Connecticut Teacher Certification for International Teachers — Requirements and Process

Getting certified to teach in Connecticut with international credentials is possible, but the process adds several steps that domestic applicants don't face. The biggest hurdle isn't teaching ability — it's proving that your foreign degree and preparation are equivalent to what Connecticut requires. Here's how the process works from start to finish.

Step 1: Get a Course-by-Course Credential Evaluation

The CSDE doesn't evaluate foreign transcripts itself. You need a third-party evaluation from an agency that's a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Approved agencies include:

• World Education Services (WES)
• Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
• SpanTran / The Evaluation Company (TEC)

The critical detail: you need a course-by-course evaluation, not just a document report. A document report confirms your degree exists; a course-by-course evaluation breaks down your credits, GPA equivalency, and subject-area distribution. The CSDE uses this detailed breakdown to determine whether your preparation aligns with Connecticut's endorsement requirements.

Fees and turnaround times vary by agency; confirm the current amount and processing estimate with the evaluator you choose.

Step 2: Identify Your Endorsement Pathway

Once you have the evaluation in hand, map your coursework against Connecticut's endorsement codes. The CSDE will check for:

• A bachelor's degree equivalent, as determined by the credential evaluation
• Subject-area coursework that meets the minimum credit requirements for your target endorsement
• The mandatory 36 clock hours of special education coursework required by CGS § 10-145b(d) — this is the requirement that catches most international applicants off guard

If you meet the other certification criteria but lack the required 36-hour special education course, the CSDE will issue a one-year, nonrenewable Interim Initial Educator Certificate while you complete it.

Step 3: Pass Required State Assessments

International candidates must meet the same testing requirements as domestic applicants:

• Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualify for a waiver based on equivalent standardized test scores)
• Praxis II Subject Assessment for your target endorsement area
• Pearson Foundations of Reading if pursuing elementary, early childhood, or special education endorsements

Register through ETS (for Praxis) and the Connecticut testing portal (for Pearson). Use CSDE Provider Code 7050 when registering with ETS to ensure score reports are sent directly to the Bureau of Certification.

Step 4: Apply Through CECS

With your credential evaluation, test scores, and any required forms in hand, apply through the Connecticut Educator Certification System (CECS) portal. You'll need:

• The completed online application (Form ED 170 equivalent)
• The $50 nonrefundable application review fee
• Your NACES evaluation transmitted directly to the CSDE by the evaluator
• Official test score reports sent directly to the CSDE

If you're applying under the ARC program (because you don't have formal teaching preparation), you'll follow that pathway instead — the ARC accepts international degree holders provided their credential evaluation confirms a qualifying bachelor's equivalent and the required GPA.

Processing Time and What to Expect

For the CSDE portion of the process, expect 4–6 weeks during the off-peak season (November–March) and 2–3 months during the peak licensing season (April–October). The credential evaluation itself can add time.

If you meet the other certification criteria but lack the required 36-hour special education course, the CSDE will issue the one-year, nonrenewable Interim Initial Certificate while you complete it.

What International Candidates Should Know About Costs

The state-level fees are the same as for domestic applicants — the Initial Educator Certificate is now free ($0 issuance fee as of October 2025), with only the $50 application review fee. But international candidates should budget for the credential evaluation's agency-specific fee, potential additional coursework, and testing fees ($64–$180 per assessment).

The Connecticut Teacher Certification Guide includes a step-by-step tracker for international applicants covering credential evaluation, gap analysis, and the application sequence — designed to prevent the common mistake of enrolling in unnecessary coursework before the CSDE has reviewed your file.

Related Reading

• Connecticut Teacher Certification Transcript Requirements
• Connecticut Teacher Certification Cost
• Connecticut Teacher Certification Processing Time

See more Connecticut guides →