Are States Lowering the Bar for Teacher Certification?

As teacher shortages continue to grow, many states are making it easier to become a teacher. From waiving certification exams to creating emergency licenses, these policies aim to get more teachers into classrooms—but at what cost?

The Push to Relax Teacher Certification Requirements

Several states have made major changes to certification policies:

• Iowa eliminated its teacher licensure exam requirement.

• California now allows candidates to bypass exams with approved coursework.

• Missouri adjusted scoring rules, qualifying teachers who come within one standard error of passing.

• New Jersey launched a pilot program allowing candidates who fall short of GPA or test scores to receive a provisional license.

Are These Changes Helping or Hurting Education?

On one hand, these policies address teacher shortages and reduce barriers to entry. However, critics warn that lowering certification standards could lead to lower teacher quality and poorer student outcomes. Many states are seeing increases in uncertified teachers, raising concerns about long-term impacts on education quality.

What’s Next?

Moving forward, states must balance flexibility with rigor. Instead of simply lowering the bar, states should invest in better test preparation, mentoring programs, and incentives for teachers to pass certification exams and remain in the profession.