degree was 10% higher than the top salary for those with a bachelor’s degree. 

Enhance Pedagogical Skills

Teachers enrolled in education master’s programs build on their pedagogical skills to become more successful in the classroom. Master’s programs cover topics such as education technology, instructional strategies, and assessment approaches. 

Incorporating research-based approaches into their classroom practices can help educators foster teaching excellence.

Compete on the Job Market

A majority of public school teachers hold a master’s degree. According to NCES’ most recent data, 51% of public school teachers held a master’s degree as their highest degree in 2020-2021, compared with 38% who held a bachelor’s as their highest degree. 

Educators working in competitive regions or subject areas can stand out in the job market by completing a master’s degree program. 

Add Instructional Certifications 

Educators can add instructional certifications or endorsements to their teaching certificate by earning a master’s degree. For example, a teacher certified in an area such as secondary biology could complete coursework to add an endorsement in math or chemistry.

Similarly, earning a master’s degree in special education can help current educators meet state licensure requirements to become a special education teacher.

Strengthen Leadership Skills

Graduate programs can help teachers strengthen their leadership abilities, including in strategic planning and curriculum design. Master’s students also develop problem-solving and decision-making skills that play an important role in leadership.

With a Master of Education degree, teachers can pursue a leadership role such as lead teacher, mentor teacher, or department chair. Holding a master’s degree can also help educators move into an administrative role such as instructional coordinator or school principal. 

Advance in Your Career With a Master of Education From Wilson College Online

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, either in education or another field, you can take the next step in your teaching career by earning a Master of Education from Wilson College Online. Designed for working professionals, the program uses a flexible, asynchronous format. That means students can continue working while they pursue their advanced degree.

With a research-based curriculum that incorporates the best practices in education, the Wilson College Online MEd program offers students real-time feedback from real practitioners and educators. The program also prepares students for roles outside of the classroom. 

Find out how Wilson College Online can help you become a leader in education.

Recommended Readings

Private School vs. Public School: What Teachers Need to Know

What Are the Requirements to Earn a Master of Education?

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Education?

Sources:

National Center for Education Statistics, Characteristics of Public School Teachers

National Education Association, Educator Pay in America

National Education Association, Starting Teacher Salaries

Pennsylvania Department of Education, Certification Services

Pennsylvania Department of Education, New Educators

Praxis, Find Your State Requirements

TEACH.org, Teacher Certification (Complete Guide)

U.S. Census Bureau, Back to School: August 2025