CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by AL Board of Education

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Licensing in Alabama

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for preschool teachers, except special education in Alabama, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Alabama

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  3. 3

    Certification: Certification required.

  4. 4

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  5. 5

    Teacher certification applicants must: be of good moral character

    • Present evidence of successful completion of at least a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
    • Present evidence of successful completion of a Board approved teacher education program or be a participant in an Alabama alternative certification program
    • and, Pass the required Alabama (ABI) AND Federal Bureaus of Investigation (FBI) background clearance checks
    • Passing scores on PRAXIS Tests and Assessments.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

certification applicants must
be of good moral character; Present evidence of successful completion of at least a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution of highe

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Alabama State Department of Education

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $27,630 median (26% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #49 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Teacher certification applicants must: be of good moral character; Present evidence of successful completion of at least a bachelor's deg...).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.; Teacher certification applicants must: be of good moral character; Present evidence of successful completion of at least a bachelor's deg...).
  5. 5. Submit the application to Alabama State Department of Education and monitor board communications.
  6. 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Alabama

With a median salary of $27,630, Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Alabama earn 26% below the national median of $37,120. Alabama ranks #49 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.9%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,201

Median annual salary

$27,630

Hourly estimate

$13.28
26% below national median

Difference: -$9,490

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$19,590
  • P2525th percentile$22,760
  • P50Median$27,630
  • P7575th percentile$31,160
  • P9090th percentile$56,470

State vs National Median

State: $27,630
National: $37,120

Total employment: 6,610 | Annual openings: N/A

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Salary Ranking

#49 of 50 statesfor Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Nebraska$50,270
#2New Jersey$46,570
#3California$45,880
#4New York$45,580
#5Massachusetts$45,030

Nearby States Comparison

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Alabama$27,630Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$35,980Specific course requiredThird-party exam required18 years
Georgia$42,330Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Florida$34,270Specific course requiredState exam required3 months
Mississippi$26,620Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Alabama58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Tennessee68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Georgia33LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Florida60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Mississippi50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Alabama State Department of Education

P.O. Box 302101, Montgomery, AL, 36104

Phone: 3346944900

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Alabama

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$64,060Specific course required16 years
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$77,940Specific course required16 years
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$81,040Specific course required16 years
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$65,670Specific course required16 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Alabama?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Alabama?

Alabama lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations.

What education do you need to become a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Alabama?

The board typically expects Degree required for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensure in Alabama.

What is the typical Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Alabama?

The median annual salary for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Alabama is $27,630. Salaries range from $19,590 (10th percentile) to $56,470 (90th percentile).

How does the Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Alabama compare to the national average?

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Alabama earn 26% below the national median of $37,120, with a state median of $27,630.

How many Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations work in Alabama?

Alabama employs approximately 6,610 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education license to Alabama from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Alabama?

The licensing agency is Alabama State Department of Education. Review agency details at https://www.alsde.edu/.

How often do you renew a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education license in Alabama?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.