Note: Depending on your state, “certification” might be referred to as “licensure,” and vice versa. In this article, we’ll use the terms “certificate,” “license” and “credential” interchangeably.

There’s not a single, national STEM teacher certification. 

Surprised? 

Most people are.

A STEM teacher certification is a credential that qualifies or recognizes a teacher in science, technology, engineering or math. In the U.S., it usually means a state-issued teaching license in a STEM subject, but the term can also refer to a STEM endorsement added to an existing license or a voluntary professional credential.

Only one of those lets you lead your own public school classroom.

According to the Learning Policy Institute, 41 states reported science teacher shortages and 40 reported math shortages for the 2024-25 school year (1). By the end of this article, you’ll know which credential you need and what to do next.

Think of it as an umbrella term. Most often, it means a state teaching license in a subject like biology or math. States, not the federal government, license teachers, so the exact rules depend on where you’ll teach.
 

What “STEM” covers in a K-12 classroom

If you’ve ever gotten a little too excited explaining how a bridge holds weight, you’re in the right place.

In K-12 schools, STEM usually means middle and high school math, biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, computer science and engineering. Elementary teachers weave STEM into their lessons, too, but they typically hold a general elementary license. For the bigger picture, check out our guide to teaching STEM.
 

Certification, license, endorsement, certificate: a quick glossary

• Certification/licensure: Your state’s legal permission to teach a subject and grade band (the grades you’re approved to teach, like 6-12). States typically use “certificate” and “licensure” interchangeably
• Endorsement: An add-on area attached to a certification/licensure you already hold
• Graduate certificate or professional development (PD) credential: Coursework or recognition that builds your skills but usually isn’t a license
• Reciprocity: Agreements that help a license transfer from one state to another, usually with a few extra steps

Which one you need comes down to one question: Are you already licensed? Here’s how the three stack up.
 

For public schools, yes. You’ll need a state teaching license in your subject or enrollment in an approved alternative route that lets you teach while you finish getting your credentials. Private and some charter schools can set their own rules. Endorsements and voluntary credentials are usually optional.

And schools need you. According to the Learning Policy Institute, an estimated 365,967 teachers weren’t fully certified for their assignments, and about one in eight teaching positions nationwide was unfilled or held by a teacher who wasn’t fully certified (1).

That door is wide open.

Details differ by state, but in most states you’ll need four things.
 

A bachelor’s degree with enough subject coursework

Nearly every state requires one. If you majored in math, biology, engineering or another STEM field, you may already meet the content coursework requirements.

Your STEM degree is an asset, not something to redo.
 

A state-approved teacher preparation program

Options include traditional programs, residencies, apprenticeships and alternative certification, and every route includes hands-on classroom time. Here’s how teacher prep pathways compare, and you can browse real programs in our free Program Explorer.
 

Subject-area exams

Most states require content exams such as the Praxis Subject Assessments or a state-specific test. Your exams match your license, so a future chemistry teacher takes a chemistry exam. Check Praxis requirements by state to see what yours asks for.
 

Background check and state application

Last step: a fingerprint background check and an application to your state education agency. Moving later? Reciprocity can help your license travel.

Start with what you already have. Find yourself below.
 

If you’re a college student or STEM major

Best route: Add an education major, minor or teaching certificate to your STEM degree. Purdue University’s SPRINT program, for example, lets eligible students add a teaching credential with nine extra credits, thanks to Indiana’s Senate Enrolled Act 255 (6). You may also qualify for a TEACH Grant.

First step: Learn how to get certified without an education degree.
 

If you’re a career changer with a STEM degree or industry experience

Engineers, lab techs, IT pros, data analysts: Welcome. Many great STEM teachers started exactly where you are.

“I enjoyed it, but my favorite day of the year was being a guest judge at the state science fair,” said Joe Cossette, former mechanical development engineer and2023 PhysTEC Teacher of the Year. “I was having a ton of fun, and I realized that could be my whole job.” (10)

He made the switch. You can, too!

Best route: Alternative certification for STEM teachers or a teacher residency. Both let you teach, often while earning a salary, as you finish your requirements. Most career changers reach full certification in about one to two years.

Breaking down complex problems and explaining them clearly? That’s the job. We also offer STEM-focused resources in some of our partner regions.

First step: Explore alternative teacher certification. Want a second set of eyes on your plan? Here at TEACH, we offer free one-on-one coaching to help you map your route.
 

If you’re already a certified teacher

Best route: Add a STEM endorsement or a second subject area through coursework or exams. A voluntary STEM certification for teachers, like NISE’s or National Board Certification, can help you grow. Just remember: These build on your license. They don’t replace it.

Think of them as a bonus level, not a new game.

The certification/licensure is essential for public school teaching. Endorsements and voluntary credentials are worth it if they match your goals. Here’s what else is on your side.

• Demand: Science and math are shortage areas in 40 or more states (1).
• Pay: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for high school teachers was $72,040 in May 2025 (7). Here’s how much teachers really make.
• Funding: The federal TEACH Grant can provide up to $4,000 a year if you commit to teaching a high-need subject at a school serving low-income students for at least four years (8).
• Loan forgiveness: Through the federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness program, highly qualified secondary math and science teachers who teach five years at a low-income school may qualify for up to $17,500 (9). Learn more about teacher loan forgiveness.

And then there’s the part no salary schedule can capture. As Cossette puts it: “I’ve taught the same lessons many times, but every time is the students’ first time. I get to see it with them.” (10)

A STEM teacher certification usually means a state teaching license, and that’s the one you need to teach in a public school. Endorsements and voluntary credentials can build on it later. Your best path depends on your state, your subject and where you’re starting from.

Explore your options:

• Check certification requirements by state: Requirements vary by state, subject and grade level, so start with our certification guide.
• Compare STEM teacher prep programs: Search and compare programs by cost, format and location in our free Program Explorer.
• Alternative certification for career changers: Already have a STEM degree or industry experience? See routes that get you into the classroom sooner.
• Costs, financial aid and scholarships: Learn what programs cost and find funding such as TEACH Grants and STEM teacher scholarships.
• Find a program near you: Locate teacher preparation programs and partner regions in your area.
• Talk to a TEACH coach: Book a free 1:1 session to get answers about prerequisites, timelines and next steps.

1. Learning Policy Institute, “An Overview of Teacher Shortages: 2025” (July 2025).
2. Georgia Professional Standards Commission, Rule 505-2-.186, “STEM Education Endorsement” (via Cornell Legal Information Institute).
3. Arizona Department of Education, “Specialized Secondary Certificate STEM, 6-12.”
4. Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, “STEM Renewal Requirement for Teacher Certification.”
5. Accelerate Learning, “10K Teachers Certified in STEM Teaching by NISE NCST Program” (July 2026).
6. Purdue University, “New Purdue Teacher Certification Program Dovetails With STEM Degrees” (2025).
7. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “High School Teachers.”
8. Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education, “TEACH Grants.”
9. Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education, “Teacher Loan Forgiveness.”
10. Taryn MacKinney, “Teaching Is a ‘Squishy’ Science, Says Physics Teacher of the Year. You Should Try It.” APS News (Aug. 10, 2023).