How do I get licensed in another state?
You will probably need to complete an "Institutional Recommendation" form. These forms can be sent to the Educator Licensing Office, 2800 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322-2800 or to emma.berry@usu.edu. We will return them to you as quickly as possible. These forms cannot be filled out by us until you have completed the program and all necessary documentation is on your transcript.
For more information concerning licensure in other states, see the Education Licensure Compliance Table. See also the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact map, which is continually updated: https://teachercompact.org/compact-map/
How do I apply for my license?
Please complete your licensing application before you complete the licensing program. We recommend that you complete your licensing application at the same time you are completing your graduation application for your bachelor's degree in teacher education. You will need to do the following prior to completing your license application:
- Complete the Utah Educator Ethics Review if not current
- Complete a background check if not current
- Complete a short exit survey
Once you have completed your licensing application, remember to attach all requested documents.
If you are applying for your license after September 1, 2024 and are applying for an early childhood, elementary, or special education mild/moderate or severe license, you will need to have passed the Utah Foundations of Reading test with a score of 240 or better.
What happens to my application after I complete it?
Your educator license application will be reviewed by the Graduation, Educator Licensing, and Accreditation office at USU. They will then notify your advisor to verify all requirements for your education program have been completed. When your degree has been awarded and is posted to your transcript, you will be recommended to the Utah State Board of Education for your professional educator license. You will receive an email letting you know you have been recommended, and it will include instructions for completing the process online and printing your license.
How long will it be before I get my license?
It generally takes one to two months after graduation to get all of our students recommended to the Utah State Board of Education for their licenses. Once your license application is complete, we will recommend you to the Utah State Board of Education. An email will be sent to you explaining how to complete the online process at the Utah State Board of Education website. Once you have completed the process, you will be able to go to the home page in your USIMS account and print your license. A license will not be mailed or emailed to you from the Utah State Board of Education office.
I understand that I will receive an email verifying that I have been recommended for a Utah Educator License when I graduate. Can I get this verification email early so I can get a job or make more money as a substitute?
We send an email to every student who completes a licensing program when their application is forwarded to the Utah State Board of Education. This email verifies that the student has satisfactorily completed the program and has USU's official recommendation for licensure. We CANNOT send letters/emails before your degree is posted on your transcript. If you are not in a degree program, all of your grades must be on your transcript.
How can I find out if my background check is current?
Your background clearance is good for five years. We cannot accept background checks done for school districts, so if you are currently teaching and have never had a background check done through the Utah State Board of Education, you will probably have to complete another one. For more information on the background check, visit our background check page.
Are there licensing fees to receive my teaching license in Utah?
The Utah State Board of Education does not charge an Educator License Application fee.
How can I contact the Utah State Board of Education to find out the status of my application?
The Utah State Board of Education can be reached at (801) 538-7740. Their address is 250 East 500 South, P.O. Box 144200, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4200.