Reciprocity Requirements (Out-of-State-Certification)
Standard Certificates Under Reciprocity Rules
The Arizona Department of Education Certification Unit will reciprocate with all states and may issue a comparable teaching, administrative, or professional non-teaching certificate to an applicant who holds a valid, comparable certificate in another state and is in good standing in that other state.
Applicants may also qualify to add additional approved areas or endorsements to existing teaching certificates if they hold a valid, comparable approved area or endorsement in another state. Individuals who qualify under Certification Reciprocity Rules are exempt from Arizona educator exam requirements.
We will not reciprocate expired, temporary, non-renewable, or out-of-the-country certificates/licenses.
The fee is $60 per certificate, endorsement, or approved area. Per Board-rule certification fees are non-refundable.
Submit the following documents as indicated to apply under Certification Reciprocity:
- Valid IVP Fingerprint Card: A photocopy of your valid Arizona Department of Public Safety Identity Verified Prints (IVP) fingerprint clearance card.
- Out-of-State Certificate/License: A photocopy of your valid, comparable out-of-state educator certificate or National Board Certificate.
- Submit a photocopy with your application if you apply by mail -OR-
- Upload a copy of your certificate when you apply online
- Official Transcripts: Your official transcripts or foreign credential evaluation are submitted to certification@azed.gov or through Parchment by your institution.
Exams or work experience are not required under reciprocity rules.
Allowable Deficiencies
Please be aware that applicants coming from another state are required to have U.S. Constitution and Arizona State Constitution. These are allowable deficiencies for 1 or 3 years, depending on the area of certification, and the certificate will be issued without meeting these requirements. If these requirements are not met within the allowable time the certificate will be placed on non-disciplinary suspension. Once the deficiency is met, the certificate will be extended back to its original end date. Deficiency removal information may be found here.
Apply Online
To apply via mail using a paper application, see the requirements document for the certification you are wanting to reciprocate to.