Nevada Alternative Teacher Certification Process and Programs
Alternative teacher preparation programs, or non-traditional programs, are designed for those with a bachelor’s degree outside of education and typically lead to a certificate or master’s degree. If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, see our guide to traditional route certification in Nevada. If you do have a bachelor’s degree, continue reading below to learn more about alternative routes to teacher certification in Nevada.
Table of Contents
- Nevada Alternative Certification Requirements
- Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses
- Testing Requirements
- Licenses From Another Nevada
- Schools With Alternative and Master’s Programs
- Best Alternative Certification Programs
- Fastest Alternative Certification Programs
- Additional Resources
Requirements for Alternative Certification
The minimum requirement for alternative teacher certification in Nevada is a bachelor’s degree. For most pathways, candidates must also complete a teacher preparation program to earn full licensure. Alternative teacher preparation programs in Nevada can be completed in as little as one year as a graduate certificate. Candidates may also elect to earn a master’s degree in teaching, education, or a core subject that includes an approved certification program.
Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses in Nevada
The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) provides three main pathways to alternative teacher certification, depending on candidates’ education and experience. These different pathways also lead to different endorsement areas and are designed for those with a bachelor’s degree in subjects other than education. Note that all teachers seeking certification in Nevada must be US citizens or lawful permanent residents.
Alternative Route to Licensure Program
The Alternative Route to Licensure (ARL) program is open to those with a bachelor’s degree. Candidates must pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Tests and either hold a major or minor in the desired endorsement area or pass the appropriate Praxis Subject Tests. Candidates must also be accepted to an approved ARL program. Note that applications for the ARL license are only accepted twice yearly during select weeks in September and April and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Successful applicants will be issued a conditional license that allows them to teach while completing the ARL program. Once they have completed the program, candidates are eligible for a Standard License.
Secondary/High School Career and Technical Education License
Those who wish to teach career and technical education subjects in secondary grades may qualify for a license with a bachelor’s degree with a major or minor in the desired endorsement area and at least 23 semester hours of teaching preparation coursework. Candidates must have(s) sought. Candidates must also pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators, the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT), and the Praxis Subject Tests, if available in the endorsement area. For detailed information, refer to the NDE.
Special Licenses/Endorsements
A special license/endorsement type may be issued to prospective educators with a bachelor’s degree that meets specific coursework requirements and additional qualifications. These qualifications vary according to the endorsement area but commonly include two years of teaching experience in a postsecondary environment and at least three years of work experience. Candidates may also qualify with at least five years of work experience in the related content area and/or a master’s degree. Candidates without a master’s degree must pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Tests. They must also pass the appropriate Praxis Subject Tests or have a valid license related to the endorsement(s) sought.
Testing Requirements for Nevada Alternative Certification
In most cases, candidates for Nevada alternative teacher certification must pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators and the related Praxis Subject Tests. Candidates must also pass the University of Nevada-Reno exams in Nevada School Law, the Nevada Constitution, and the US Constitution or take approved coursework in these subjects to waive the exam requirement.
Transferring Teaching Licenses From Another Nevada
Nevada offers limited reciprocity to teachers with certification in other states. Recent teaching experience is required and not all out-of-state licenses are recognized. Those who received a non-traditional certificate through an alternative certification program in another state may not be eligible for reciprocity. For more information, see our guide to teacher certification reciprocity or visit the NDE.
Schools With Alternative and Master’s Programs in Nevada
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 NDE for the preparation of teachers.
| Nevada-Approved School | Accreditation | Program Type(s) | Alt. Teacher Program Enrollment4 | Alt. Teacher Prep Prog. Completers4 | Alt. Licensing Exams Pass Rate4 | Net Price5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Basin College* | — | Alternative, Certificate | 46 | 21 | 100% | $9,079 |
| University of Nevada-Las Vegas* | — | Alternative, Certificate, Master’s | 594 | 191 | N.Av. | $11,834 |
| University of Nevada-Reno* | — | Alternative, Certificate, Master’s | — | — | — | $16,359 |
| Western Governors University Nevada* | AAQEP | Alternative, Master’s | 3 | 3 | N.Av. | $7,290 |
- — 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.
Best Alternative Teacher Certification Programs in Nevada
We used overall pass rates on the teacher licensing exams to identify the best alternative teacher certification programs in Nevada. The following schools all reported 100% pass rates for alternative and master’s program graduates.
- Great Basin College (Alternative, Certificate)
Fastest Alternative Certification Programs
The following schools have the fastest programs to qualify for teacher certification in Nevada 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.
- Great Basin College (12 months)
- University of Nevada-Las Vegas (12 months)
- University of Nevada-Reno (12 months)
- Western Governors University Nevada (12 months)
Additional Resources
- Alternative Routes to Licensure (ARL) Candidate Information: Detailed requirements for prospective alternate route teachers in Nevada.
- Clark County School District (CCSD) Accelerated Licensure Teacher Academy (ALTA): An alternative route for Las Vegas and greater Clark County residents interested in teaching in Clark County schools.
- Nevada Department of Education (NDE) Educator Licensure: Detailed licensing information and requirements for prospective teachers as well as information for current educators.
Related Articles
- Alternative Teacher Certification Guide
- How to Become a Teacher in Las Vegas
- Nevada Traditional Teacher Certification Guide
- Teacher Certification Reciprocity Guide
References:
1. Nevada State Department of Education: https://doe.nv.gov/
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/