Apply for an Educator License

Apply for an Educator License
Apply for an Educator License
Overview
This section of the website has all of the steps and processes to apply for a Utah
Educator License.  Review the
Before You Begin
tab for critical first steps for all license applications.  To determine which application
you need to submit, please refer to the table.  Find your situation in the first column
and complete the application listed in the second.  All applications are submitted
online through
SM Apply
.  For help with submission, please see the
SM Apply Tutorials
Professional testing is a common pathway to demonstrate competency for licenses in
Utah. Review the
Educator Tests
tab for those options.
Educator Situation
Application Needed
I am a licensed educator in another state or country.
License Equivalency Review (LER)
I want a temporary license so I can get a job and then complete a preparation program.
Associate Educator License (AEL)
I completed a Utah university educator preparation program.
University Recommends
I completed an APPEL or APPEL-SpEd program.
APPEL Recommends
I was awarded an AEL due to my license in another state and have completed my Professional
requirements (e.g., College & Career Readiness certificate, Pedagogical Performance
Assessment (PPA), Foundations of Reading exam).
LER Upgrade to Professional
I have a DOPL license in CSW or LCSW.
License Equivalency Review (LER)
I completed an online program and have a certificate (teacher, admin, or other) from
another state.
License Equivalency Review (LER)
I have a Utah Professional License and want to add an Associate license area. (e.g.,
I am licensed in Elementary, but want to add Special Education.)
Associate Educator License (AEL)
I am enrolled in a Utah teacher preparation program.
Associate Educator License (AEL)
I have a degree in education from another country.
License Equivalency Review (LER)
I am enrolled in an educator preparation program in another state.
Associate Educator License (AEL)
I have a national certification like ASHA-CCC or NASP-NCSP.
License Equivalency Review (LER)
Before You Begin
Complete these steps before you submit your licensing application:
Create a
Utah Schools Information Management System (USIMS)
account.
Criminal Background Review including fingerprinting (USIMS) cleared by USBE.
Online review of Ethical Standards and Rules for Educators (USIMS).
Submit all college/university
Transcripts
to Educator Licensing.
Create and submit application and supporting documents in
SM Apply
NOTE: There are no licensing fees for any application in Utah.
Each of these tasks may be accessed through the USIMS account Checklist section.
Background Check Requirements
All educators in Utah are required to have a cleared background check associated with
the Utah State Board of Education.  Background checks cleared through other agencies
in or outside of Utah do not qualify.  Please refer to the USBE Fingerprint Policy for
requirements and steps.
Ethics Review
The USBE requires completion of the Educator Ethics Review within 12 months of applying
or being granted a license.  The activity takes approximately 30-45 minutes through
the link in the USIMS Checklist.
Transcript Submission
All official transcripts or transcript evaluations must be submitted separately to
from the license application process through the university’s clearinghouse to
transcripts@schools.utah.gov
.  Please review the
Transcript Policy
to see the steps and options. Electronically submitted records will be linked by
the USBE staff once the application has been received.
Application Step
Candidates should locate the Application Type they wish to apply for and follow all
steps outlined. Types of applications include
License Equivalency Review
(LER),
Associate Educator License
(AEL) or
the Endorsement Only Application
(current license holders only).  Once all starting application steps listed above
have been completed, candidates will create their application through
SM Apply
.  Please be sure to complete all requirements including testing, instructional videos/activities,
forms and all other supporting attachments and documentation prior to submitting the
application.  Any incomplete applications cannot be processed and will be returned
for correction, causing delays in approval.
License Equivalency Review (LER) Application
If you have a standard renewable educator license from another state or country and
would like to apply for a Utah Educator License, please read the following step by
step instructions to prepare your License Equivalency Review (LER) application for
submission to Utah State Board of Education.
Please use the
License Equivalency Review Checklist
(Google Docs) to prepare and submit your application.
LER Upgrade to Professional Application
If you were awarded an Associate Educator License (AEL) based on your out-of-state,
international, or occupational license, use this application pathway in
SM Apply
to submit additional documentation demonstrating you have completed the requirements
to upgrade to the Professional Educator License.  Complete the
LER Upgrade to Professional Application in SM Apply
Forms
Verification of Educator Experience
Complete this form if you have experience as an educator in another state or country.
