Hawaii Teaching License

Hawaii Teaching License – Testing

In order to apply for your first Hawaii teaching license, you will need to take the Praxis tests.

You may need to take the Praxis Core Test for your college or university before you start your degree program.

The Praxis Core tests your skills in reading, writing, and math.

PRAXIS CORE STUDY GUIDES

You will also need to take the Praxis test for your subject area.


Even if you want to teach in more than one area, you may only need to take the Praxis subject test for your main subject area.

Those who apply from out-of-state may need only one Praxis subject area test, even to teach more than one subject.

In case you do not have a chosen subject area yet, then you will need to take the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test.

There are different passing scores for the Praxis tests for elementary, middle, and high school teachers.

Praxis subject area passing scores also vary according to the subject area.


Educators certified under National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) may be exempt from all Praxis exam requirements.

Praxis Teacher Certification Test – Hawaii

Hawaii Teaching License – How to Qualify for Certification

In order to qualify for teacher certification in the state of Hawaii, you have to do the following:

  • Complete a State Approved Teacher Education Program (SATEP)
  • Take and pass the basic skills and content knowledge tests in your SATEP area
  • Pass the professional fitness requirements
  • Pay your license fees

There are three types of licenses in the state of Hawaii.

Each type of Hawaii teaching certificate has different requirements:

  1. Provisional licenses are nonrenewable licenses and granted for up to 3 years.
  2. Standard licenses are granted for 5 years to educators meeting the Standard License requirements.
  3. Advanced Licenses are renewable licenses that are issued for a 5-year period.

Additional information can be found on the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board website:

Hawaii Teacher Standards Board

NOTE:  This website is not associated with ETS, the Praxis exams, or the State of Hawaii Teacher Standards Board.