Application Fee
See agencyVerified by KY Board of Education
K-12 Teacher Licensing in Kentucky
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for k-12 teacher in Kentucky, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for K-12 Teacher in Kentucky
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Division of Certification • Education Professional Standards Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$57,980 median (7% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#35 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Kentucky eligibility requirements for K-12 Teacher licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Division of Certification~Education Professional Standards Board and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Kentucky
With a median salary of $57,980, K-12 Teachers in Kentucky earn 7% below the national median of $62,340. Kentucky ranks #35 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,180Median annual salary
$57,980Hourly estimate
$27.887% below national median
Difference: -$4,360
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationK-12 Teacher Salary Ranking
#35 of 50 statesfor K-12 Teacher median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $99,110 |
| #2 | California | $98,190 |
| #3 | Rhode Island | $86,900 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | $83,260 |
| #5 | New York | $82,480 |
Nearby States Comparison
K-12 Teacher licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $57,980 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $58,370 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $65,380 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $55,550 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $62,270 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $52,690 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $48,250 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $64,160 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Indiana | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Ohio | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Virginia | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Division of Certification • Education Professional Standards Board
300 Sower Blvd., 3rd Floor, Frankfort, KY, 40601
Phone: 5025644606
Related Careers in Kentucky
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $63,540 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $67,110 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $79,330 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $61,320 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a K-12 Teacher in Kentucky?
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 K-12 Teachers in Kentucky?
Kentucky lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for K-12 Teachers.
What education do you need to become a K-12 Teacher in Kentucky?
The board typically expects Specific course required for K-12 Teacher licensure in Kentucky.
What is the typical K-12 Teacher salary in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for K-12 Teachers in Kentucky is $57,980. Salaries range from $40,830 (10th percentile) to $77,250 (90th percentile).
How does the K-12 Teacher salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?
K-12 Teachers in Kentucky earn 7% below the national median of $62,340, with a state median of $57,980.
How many K-12 Teachers work in Kentucky?
Kentucky employs approximately 18,680 K-12 Teachers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my K-12 Teacher license to Kentucky from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for K-12 Teachers in Kentucky?
The licensing agency is Division of Certification / Education Professional Standards Board. Review agency details at http://www.epsb.ky.gov/.
How often do you renew a K-12 Teacher license in Kentucky?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.