Licensure Assessments
Arkansas has adopted ETS Praxis exams as the content assessments for licensure.
Praxis Content Assessment Requirements
Praxis requirements vary by state to be sure to register for the appropriate exam required by Arkansas. For a list of Arkansas Praxis requirements and required minimum scores, click here.
Register for a Praxis Exam
To register for your exam, click here.
Foundations of Reading Assessment Requirements (* for K-6 and Special Education licenses only)
For study materials or to register for the Foundations of Reading exam, click here.
Background Checks
There are two parts to the background check process:
- Criminal History Records Check (fingerprinting)
- Child Maltreatment Central Registry Check
Follow the step-by-step directions for completing the background check process.
MAT Provisional Licensure
Candidates enrolled in the Master of Arts in Teaching program may qualify for a provisional license provided that certain requirements are met. A provisional license is a “temporary” license that lets an individual work as a teacher of record while completing the remaining requirements for a standard license.
For MAT candidates who have passed their licensure exams, please get in touch with your MAT advisor once you are hired as a teacher of record. This will initiate the application process for your provisional license. Your advisor will confirm your eligibility for the provisional license.
Standard Licensure
To apply for a first-time standard license in Arkansas: Log into your AELS account at aels.ade.arkansas.gov/AELS/Account/TeacherLogin.aspx- Select Apply for a Standard License
- Select First-time Licensure (recent graduate from an Arkansas institution)
- Do not select any of the other options – even if they seem to apply to your situation
- Even if you are an MAT candidate converting a provisional license to a standard, you must still select First-time Licensure (recent graduate from an Arkansas institution)
- Select Southern Arkansas University
- Complete the information requested in Parts 1 – 4
Part 1 – Background Check Information
- The system may skip this section if your background checks are current and approved
- If the system does not indicate your background checks are completed, mark yes to indicate you understand each must be completed
- Tick the box to indicate that you acknowledge that all coursework must be documented by providing original college transcripts
- We will transmit your final transcript as soon as they are available. You do NOT need to request a transcript for your teaching license
- Click Continue
Part 2 – Profile Information
- Review your profile information. Use the Update button if you need to make changes. Be sure to click Save if you make changes
- In the Contact section, you must have a current mailing address and at least one primary email and one primary phone number
- Update your employment information if necessary
- Tick the box to indicate all information is correct
- Click Continue
Part 3 – Application Information
- Complete the application information by accurately responding to the questions
- Type your first and last name to serve as your electronic signature
- Click Submit
Part 4 – Fee Payment
- If your fee is already paid, the system will indicate that no fee is necessary
- If prompted, click Make Payment and enter your payment information
- Click Confirm, review your information, and click SUBMIT
- Print receipt
- Click Continue License Application
Continue until you receive a notice that your application has been submitted.
