Hawaii Teaching Certification
Becoming a certified teacher in Hawaii requires a bachelor’s degree, completion of a State Approved Teacher Education Program (SATEP), and passing the Praxis testing required for your license type. The Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB) issues Provisional, Standard, or Advanced Licenses depending on your experience and credentials. Hawaii runs a single, unified statewide school system, so HTSB is the only licensing authority you’ll deal with.
Sponsored School(s)
Hawaii is the only state in the country with a single, unified school system. There’s no district-by-district variation in hiring standards, no separate city boards setting their own rules. One agency, the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, handles licensure for all 255 regular schools and three special schools statewide, serving over 182,000 students.
That single-system structure makes the path more predictable than in states with fragmented licensing boards. Below, find the certification route that matches your situation:
- Initial Teaching Certification…
- I’m a teacher from another state…
- Teacher Certification Renewal…
- Admin./Principal Certification…
- Alternative Teaching Certification…
- Substitute Teaching Permit…
Initial Hawaii Teaching Certification
According to the Hawaii Department of Education, Hawaii is the only state with a single, unified school system. There are 255 regular schools and 3 special schools currently operating in the state, with over 182,000 students enrolled. Hawaii’s teachers work as partners with students, parents, administrators, businesses, and the community to improve schools and the statewide educational system. Find schools offering teaching certification programs in Hawaii through the featured programs listed on this page.
Education Requirements
To become a licensed teacher in Hawaii, the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB) (808-586-2603) requires completion of a State Approved Teacher Education Program (SATEP), a preparation program that combines coursework with supervised classroom experience. HTSB accepts teacher preparation programs from any state, as long as the program is recognized and approved by that state’s teacher certification department. A list of SATEPs in Hawaii can be found on the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board website above. Depending on the program you choose, SATEPs may be offered at the bachelor’s, post-bachelor’s, or master’s level.
If you completed your teacher education program at a non-U.S. college or university, you must have your credentials evaluated by Educational Credential Evaluators and submit their report with your application for licensure.
Licensing Options
The Standard License is most common among new Hawaii teachers, but HTSB issues one of three license types depending on your education, experience, and current licensure in another state:
| License Type | Typical Duration | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|
| Provisional License | 3 years, nonrenewable | New teachers who’ve completed a SATEP but haven’t yet taught 3 of the last 5 years full-time |
| Standard License | 5 years, renewable | Teachers with at least 3 years of full-time teaching in the last 5 years |
| Advanced License | 10 years, renewable | Teachers with 5 years under a Standard License who hold a graduate degree, National Board Certification, or a Hawaii Teacher Leader designation |
Under your license, you’ll hold one or more fields specific to the grade levels and content areas you teach, including:
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education
- Middle School Education (content area specific)
- Secondary Education (content area specific)
- Special Education
- Foreign Languages
Hawaii accepts applications from educators licensed in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, subject to Hawaii’s own licensure requirements. If you’re relocating with an active license, see our Hawaii teacher reciprocity guide for the specific steps.
Examinations
The Praxis website outlines the teacher licensure exams required for prospective educators in Hawaii.
Testing requirements: Testing requirements vary based on the license sought and your preparation pathway. Where required, candidates take the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators to demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics. See the Praxis website above for the current exams and passing scores tied to your license type.
If you did not complete a SATEP in any state, you may also need to pass the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) assessment, part of the Praxis Subject Assessments series.
If you hold a current license from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) or have Meritorious New Teacher Candidate (MNTC) status on a valid out-of-state license, you’re exempt from all Praxis examinations.
Content area assessment: Depending on the license sought, candidates typically complete a Praxis Subject Assessment matching the field in which they plan to teach. Fields with available assessments include:
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education
- Middle Level English Language Arts (Grades 5-9)
- Middle Level Mathematics (Grades 5-9)
- Middle Level Science (Grades 5-9)
- Middle Level Social Studies (Grades 5-9)
- Art (All Grades)
- Music (All Grades)
- Health (All Grades)
- Physical Education (All Grades)
- Secondary Education:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- General Science
- Physical Science
- Physics
- Social Studies
- World Languages:
- French
- German
- Spanish
- Teaching English as a Second Language
- Career & Technical Education:
- Business
- Public and Human Services
- Industrial and Engineering Technology
- Special Education (various levels)
A Praxis Subject Assessment is not required for these licensure areas:
- Career & Technical Education:
- Arts & Communication
- Natural Resources (Grades 7-12)
- Natural Resources Vocational (Grades 7-12)
- Drama/Theatre Arts (Grades K-6)
- Drama/Theatre Arts (Grades 7-12)
- Drama/Theatre Arts (Grades K-12)
- Hawaiian Language (Grades 7-12)
- Hawaiian Language Immersion (Grades K-6)
- Hawaiian Language Immersion (Grades 7-12)
- Hawaiian Language Immersion (Grades K-12)
- Chinese (Grades 7-12)
- Filipino (Grades 7-12)
- Japanese (Grades 7-12)
- Korean (Grades 7-12)
- Latin (Grades 7-12)
- Russian (Grades 7-12)
- Speech (Grades 7-12)
Experience Requirements
Every SATEP, regardless of where it’s based, requires a field experience in a public or private school classroom. The length of this experience varies by program. You’ll be placed in a classroom matching the grade level and subject area you want to teach, where you’ll build classroom management and teaching skills under the mentorship of a licensed teacher. Your mentor and SATEP representatives monitor your progress and performance throughout.
