Ohio requires teachers to hold a valid educator license before teaching in its public schools. Since October 2023, licensure is handled by the State Board of Education of Ohio, Office of Educator Licensure and Effectiveness; the renamed Department of Education and Workforce handles academic standards, not licenses. This guide walks you through the main steps, typical requirements, and the OAE exam process.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state licensing authority before applying.
Quick Overview
- DegreeBachelor's
- ExamOAE
- Renewal5 Years
- License Fee$200
Figures come from official sources and can change. Always confirm with the licensing authority before applying.
3 Steps to Licensure
- 1
Meet the requirements
Requirements for Ohio teacher licensure typically include:
- A bachelor's degree.
- Completion of an approved educator preparation program.
- Passing scores on the required licensure assessments (OAE for most areas).
- A BCI and FBI background check.
- Completion of the Resident Educator Program (2 program years) to advance to the 5-Year Professional license.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the State Board of Education of Ohio before applying.
- 2
Submit your application
The application process for an Ohio teaching license generally involves these steps:
- Earn a bachelor's degree and complete an approved educator preparation program.
- Pass the required licensure assessments: OAE professional (pedagogy) and content-area tests through Pearson at oh.nesinc.com for most areas.
- Complete the BCI and FBI background check.
- Apply for the 2-Year Resident Educator License through the OH|ID CORE licensure system and pay the fee.
- Complete the 2-year Ohio Resident Educator Program while teaching.
- Advance to the 5-Year Professional Educator License ($200).
Steps can change, so verify the current process with the State Board of Education of Ohio.
- 3
Pass the teacher exam
Ohio uses the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE), administered by Pearson/Evaluation Systems at oh.nesinc.com, covering professional (pedagogy) and content-area assessments. Praxis (ETS) is still used only for school audiology, school speech-language pathology, and school psychology, and ACTFL OPI/WPT covers world languages; do not plan on Praxis outside those areas. Passing standards are set per assessment; confirm them at oh.nesinc.com. Always confirm exam requirements with the State Board of Education of Ohio or Pearson, because tests and policies can change.
License Types
5-Year Professional License
The full, renewable Ohio teaching license after the Resident Educator Program.
- Full classroom authority
- Renewable via LPDC
2-Year Resident Educator
The initial license while completing the Resident Educator Program.
- Time-limited
- Path to professional
Details
Experience
Ohio's initial path runs through an approved educator preparation program on top of a bachelor's degree. New teachers start on the 2-Year Resident Educator License and complete the Ohio Resident Educator Program (2 program years) before advancing to the 5-Year Professional Educator License. Career-changers with a bachelor's degree can pursue the Alternative Resident Educator License if they meet the alternative pathway requirements, and out-of-state licensed teachers apply through the one-year out-of-state educator pathway or for a professional license with experience. Check the current standards with the State Board of Education of Ohio before you apply.
Details
Fees
Most full OAE assessments cost $105 per Pearson registration; confirm current test fees at oh.nesinc.com. The 5-Year Professional Educator License costs $200; the Resident Educator license fee varies with the 2-year term, so confirm current amounts in the OH|ID CORE licensure system (fees run about $40 per year of validity). License fees are waived for veterans, active service members, and their spouses. Always confirm current fee amounts with the official authority before submitting payment.
Details
Renewal
The 5-Year Professional Educator License renews every 5 years through coursework or professional development approved by a Local Professional Development Committee (LPDC). Resident Educator licenses are extended rather than CE-renewed; see the State Board's renewal pages for the current extension rules. Requirements can change; always confirm renewal requirements with the State Board of Education of Ohio before your renewal deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues teaching licenses in Ohio?
The State Board of Education of Ohio, through its Office of Educator Licensure and Effectiveness. Licensure moved from the Department of Education to the State Board in October 2023, so guides that name the Ohio Department of Education are outdated.
What exams do I need for an Ohio teaching license?
The Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) through Pearson at oh.nesinc.com for most areas: professional (pedagogy) plus content-area assessments. Praxis applies only to school audiology, school speech-language pathology, and school psychology, and ACTFL OPI/WPT covers world languages.
How long is the Ohio Resident Educator License valid?
2 years, as of April 12, 2023 (it was previously 4 years). You complete the 2-year Ohio Resident Educator Program during that time and then advance to the 5-Year Professional Educator License.
How much does an Ohio teaching license cost?
The 5-Year Professional Educator License is $200. The Resident Educator license fee varies with the 2-year term; confirm current amounts in the OH|ID CORE licensure system. Most full OAE assessments are $105 per registration. Fees are waived for veterans, active service members, and their spouses.
Can out-of-state teachers get licensed in Ohio?
Yes. Out-of-state licensed teachers apply through the one-year out-of-state educator pathway or for a professional license with experience. Confirm your specific path with the State Board of Education of Ohio.