Application Submission
All applications must be submitted electronically through
SM Apply
.  Click the link to create an account.  Please refer to the
SM Apply Tutorials
(Google Docs) to access videos to assist with navigating the application website.
For questions about LER, please contact us at
LER@schools.utah.gov
or visit
Frequently Asked Questions
(Google Docs).
Associate Educator License (AEL) Application
The AEL level is available for anyone who wishes to teach in Utah but has not completed
an educator preparation program (university-based or alternate pathway).
The AEL is valid for three (3) years and is not renewable.
The AEL is intended for:
Individuals who would like to teach in Utah schools and will be enrolling in either
a university-based educator preparation program or alternative pathway program, or
Individuals hired to teach in a Utah school who are currently enrolled in an educator
preparation program, or
Individuals who hold a current Utah Professional license and wish to add a new license
area.
To qualify for an AEL license Level, the applicant must complete a background check,
educator ethics review prior to submitting an online application.  AEL Licenses require
the demonstration of minimum competencies in at least one content area. AEL licenses
are granted for 3 years and are non-transferable outside of Utah.
Checklists
The following Google Docs provide a step-by-step checklist of requirements for obtaining
an AEL in specific license areas of concentration.  Please note all applications that
include
Physical Education (PE) must include a copy of your current CPR certification
Audiologist AEL Checklist
Career and Technical Education (Grades 6-12) AEL Checklist
Deaf Education AEL Checklist
Early Childhood (PK-3) AEL Checklist
Elementary (K-8) AEL Checklist
--
Elementary Education Content Competencies Form
Preschool Special Education (Birth-Age 5) AEL Checklist
School Counselor AEL Checklist
School Leadership AEL Checklist
Secondary (6-12) AEL Checklist
Special Education (K-12+) AEL Checklist
Speech Language Pathology (SLP) AEL Checklist
Speech Language Technician (SLT) AEL Checklist
School Psychologist AEL Checklist
School Social Worker (SSW) AEL Checklist
Application Submission
All applications must be submitted electronically through
SM Apply
.  Click the link to create an account.  Please refer to the
SM Apply Tutorials
(Google Docs) to access videos to assist with navigating the application website.
University Program Information
University programs must provide a letter of enrollment for certain candidates to
receive an AEL.  The letter must verify the following information: institution information,
enrollment information, and enrollment status.  Please see individual license area
checklists for more specific information. The
teacher letter template
is provided for your convenience.
For questions about the AEL, please contact us at
ael@schools.utah.gov
or visit
Frequently Asked Questions
(Google Docs).
University Recommends
Utah University Recommendation
The information below is for individuals who have completed an education preparation
degree program through a Utah college/university and are ready to apply for a Professional
Utah Educator License. Please read the following step-by-step instructions to obtain
your standard Professional Utah Educator License.
Instructions
Utah Schools Information Management System (USIMS)
For initial license recommendations only.
Step 1:  Successfully complete a Utah State Board of Education (USBE) Background Check
in USIMS.
Choose the Initial Licensing option.
Complete the online account registration including your social security number and
your date of birth to initiate the background check.
Utah requires completion of the background check that includes fingerprinting.
Fingerprinting for Applicants Physically Located in Utah
Create an account in
USIMS
. Follow prompts and complete Educator Ethics Review and Background Check. View the
Fingerprint Directions provided.
No cards will be mailed to you;
please read directions. Schedule an appointment at one of the local
Utah Educator LiveScan Fingerprint Sites
. Results take approximately 15-20 business days from the date the prints are taken.
Fingerprinting for Applicants Located Outside of Utah
No cards will be mailed to you.
Schedule an appointment at any local agency that performs background checks and obtain
a standard-issued Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint card(s) (FD-258)
Please be sure to include your full Social Security Number, signature and enter your
Comprehensive Administration of Credentials for Teachers in Utah Schools (CACTUS)
Identification Number in the Originating Case Agency (OCA) Box on your card.
Mail the completed card and signed
Utah State Board of Education, Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification, and Federal
Bureau of Investigation Informed Consent and Release of Liability
to:
Utah State Board of Education Educator Licensing
PO Box 144200
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200
Results clear in approximately 20-25 business days from the date the cards are received
by USBE. Comprehensive Administration of Credentials for Teachers in Utah Schools
(CACTUS) Identification numbers are created for individuals when initiating their
first USBE Background Check.
