Transfer Your Teaching License to Kentucky: Reciprocity & Endorsement (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) - Division of Educator Licensure and Quality (administered with the Kentucky Department of Education) ↗
Moving your teaching license to Kentucky means applying to the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) - Division of Educator Licensure and Quality (administered with the Kentucky Department of Education) for its own credential, not transferring the one you hold. Expect a provisional certificate to begin, followed by Kentucky's exams and requirements within its completion window. Application fee: $85 ($85.00 application fee paid online through the EPSB account (ePay)).
Moving to Kentucky from a specific state?
Pick your current state — the checker returns your exact pathway.
Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
The framing that saves relocating teachers real trouble: Kentucky is giving you a runway, not a transfer. The provisional credential lets you take a classroom immediately, but the clock on Kentucky's tests and coursework starts with it. Map the requirements below to a timeline the day you accept a position — the deadline inside your provisional window is the thing that trips people, not the difficulty of any single requirement.
Reciprocity is a misnomer - Kentucky's own out-of-state page states a 'reciprocity' state does not automatically grant the same certification; under the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement cases are evaluated individually and applicants must meet Kentucky's GPA, testing, and internship requirements (16 KAR 4:030). Praxis is waived only with two verified years of out-of-state experience; test-only credentials are not accepted. Verified via an archived EPSB page (content last modified 2020) because the live site was unreachable/migrating to KDE - confirm current fee/requirements at [email protected].
Kentucky requirements at a glance
| Exam | Kentucky's required Praxis tests (ETS, KY code 7283) apply, but are waived if the applicant verifies two years of out-of-state teaching experience; out-of-state test scores do not substitute for Kentucky's Praxis tests unless they carry the exact same test code, and credentials earned in another state solely by passing an assessment are not recognized (16 KAR 4:030) |
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| Additional requirements |
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| Fees | $85 ($85.00 application fee paid online through the EPSB account (ePay)) |
| Processing time | Not stated on the reviewed EPSB out-of-state page |
Step by step
- Confirm Kentucky's current requirements on the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) - Division of Educator Licensure and Quality (administered with the Kentucky Department of Education) website — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) - Division of Educator Licensure and Quality (administered with the Kentucky Department of Education).
- Arrange license verification from your current state.
- Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program at a regionally accredited institution (or a state-approved alternative route).
- Submit application 'A' (CA-1, Application for Kentucky Certification) through the EPSB Online Document Submission portal.
- Provide a copy of your valid out-of-state teaching certificate (16 KAR 4:030).
- Meet Kentucky ancillary requirements - GPA, testing (Praxis via ETS), and internship.
- Submit official bachelor's (and graduate, if applicable) transcripts to KDE Certification.
- Pay the fees ($85 ($85.00 application fee paid online through the EPSB account (ePay))) and allow Not stated on the reviewed EPSB out-of-state page.
Official links
Coming from a specific state?
Direction matters — these guides cover the exact move into Kentucky:
Frequently asked questions
Does my teaching license transfer to Kentucky?
Moving your teaching license to Kentucky means applying to the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) - Division of Educator Licensure and Quality (administered with the Kentucky Department of Education) for its own credential, not transferring the one you hold. Expect a provisional certificate to begin, followed by Kentucky's exams and requirements within its completion window. Application fee: $85 ($85.00 application fee paid online through the EPSB account (ePay)).
Is teaching reciprocity automatic in Kentucky?
No. Kentucky reviews your out-of-state credential and issues a provisional certificate; you complete its tests and coursework within a set window before the full license. It is the right to apply, not an instant swap.
What tests or requirements does Kentucky add?
Kentucky's required Praxis tests (ETS, KY code 7283) apply, but are waived if the applicant verifies two years of out-of-state teaching experience; out-of-state test scores do not substitute for Kentucky's Praxis tests unless they carry the exact same test code, and credentials earned in another state solely by passing an assessment are not recognized (16 KAR 4:030).
What does a Kentucky out-of-state teaching certificate cost and how long does it take?
$85 ($85.00 application fee paid online through the EPSB account (ePay)); processing Not stated on the reviewed EPSB out-of-state page.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 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]