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Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Licensing in Arkansas

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

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

Renewal al (every 5 years

Licensing Blueprint for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Arkansas

Estimated timeline: 5 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Must have a Bachelor's degree with 18 semester hours of early childhood education and specified requirements. 2) Must successfully complete the required criminal background check. 3) Must secure a signed recommendation by the Institutional Certifying Officer. 4) Other requirements/provisions as specified by State law or State Board of Education.

    • Examinations and
  2. 2

    Must have a Bachelor's degree with 18 semester hours of early childhood education and specified requirements. 2) Must successfully complete the required criminal background check. 3) Must secure a signed recommendation by the Institutional Certifying Officer. 4) Other requirements/provisions as specified by State law or State Board of Education.

    • Examinations and fees: All teachers must have successfully completed the following testing: Praxis $135.00, License Renewal (every 5 years): $75.00
  3. 3

    Education: Degree required.

  4. 4

    Experience: No experience required.

  5. 5

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  6. 6

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  7. 7

    Certification: Certification required.

  8. 8

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  9. 9

    Requirements: 1) Must have a Bachelor's degree with 18 semester hours of early childhood education and specified requirements.

  10. 10

    2) Must successfully complete the required criminal background check.

  11. 11

    4) Other requirements/provisions as specified by State law or State Board of Education.

  12. 12

    Examinations and fees: All teachers must have successfully completed the following testing: Praxis $135.00, License Renewal (every 5 years): $75.00.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Certifying Officer
Fee TypeAmount
License Renewal (every 5 years)$75.00

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Arkansas Department of Education • Office of Educator Licensure

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    Renewal al (every 5 years

  4. Salary Position

    $30,050 median (19% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #43 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (8)

  1. 1. Meet Arkansas eligibility requirements for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Must have a Bachelor's degree with 18 semester hours of early childhood education and specified requirements. 2) Must successfully comple...; Must have a Bachelor's degree with 18 semester hours of early childhood education and specified requirements. 2) Must successfully comple...).
  6. 6. Budget filing costs (License Renewal (every 5 years): $75.00).
  7. 7. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Education~Office of Educator Licensure and monitor board communications.
  8. 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al (every 5 years; continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Arkansas

With a median salary of $30,050, Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Arkansas earn 19% below the national median of $37,120. Arkansas ranks #43 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 5 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,118

Median annual salary

$30,050

Hourly estimate

$14.45
19% below national median

Difference: -$7,070

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$25,470
  • P2525th percentile$26,970
  • P50Median$30,050
  • P7575th percentile$46,700
  • P9090th percentile$55,160

State vs National Median

State: $30,050
National: $37,120

Total employment: 2,560 | Annual openings: N/A

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Salary Ranking

#43 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
Arkansas$30,050Degree requiredState exam required5 years
Missouri$35,120Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$35,980Specific course requiredThird-party exam required18 years
Mississippi$26,620Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Louisiana$36,390Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Texas$33,860Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$37,970Degree requiredState-approved examVaries 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
Arkansas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Missouri54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Mississippi50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Louisiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Texas50LowState-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

Arkansas Department of Education • Office of Educator Licensure

Four Capitol Mall, Room 106-B, Little Rock, AR, 72201

Phone: 5016824342

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Related Careers in Arkansas

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$63,620Degree required5 years
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$64,610Degree required5 years
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$63,170Degree required5 years
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$65,020Degree required5 years

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 5 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

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

Arkansas 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 Arkansas?

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

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

The median annual salary for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Arkansas is $30,050. Salaries range from $25,470 (10th percentile) to $55,160 (90th percentile).

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

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Arkansas earn 19% below the national median of $37,120, with a state median of $30,050.

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

Arkansas employs approximately 2,560 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education license to Arkansas 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 Arkansas?

The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Education / Office of Educator Licensure. Review agency details at https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/.

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

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al (every 5 years.