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.
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 areas of concentration, endorsements, and testing before submitting your application. A step-by-step process follows this application checklist, where all of these requirements are spelled out in detail.
Application Checklists:
Here is what to include in your application. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS ARE RETURNED TO SENDER
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The completed application form.
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The evaluation filing fee of $80. Make your check or money order out to USOE.
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Official copies of all relevant transcripts. They do not need to be sealed in an envelope, but they need to be originals, not photocopies. Highlighting your degree on the transcript is very helpful for processing. Do not have transcripts sent to us. Have them sent to you and include them in your application.
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If you are a new graduate, and do not yet have a license from your home state, the recommendation of the institution that granted you your degree.
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If you have a license(s) from another state, an original or clear photocopy of said license(s).
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If you have teaching experience, verification of this experience.
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PRAXIS II test scores or a copy of your admission ticket.
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Verification that you have applied for the required background check.
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.
Tracking your Application’s Progress:
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 CACTUS (Comprehensive Administration of Credentials for Teachers in Utah Schools) at www.uen.org/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.
Step-by step Instructions to Complete Application Package:
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:
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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 (PDF)
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. 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 curriculum areas, you can check this link: http://www.schools.utah.gov/curr/main/default.htm From there, you can drill down for more specifics. For example, by clicking on Elementary Language Arts, you can find the link for Elementary Language Arts reading endorsements. For Career and Technical Education, you can start here: http://www.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 $80.00
Background Check $69.00
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 $80.00. -
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. 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. -
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 institution. -
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.
License Levels:
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 (PDF) for more information.) after a year of experience in Utah and a recommendation from their employing district.
