Teaching License from Illinois to Arizona: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Arizona Department of Education (ADE) — Certification Unit ↗
Yes — Arizona recognizes teaching certificates from all states, including Illinois. Apply to the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) — Certification Unit for a reciprocal license; you will not repeat the full exam or education.
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Verdict
Full reciprocity
Coming from Illinois, Arizona is a comparatively smooth move — but "reciprocity" still means applying to Arizona for its own credential, not carrying your Illinois license across. Arizona's streamlined recognition shortens the path, and if you have several years of experience or National Board certification, its exams may be waived entirely. The requirements below are what Arizona still asks.
What changes, Illinois → Arizona
| Illinois (current) | Arizona (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $150 ($150 PEL application fee for out-of-state (and out-of-country) applicants, assessed electronically in ELIS; license registration fees are additional and required before employment) | $60 ($60 per certificate, endorsement, or approved area; non-refundable per Board rule) |
| Processing time | Not stated on the reviewed ISBE application page | Not stated on the ADE reciprocity page |
| Licensing authority | Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) - Educator Licensure | Arizona Department of Education (ADE) — Certification Unit |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Arizona sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Arizona's current requirements on the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) — Certification Unit website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) — Certification Unit (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state.
- Hold a valid, comparable out-of-state educator certificate in good standing (comparable to an Arizona Standard certificate; out-of-state Emergency or Alternative certificates are not accepted).
- Provide a valid Arizona DPS Identity Verified Prints (IVP) fingerprint clearance card.
- Submit official transcripts (or a foreign credential evaluation).
- Complete U.S. Constitution and Arizona Constitution coursework — allowable deficiencies to finish within 1 or 3 years depending on certificate area, or the certificate is placed on non-disciplinary suspension until met.
- Pay the fees ($60 ($60 per certificate, endorsement, or approved area; non-refundable per Board rule)) and allow Not stated on the ADE reciprocity page.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Arizona accept a Illinois teaching license?
Yes — Arizona recognizes teaching certificates from all states, including Illinois. Apply to the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) — Certification Unit for a reciprocal license; you will not repeat the full exam or education.
Will I have to retake tests moving from Illinois to Arizona?
Applicants who qualify under Arizona's Certification Reciprocity Rules are exempt from Arizona educator exam requirements — the ADE page states 'Exams or work experience are not required under reciprocity rules'; a valid, comparable out-of-state certificate (or National Board certificate) is accepted in lieu of Arizona testing.. Holding a Illinois license does not by itself waive Arizona's tests — experience or National Board certification is what typically does.
Can I teach in Arizona right away?
Generally yes on a provisional or one-year Arizona certificate issued while you complete its requirements; districts hire on that credential.
What does the Illinois-to-Arizona transfer cost and how long does it take?
$60 ($60 per certificate, endorsement, or approved area; non-refundable per Board rule); processing Not stated on the ADE reciprocity page.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Arizona Department of Education — Reciprocity Requirements (Out-of-State Certification) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- ISBE - Educator Licensure Application (Reciprocity / Out-of-State supporting documentation and fees) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- ISBE - Educator Licensure (requirements hub) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]