Top 10 Fastest Online Teacher Certification Programs

If you already have a bachelor’s degree and want to start teaching as soon as possible, accelerated teacher certification programs can shorten the path to the classroom. Instead of spending four years earning another degree, many candidates can complete coursework and student teaching in as little as one to two years.

The fastest options are typically designed for career changers or degree holders who meet subject-area requirements. Below, we’ll go over how these programs work, what makes them “accelerated,” and which schools offer some of the best online pathways to licensure.

What Are Online Accelerated Teacher Certification Programs?

Online accelerated teacher certification programs are licensure-focused pathways that allow you to complete required pedagogy courses, field experiences, and student teaching in less time than a traditional four-year education degree. These programs are usually offered at regionally accredited, nonprofit universities and lead to state teaching licensure.

Most are post-baccalaureate programs, meaning you must already hold a bachelor’s degree. Coursework is delivered online for flexibility, while required clinical practice and student teaching take place in person at an approved school in your area. Because they are structured for working adults, many programs offer year-round enrollment, condensed terms, or competency-based formats that can help you move through requirements faster.

What Is the Quickest Way To Get a Teaching Certificate?

The quickest way to earn a teaching certificate is typically through an accelerated teacher certification program designed for candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Instead of completing another four-year degree, you focus only on required education coursework, classroom management training, subject-specific methods, and supervised student teaching.

For many career changers, alternative certification pathways offer the fastest route. These programs may allow you to begin teaching under a provisional or intern license while completing coursework, depending on state regulations. Some schools also offer condensed terms, year-round scheduling, or competency-based formats that let you progress as soon as you demonstrate mastery of the material.

Your timeline will depend on your prior degree, the subject you plan to teach, and state licensure requirements. In many cases, candidates can finish in about 12 to 24 months. Checking your state’s department of education website early in the process can help you confirm testing, background check, and field experience requirements so there are no surprises along the way.

Best Accelerated Teaching Certificate Programs

Several colleges and universities offer accelerated pathways to teacher licensure for students who already have prior education. Below, we’ve featured some of the best and fastest accelerated teacher certification programs.

Note that most of these programs focus on licensure requirements for the state that the school is located in. This doesn’t mean that it won’t meet the requirements for another state, but you should check your state requirements before choosing a school.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) offers an online post-baccalaureate teacher certification program designed for candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Coursework is delivered online, and students complete in-person field experiences and student teaching to qualify for licensure in Arizona and other states.

Based in Tempe, Arizona, ASU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Its accelerated structure and focused licensure pathway make it a strong option if you want a nationally recognized university with a streamlined timeline.

2. Ball State University

Located in Muncie, Indiana, Ball State University offers an online Transition to Teaching program designed for career changers pursuing Indiana licensure. The program focuses on essential pedagogy and classroom experience rather than general education coursework, which can shorten the path to certification.

Coursework is delivered online, with supervised field placements completed in person. Ball State is regionally accredited by the HLC, and its streamlined, licensure-centered structure makes it a practical accelerated option for degree holders ready to move into teaching.

3. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University offers an online Transition to Teaching program for candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to earn Kansas licensure. Coursework is delivered in an accelerated format, focusing on professional education requirements and supervised field experience rather than a full second degree.

Based in Hays, Kansas, the university is regionally accredited by the HLC. Its year-round scheduling and licensure-only structure can make it a faster pathway for career changers ready to enter the classroom.

4. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University (ODU) provides a Career Switcher pathway that prepares bachelor’s degree holders for Virginia teacher licensure. The program emphasizes practical classroom skills and allows candidates to complete online coursework while arranging in-person teaching experiences locally.

Old Dominion is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and is located in Norfolk, Virginia. The focused curriculum and alternative certification design help shorten the timeline compared to earning a second bachelor’s degree.

5. University of Central Missouri

Located in Warrensburg, Missouri, the University of Central Missouri is regionally accredited by the HLC and offers an online Alternative Certification pathway leading to Missouri teacher licensure. The program is designed for candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree and need focused professional education coursework.

Classes are delivered online, with required field experiences completed in person. Because it concentrates on licensure requirements rather than a full second degree, many candidates can finish within about one to two years.

6. University of Louisiana at Monroe

The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers an online Alternative Certification Program for bachelor’s degree holders seeking Louisiana licensure. The curriculum centers on pedagogy, classroom management, and supervised teaching, helping streamline the route to certification.

Based in Monroe, Louisiana, the university is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC. Its structured, licensure-focused format and accelerated course sequencing make it a practical option for career changers.

7. University of North Texas

The University of North Texas (UNT) offers an online Alternative Teacher Certification Program for candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to pursue Texas licensure. Coursework focuses on instructional methods, assessment, and classroom practice, allowing many students to complete requirements in about one to two years.

