To become a teacher, you’ll need to be at least 21 years old and have a bachelor’s degree. You’ll also need to pass any certification tests required by the state in which you plan to teach.

Once you’ve passed all of these requirements, you’re ready to find a job! Most states require that teachers hold a license, which typically means that they have completed a certain amount of coursework in education and passed an exam on the subject matter they plan on teaching.

To get your license, you’ll need to apply for it through the appropriate agency (usually your state’s department of education). Then, once you’ve received your license, it’s time for you to find a job! There are many ways to do this: from traditional teaching positions within schools or colleges, through tutoring lessons in person or online, or even as an educational consultant for curriculum development companies.

How To Become Teacher

Steps to become a teacher

1. 1Decide who to teachGet school experience or attend events to see which of the following settings suits you best:
   • primary (ages 5 to 11)
   • secondary (ages 11 to 18)
   • early years (children up to the age of 5)
   • further education (for example, teaching at further education colleges or sixth form colleges)
   Follow these steps if you want to teach primary or secondary, including teaching disabled pupils and pupils with special educational needs in these settings.
2. 2Check your qualificationsIf you have a degree or equivalent qualification, you can do postgraduate primary or secondary teacher training.If you do not have a degree and are not studying for one, you can do undergraduate teacher training.You need the following GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, or equivalent qualifications:
   • English
   • maths
   • science (if you want to teach primary)
   You may be able to show you meet the standard in another way if you do not have GCSEs.For advice on qualifications, chat to our teacher training experts online. They’re available Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 5:30pm.Chat onlineFind out what to do if you’re an international candidate with qualifications from overseas.Or, you can teach in further education without a degree.
3. 3Learn about fundingYou can get funding that you do not have to pay back if you train to teach certain subjects.You can also apply for a student loan to cover course fees and living costs.Find out what funding you can get
4. 4Find the right trainingFind out how to train to teach primary or secondary and get qualified teacher status (QTS).You need QTS to teach in most primary, secondary and special schools in England.You can get support training to teach if you’re disabled.Search for teacher training courses(opens in new window).Get a teacher training adviser for help finding training
5. 5Apply for your courseGet tips on applying, including finding the right referees and writing a teacher training personal statement.Your teacher training adviser can also help you get your application ready and explore your options.When you’re ready, you can start your application for teacher training(opens in new window).