Utah Teacher Reciprocity Agreements
Utah grants teacher reciprocity through two pathways: the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact for member-state license holders, and a License Equivalency Review for teachers from non-compact states. Only standard, renewable Professional Educator Licenses qualify, not temporary or provisional credentials. Applications go through the SM Apply portal to the Utah State Board of Education.
Utah teaching license reciprocity works through two pathways for out-of-state teachers: the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact or a standard License Equivalency Review. Which path applies depends on whether your current license comes from a compact member state, and whether it’s a standard, renewable Professional Educator License rather than a temporary or provisional credential.
How the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact Works
The Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact is a newer agreement that speeds up license transfers between member states. If you hold a professional teaching license from another compact state, Utah may issue an equivalent Utah Professional Educator License once you complete the required application and background check, without having to meet the traditional reciprocity review requirements. See the Utah State Board of Education’s Pathways to a Utah Educator License guide for current compact membership and application details. The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) maintains a current list of participating states, since compact membership can change from year to year.
License Types That Qualify for Reciprocity
Utah only extends reciprocity to standard, renewable Professional Educator Licenses. Temporary or alternative credentials don’t qualify, including probationary, provisional, substitute, LEA-specific, and associate licenses. If your current license falls into one of those categories, you’ll need to complete Utah’s traditional teaching certification requirements or pursue Utah’s alternative teaching certification route instead of applying through reciprocity.
Applying Through License Equivalency Review
Teachers licensed in a non-compact state apply through a License Equivalency Review (LER). USBE requires the process to be submitted electronically through the SM Apply portal, not by mail. A complete LER application generally includes:
- A USIMS profile and completed application through the SM Apply portal
- Official college or university transcripts, sent directly from the institution (photocopies aren’t accepted)
- Verification of your current, valid out-of-state teaching license
- Verification of educator experience, if you’re relying on teaching experience to meet a requirement
- Any required educator testing documentation. Utah accepts many equivalent out-of-state exams under its Out-of-State Testing Equivalency policy when applicable
- Completion of a Utah background check application
Application fees have changed since this page was last reviewed, so confirm the current amount directly with USBE before applying. Contact the Utah State Board of Education if you have questions about your specific application. Once your Utah license is approved, keep it current. See our guide to renewing or reinstating a Utah teaching certificate.
States Historically Participating in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
The following states have historically been members of the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement and have signed reciprocity agreements with Utah. Membership in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement does not itself guarantee licensure or reciprocity. Because participating states can shift as the newer Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact expands, confirm your state’s current status on USBE’s website before relying on this list.
| NASDTEC Member States (Historical) |
|---|
| Alabama |
| Arizona |
| Arkansas |
| California |
| Colorado |
| Connecticut |
| Delaware |
| Florida |
| Georgia |
| Hawaii |
| Idaho |
| Illinois |
| Indiana |
| Kansas |
| Kentucky |
| Louisiana |
| Maine |
| Maryland |
| Massachusetts |
| Michigan |
| Mississippi |
| Missouri |
| Montana |
| Nebraska |
| Nevada |
| New Hampshire |
| New Jersey |
| New Mexico |
| New York |
| North Carolina |
| North Dakota |
| Ohio |
| Oklahoma |
| Oregon |
| Pennsylvania |
| Rhode Island |
| South Carolina |
| South Dakota |
| Tennessee |
| Texas |
| Virginia |
| Washington |
| West Virginia |
| Wisconsin |
| Wyoming |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact?
It’s an agreement between member states that streamlines license transfers for teachers moving between them. If your current license comes from a compact state, Utah issues an equivalent license without the full License Equivalency Review process.
Does a provisional or substitute license qualify for reciprocity in Utah?
No. Utah only grants reciprocity for standard, renewable Professional Educator Licenses. Provisional, probationary, substitute, LEA-specific, and associate licenses don’t qualify.
How do I apply for a Utah teaching license from another state?
Create a USIMS profile and submit your License Equivalency Review application through USBE’s SM Apply portal, along with official transcripts, license verification, and any required test scores.
Do I still need to take the Praxis exams if I already hold an out-of-state license?
Not necessarily. Utah evaluates out-of-state testing under its Out-of-State Testing Equivalency policy. Depending on your license area and the exams you’ve already passed, you may not need to take Praxis exams.
- Two reciprocity paths: the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact for member states, and a License Equivalency Review for everyone else
- License type matters: only standard, renewable Professional Educator Licenses qualify, not temporary or provisional credentials
- Apply electronically: USBE requires the License Equivalency Review to go through the SM Apply portal, not a mailed paper form
Select your state below to find accredited teacher certification programs, application links, and licensing requirements for your jurisdiction.