UNT is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC. Located in Denton, Texas, the university pairs flexible online classes with supervised in-person teaching experiences arranged in local schools.

8. University of South Carolina

Based in Columbia, South Carolina, the University of South Carolina provides an online Alternative Certification pathway that leads to state licensure. The program is structured for degree holders and emphasizes accelerated completion through focused professional coursework.

Online instruction is combined with required field placements in approved schools. The university is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC, and its alternative format can shorten the path compared to earning a second bachelor’s degree.

9. University of West Florida

The University of West Florida (UWF) offers an online Alternative Certification Program designed for bachelor’s degree holders seeking Florida teacher licensure. Coursework is delivered in an accelerated sequence that focuses strictly on required professional education competencies and supervised classroom experience.

Regionally accredited by the SACSCOC, UWF is located in Pensacola, Florida. Its streamlined structure and year-round scheduling can make it possible to complete certification requirements in about one to two years.

10. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU), headquartered in Salt Lake City, is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The university offers several online licensure-track options, including the Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and post-baccalaureate teacher preparation programs.

What sets this accelerated teacher certification program apart is its competency-based model. Students progress by demonstrating mastery rather than following a fixed term schedule, which may allow motivated candidates to move through coursework more quickly while completing required in-person student teaching.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. We also focus specifically on schools that offer a clear, accelerated pathway to teacher licensure through online coursework. Each program is evaluated using the following criteria:

• Accreditation: We prioritize regionally accredited, nonprofit institutions to help ensure your certification pathway meets state licensure standards and is widely recognized.
• Program length: We look for programs structured to be completed in less than four years, with many designed for bachelor’s degree holders who can finish in about one to two years.
• Online availability: Qualifying programs must offer online coursework, while arranging required in-person field experiences and student teaching locally.
• Student outcomes: We review completion data and related metrics to identify schools with strong track records of supporting candidates through certification.

How Do I Choose the Best Accelerated Teaching Certificate Program Online?

Not all accelerated teacher certification programs are structured the same way. As you compare options, it helps to look beyond speed and consider how each program aligns with your goals, timeline, and state licensure requirements.

Here are a few key factors to keep in mind:

• State licensure alignment: Make sure the program is approved for teacher certification in the state where you plan to teach, or that it clearly outlines reciprocity options if you may relocate.
• Timeline and pacing format: Some programs use condensed eight-week terms, while others offer competency-based progress; choose the format that fits your schedule and learning style.
• Subject-area eligibility: Your undergraduate major may determine which grade levels or subjects you qualify to teach, so confirm admission requirements early.
• Student teaching placement support: Look for programs that assist with arranging local field experiences, as this is required for licensure.
• Testing and additional requirements: States may require content exams, background checks, or specific coursework, so review all certification steps before enrolling.

Choosing the right accelerated teacher certification program means balancing speed with long-term career fit. Taking time to confirm licensure eligibility and program structure can help you move forward with confidence.

FAQs About Accelerated Teacher Certification

Finding the right accelerated teacher certification can feel overwhelming. To help ease the pressure, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions about these programs below.

What Are the Requirements for Accelerated Teacher Certification Programs?

Most accelerated teacher certification programs require you to hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. You may also need a minimum GPA, completion of prerequisite coursework in your intended subject area, and passing scores on state-required content or basic skills exams. Background checks and supervised student teaching are typically required before licensure.

How Much Does It Cost To Become a Certified Teacher?

Costs vary by state and institution, but many post-baccalaureate certification programs range from about $10,000 to $25,000 in total tuition. Additional expenses may include testing fees, background checks, and fingerprinting. Financial aid, including federal student loans and grants, may be available if you enroll at an eligible nonprofit institution.

Are Accelerated Teacher Certification Programs Harder Than Traditional Routes?

Accelerated programs are not necessarily harder, but they are often more intensive. Because coursework is condensed and focused strictly on licensure requirements, you may complete assignments and fieldwork on a tighter schedule. Strong time management and clear career goals can help you succeed in a faster-paced format.

Do Teachers Make More Money With a Master's Degree?

In many public school districts, teachers with a master’s degree may qualify for higher pay on established salary schedules. However, salary structures vary by district and state, and earning a graduate degree does not automatically guarantee a raise. It’s important to review local district policies before deciding on a graduate program.

Can I Get a Teaching Degree in Two Years?

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, you may be able to complete a licensure-only or post-baccalaureate program in about one to two years. Earning an initial bachelor’s degree in education typically takes about four years, though some accelerated undergraduate pathways may shorten that timeline with transfer credits or year-round enrollment.

Explore Education Degrees Online

Fast-track your journey to a teaching career by exploring the accelerated online teacher certification programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools for licensure requirements and other program details.