To Retrieve Your CACTUS Identification Number
Go to
USIMS
and click on License Information to retrieve your CACTUS Identification Number.
Step 2:  Complete a Utah Educator Ethics Review in USIMS Within 12 Months of Being
Recommended for a Utah Educator License.
Complete the 30-minute activity (it is a timed activity and should take no longer
than 35 minutes) in
USIMS
. The activity completion date will be posted to your CACTUS profile within 1 hour.
Step 3:  Complete the University Recommendation Step in USIMS to Confirm the License
and Print an Official Digital Copy of the License.
Your Utah University will post your University Recommendation in CACTUS profile and
it will appear in your
USIMS
account.
It is recommended that the confirmation step be completed within 30 days of the university’s
recommendation.
Delays in completing the final process could result in an expiration of the recommendation
which could require addition coursework or certification through the university and
USBE before this can be re-recommended.
For any questions or to report errors regarding the License Type, License Area or
Endorsements, please contact the recommending university.
APPEL Recommends
The information below is for individuals who have completed an Alternate Pathway to
Professional Educator License (APPEL), APPEL-SpEd, or USBE SLT Institute program.
If your education preparation program has submitted a recommendation to Educator Licensing,
you are ready to apply for a Utah Professional Educator License. Please read the following
step-by-step instructions to obtain your standard Utah Professional Educator License.
APPEL, APPEL-SpEd, SLT Institute Instructions
Program Director submits the official recommendation to the Educator Licensing team
at
APPEL@schools.utah.gov
.  Program provides a copy of that recommendation to the educator.
Educator Instructions
After your program, APPEL, APPEL-SpEd, USBE SLT Institute, submits the official recommendation
to the Educator Licensing team, complete the steps below.  If you already have a Utah
Professional Educator License and are only adding a license area, you may skip steps
1 and 2.  For example, you already have a Professional license in Special Education
and have completed an APPEL program for Elementary.
Step 1:  Successfully complete a Utah State Board of Education (USBE) Background Check
Step 2:  Complete the Educator Ethics Review in
USIMS
Step 3:  Submit Digital Application in
SM Apply
Watch
How to Apply for a Professional Educator License (APPEL, APPEL-SpEd, SLT Institute
Recommendation)
tutorial video
Choose the "Professional License (APPEL, APPEL-SpEd, SLT Institute Recommendation)"
Application
Attach a copy of the recommendation document provided to you by your APPEL program
Provide the email address of your APPEL Director
Complete and sign the application
Submit the application
Step 4:  Wait for Official Notification
When all license requirements are met, the Educator Licensing team will grant your
Utah Professional Educator License.  You will receive a notification from SM Apply
stating the license has been awarded.  If there is anything missing, you will get
an email through the SM Apply system requesting additional documentation or action.
You may print a copy of your Utah Professional Educator License in
USIMS
; it is available in the "Print/View License" drop-down menu.
International Educators
In the 2023 General Session of the Utah Legislature, SB 35 Reciprocal Licensing Amendments
passed and became law.  This law allows any educator from another country that has
at least one year of experience to be granted a Utah Professional Educator License.
You will need to complete the License Equivalency Review (LER) Application. Please
use the
License Equivalency Review (LER) License Application Checklist
(Google Docs) to prepare and submit your application.
International Transcripts & Licenses
Foreign transcripts and licenses must be evaluated for United States equivalency by
an approved company. Be sure to obtain a
course by-course equivalency
and
degree evaluation with translation.
For a list of acceptable companies who provide this service go to the
National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
or the
Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE)
My International Education Evaluation (MyIEE)
offers a $20 discount to Utah educators with expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The
International Licenses Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
answer most common questions for individuals with a license in another country seeking
a Utah license.
Forms
Verification of Educator Experience
Complete this form to verify your experience as an educator in another state or country.
School Leadership
The School Leadership license area may be granted by completion of a Utah university-based
school leadership program or based on a professional administrative license granted
from another state or country.