Your field experience also measures your grasp of the Teacher Performance Standards and the Code of Ethics that HTSB requires of every licensed teacher.
Document and Application Requirements
Once you’ve completed the educational, examination, and field teaching requirements, you’re ready to apply for the Hawaii teaching license for which you qualify, typically a Provisional or Standard License, depending on your credentials and experience. You can apply online or by downloading and submitting the Application for Hawaii Teaching License.
- Your SATEP submits an institutional recommendation on your behalf. If you completed a SATEP before 2002, give the EPP Recommendation form to your SATEP representative, who will complete it and return it to HTSB.
- Submit official score reports from any Praxis assessments taken
- Submit the correct license fee
- Mail the completed application and documents to: Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, 650 Iwilei Road, Suite 201, Honolulu, HI 96871, Attention: Licensing Section
Criminal History Background Check
HTSB doesn’t routinely require a background check for every licensure application, though applicants may be asked for additional information based on professional-fitness disclosures in the application. Employers require a background check separately, as part of the hiring process.
Once you’re hired by a Hawaii school system, you will need to undergo a criminal history background check, which may involve fingerprinting. The school district provides instructions on this process at the time of hire.
Contact Information
For questions about SATEPs in Hawaii, contact these officials at Hawaii institutions.
For questions about Hawaii’s teacher licensing process, contact the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board at 808-586-2603 or via their website at www.htsb.org.
Hawaii Teacher Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hawaii elementary school teachers earned a median annual salary of $71,410 as of May 2025, while secondary school teachers earned $74,310. The BLS projects modest job growth for teachers across every grade band in the state through 2034.
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage | HI Job Growth (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten Teachers | $53,160 | 1.6% |
| Elementary School Teachers | $71,410 | 1.4% |
| Middle School Teachers | $69,230 | 1.3% |
| Secondary (High) School Teachers | $74,310 | 1.7% |
Hawaii’s projected job growth for teachers is modest but positive across every grade band, a contrast to the slight national decline the BLS projects for these same occupations over the same period. For state-specific labor market details, see the Hawaii Workforce Informer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a SATEP in Hawaii?
SATEP stands for State Approved Teacher Education Program. It’s a teacher preparation program, offered at the bachelor’s, post-bachelor’s, or master’s level, that combines coursework with supervised classroom experience. The Hawaii Teacher Standards Board accepts SATEPs from any state, provided that state’s certification department recognizes the program.
Do I need to pass the Praxis to teach in Hawaii?
Testing requirements vary based on the license sought and your preparation pathway. Where required, candidates take the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators and a Praxis Subject Assessment for their teaching field. Candidates who hold current National Board certification or Meritorious New Teacher Candidate status on a valid out-of-state license are exempt from Praxis testing. Check current HTSB testing requirements for the exams that apply to your situation.
How long does it take to get a teaching license in Hawaii?
Timelines vary by path and prior education, but expect to complete a bachelor’s degree, a SATEP with supervised field teaching, and your Praxis exams before applying. Traditional candidates typically spend 4 years on a bachelor’s-plus-SATEP track. Those pursuing alternative certification who already have a bachelor’s degree can move faster.
Can I teach in Hawaii with an out-of-state teaching license?
Yes. Hawaii accepts applications from educators licensed in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, subject to Hawaii’s own licensure requirements. See our Hawaii teacher reciprocity guide for the specific application steps.
What if I want to teach a specialty area like special education or a world language?
Your license lists specific teaching fields tied to the grade levels and content areas for which you’re qualified. You’ll need the corresponding Praxis Subject Assessment for most specialty fields, though several world languages, including Hawaiian Language and Hawaiian Language Immersion, don’t require one.
- One statewide licensing board — the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board is the sole authority for teacher licensure across all 255 regular schools and three special schools in the state.
- Three license types, three timelines — Provisional (3 years), Standard (5 years), and Advanced (10 years) licenses each require different levels of experience and credentials.
- Testing has exemptions — National Board certification or MNTC status on a valid out-of-state license exempts candidates from Praxis exams entirely.
- Broad reciprocity — Hawaii accepts applications from educators licensed in all 50 states and several U.S. territories, subject to Hawaii’s own licensure requirements.
- Pay varies by grade band — Hawaii’s May 2025 BLS data show secondary teachers earn more than elementary or kindergarten teachers, with positive job growth across every band through 2034.
Select your state below to find accredited teacher certification programs, application links, and licensing requirements for your jurisdiction.
May 2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS wage estimates and 2024-2034 employment projections for Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, Middle School Teachers, and High School Teachers, reflect state and national data, not school-specific outcomes. State or district job-growth projections are sourced separately from national BLS outlook data. Conditions vary by school sector, subject area, and district. Data accessed July 2026.
