Oklahoma Alternative Teacher Certification Process and Programs
The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) offers alternative routes to teacher certification for eligible candidates. Alternative teacher preparation programs, or non-traditional programs, are designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree outside of education and typically lead to a certificate or master’s degree. These pathways are intended to bring career professionals with bachelor’s degrees into classrooms, particularly in critical shortage subject areas. If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, see our guide to traditional route certification. If you do have a bachelor’s degree, read more about the alternative routes to teacher certification in Oklahoma below.
Table of Contents
- Oklahoma Alternative Certification Requirements
- Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses
- Testing Requirements
- Licenses From Another State
- Schools With Alternative and Master’s Programs
- Fastest Alternative Certification Programs
- Additional Resources
Requirements for Alternative Certification
Individuals who have completed at least a bachelor’s degree in a content area that directly corresponds to a teaching license endorsement area may be eligible for alternative certification. Candidates must usually have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA and have worked in their specialty area for at least two years. Alternative programs typically lead to a graduate certificate and teacher certification. Candidates may also pursue a master’s degree in teaching, education, or a core subject that includes an approved certification program.
Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses in Oklahoma
There are several different alternative certification pathways in Oklahoma that offer some flexibility based on candidates’ education and experience.
Alternative Placement Program for Teacher Certification
The Alternative Placement Program is the main alternative pathway to standard licensure in Oklahoma. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with a major in an endorsable area, at least a 2.5 GPA, and two years of work experience related to the degree earned. Candidates must complete an application to seek an alternative certificate. After their application is approved, candidates must take the appropriate Oklahoma Subject Area Test (OSAT) in the areas they have been approved for.
Next, candidates complete a background check and submit a final Application for Initial Alternative Certification to receive their initial alternative certificate. With this certificate, candidates may teach in a classroom while pursuing the professional development hours recommended during the application review process. During this period, candidates must also pass the Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers (PPAT). The alternative certificate is only valid for three years and is not renewable. Candidates must complete all additional licensure requirements during this time to convert to a Standard Certificate.
Career Development Program Path
The Career Development Program Path, or CareerTech, is for those interested in teaching career and technical education subjects. To be eligible, candidates must have at least two years of full-time work experience in the subject to be taught. They may also be required to hold an acceptable industry credential if one is available in the subject area. Once these requirements are met, they can apply for a Provisional Certificate. Candidates must attend a Divisional New Teacher Academy and complete a training plan to earn standard licensure. They may, however, teach under the Provisional Certificate while fulfilling these requirements. Note that those who do not have a bachelor’s degree must complete their degree while holding the Provisional Certificate to qualify for a Standard Teaching Certificate.
American Board for the Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE)
Oklahoma is one of the states that recognize the American Board for the Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) certification as a pathway to state-level teacher licensure. Candidates for this pathway must meet ABCTE’s admissions requirements and complete its mentorship and testing program. After completing the program, candidates may apply for a five-year teaching certificate in Oklahoma.
Emergency Certification
Emergency Certification is available at the request of the employing school district when no certified educator is available to fill the position. Candidates need a relevant background for the subject(s) they plan to teach, must pass a criminal background check, and complete the OSAT.
Testing Requirements for Oklahoma Alternative Certification
Prospective Oklahoma teachers must pass the OSAT for each endorsement area and the PPAT to be eligible for a standard Oklahoma teaching certificate. The order in which these exams should be taken may vary based on the pathway to licensure, so it’s important to check the latest updates on the OSDE website.
Transferring Teaching Licenses From Another State
Teachers with standard licensure in another state may be eligible for provisional licensure in Oklahoma if they have completed a bachelor’s degree program and an approved teacher preparation program, and possess relevant teaching experience. For more information, see our guide to teaching license reciprocity or contact the OSDE.
Schools With Alternative and Master’s Programs in Oklahoma
To qualify for teacher certification, you must complete an approved teacher preparation program. Alternative route teacher licensing programs typically lead to a certificate or master’s degree. The not-for-profit, school-based alternative certification programs below have been approved by the OSDE for the preparation of teachers.
| State-Approved School | Accreditation | Program Type(s) | Alt. Teacher Program Enrollment4 | Alt. Teacher Prep Prog. Completers4 | Alt. Licensing Exams Pass Rate4 | Net Price5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Central University* | CAEP | (Alternative, Master’s) | — | — | — | $8,442 |
| Mid-America Christian University* | — | (Alternative, Certificate) | — | — | — | $18,465 |
| Oklahoma Baptist University* | CAEP | (Alternative, Certificate) | — | — | — | $24,277 |
| Oklahoma Christian University* | CAEP | (Alternative, Certificate) | — | — | — | $20,761 |
| Oklahoma State University* | CAEP | (Alternative, Certificate, Master’s) | — | — | — | $14,763 |
| Southern Nazarene University* | CAEP | (Alternative, Certificate, Master’s) | — | — | — | $20,673 |
| University of Central Oklahoma* | CAEP | (Alternative, Certificate, Master’s) | — | — | — | $16,764 |
| University of Oklahoma* | CAEP | (Alternative, Certificate, Master’s) | — | — | — | $21,836 |
- — indicates none or not applicable.
- N.Av. indicates data was not available or pass rates were omitted for confidentiality.
- *Schools with an asterisk offer programs that can include paid classroom placements, subject to qualifications and experience. Students may be responsible for securing their own placement. Contact programs for further information.
Fastest Alternative Certification Programs
The following schools have the fastest programs to qualify for teacher certification in Oklahoma based on the shortest possible time to completion. The shortest alternative certification programs are often the most affordable because they require fewer credit hours. Check with programs to verify program costs and funding opportunities.
- University of Central Oklahoma (16 weeks)
- East Central University (24 weeks)
- Mid-America Christian University (24 weeks)
- Oklahoma Christian University (28 weeks)
Additional Resources
- Oklahoma Alternative Paths to Teacher Certification: Detailed guidelines for alternative routes to licensure in the state.
- Oklahoma CareerTech (Career and Technical Education): Overview of requirements for certification in career and technical education.
- Oklahoma Non-Traditional Paths for Teacher Certification: Provides information on other paths to licensure in the state, including paraprofessionals and non-traditional special education.
Related Articles
- Alternative Teacher Certification Guide
- Oklahoma Traditional Teacher Certification Guide
- Teacher Certification Reciprocity Guide
References:
1. Oklahoma State Department of Education: https://sde.ok.gov/teacher-certification/
2. Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP): https://caepnet.org/provider-search
3. Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP): https://aaqep.org/accredited-programs
4. US Department of Education 2021 Title II Report: https://title2.ed.gov/Public/Home.aspx
5. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/