School Leadership (Administrative) License
Educator Licensing requires documentation of successful completion of a leadership
program that meets USBE Administrative Rule
R277-305 School Leadership License Areas of Concentration and Programs
Utah-based Programs
Educators currently
enrolled
in a Utah-based program
may apply for an Associate Educator License:
Associate Educator License (AEL) Requirements for School Leadership
(Google Docs)
Educators who have
completed a
leadership/administrative program
in Utah
Contact your Utah university to request a University Recommendation be submitted directly
to USBE
Online or Out-of-State Programs
Educators who completed a program
outside of Utah (including online programs not based in Utah)
Ensure the program which you are enrolled in will lead to licensure in the state the
university is based
Obtain a School Leadership or Administrative License in that state
Submit a License Equivalency Review (LER) application through
SM Apply
Please see
School Leadership License Requirements
(Google Docs), and refer to the
SM Apply Tutorials
(Google Docs) to access videos to assist with navigating the application website.
Educator Tests
The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) has approved a variety of assessments that
meet one or more requirements for licensure. Some approved assessments are required,
and some are options to meet demonstrated competency. For more information, refer
to
Utah State Licensure Test Requirements
If initially requested to
Educational Testing Services (ETS)
by the educator, tests results will automatically be uploaded to USBE within 15 business
days of receiving the test results from ETS. These can be verified by logging into
my.uen
on the Utah Education Network (UEN) website on the Comprehensive Administration of
Credentials for Teachers in Utah Schools (CACTUS) view.
In the event the scores do not upload, please do not pay any additional fees to have
the results resent. Instead forward the e-mail from ETS to
licensing@schools.utah.gov
, include your CACTUS identification number, and USBE will manually post your scores.
If requested to Pearson by the educator, the state will receive a data file of candidate
results and will have access to a secure reporting tool, which can be used to generate
custom views and reports.
Pedagogical Performance Assessment (PPA)
As of June 10, 2024, there is no PPA requirement for Utah teacher preparation programs.
Foundations of Reading
Teacher candidates earning their teaching license in the areas of early childhood,
elementary education, and special education will need to pass the Foundations of Reading
Test before they are awarded their professional license. Candidates from Utah who
are currently enrolled in an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) will receive a test
voucher from their program. The voucher must be entered during the registration process.
Vouchers cannot be applied retroactively to existing registrations, so be sure to
acquire your voucher before you register. If you have any questions about your voucher,
ask your faculty advisor before registering for the test.
A passing score on the Utah Foundations of Reading Assessment (UFORA) is required
for individuals seeking a Utah professional license in elementary, early childhood,
and special education.
Individuals who apply for licensure on or after September 1, 2024 will need to pass
the Foundations of Reading assessment with a score of 240 or higher to receive their
license
. Candidates who do not receive a score of 240 or higher during their first attempt
will have the
UFORA Assessment Options
(Google Doc).
Utah Foundations of Reading
Pearson Education, Inc.
Out-of-State Equivalency
Review the
Out-of-State Testing Equivalency
document to see if a test taken in another state is equivalent to a required test
in Utah.
Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact
Professional License Portability
Effective April 1, 2024, Utah will be participating as one of the inaugural 10 states
in the
Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact
.  The Council of State Governments (GCS) in partnership with other nationally recognized
agencies have established licensing reciprocity among participating states.  This
compact is intended to increase the portability of a professional license to other
Member States while reducing the obstacles and approval time associated with transferring
or qualifying for a professional license.  Temporary credential license types such
as probationary, provisional, substitute, LEA-Specific or associate license types
do not qualify.  To see the map of participating states, please click the
Compact Map
Utah License Holders in Member States
Utah educators holding a professional level license may apply to other Member States
and qualify for a license in that state with a completed background check compliant
with that state’s regulations and evidence of their Utah Professional Educator License.
Member States’ Educators Coming to Utah
Educators outside of Utah wishing to apply for a Utah license from another Member
State may apply through License Equivalency Review (LER) in
SM Apply
.  Please see the
LER Checklist
(Google Docs) for details on completing that application.
A professional license(s) will be granted for the equivalent license type(s) available
in Utah.  All professional licenses have a 5-year renewal cycle.  Educators will be
required to complete Utah’s renewal requirements every 5 years to maintain the license
status.