Teacher Licensure State Requirements - Arkansas

Become a Teacher in Arkansas

If you are passionate about helping others learn, earning an online teaching degree is an excellent way to apply your skills. A bachelor's degree from Western Governors University may help you meet the requirements to become a teacher in Arkansas. Our online university environment allows you to complete your teaching degree and prepare for online teaching certification.

Before becoming a licensed teacher, you must meet all of Arkansas’s initial teacher certification requirements via completion of an out-of-state preparation program (i.e., reciprocity). Requirements include:

• A bachelor’s degree or more advanced degree program from an accredited institution.
• Completion of a teacher preparation program approved by the Department of Education, leading to teacher certification.
• Teaching license awarded by another state’s department of education.
• Background clearance resulting from completion of the required background check at the time of the application for certification. Arkansas Criminal Background Check forms can be obtained at a local Arkansas school district office or by calling the AR Department of Education at 501-682-4342.
• Documentation of exam(s) that were required, taken, and passed for the out-of-state license. These requirements may be accepted in lieu of exam(s) required for Arkansas teacher licensure in compatible areas. Please see the Arkansas Certification Exam Requirements and Arkansas Basic Skills Requirements articles.

NOTE: Arkansas requires that all teachers being licensed in early childhood, elementary, middle school area, or secondary social studies must complete a three-hour course in Arkansas history before receiving a standard Arkansas teaching license. This coursework is not offered by WGU and must be taken at a local Arkansas college or university.

Note: Listed requirements are current and are subject to change at any time, even during enrollment.

For the most current information about your becoming a teacher in the state of Arkansas, please check the Arkansas Department of Education website:
Web site
(501) 682-4342