How to Get an Indiana Teaching License (What You Need to Know in 2025)

To teach in Indiana public K-12 schools you need a state-issued teaching license. Requirements generally include a bachelor's degree (or approved alternative), completion of a teacher prep route, background checks, and passing state assessments. Substitute teaching and emergency permits offer different, often shorter pathways. Homeschooling parents do not need a license, and university teaching is governed by higher-education credentialing rather than K-12 licensure. Verify current tests and license categories with the Indiana Department of Education.

Overview

If you want to teach in Indiana public schools, a college degree alone is not enough. The state requires an educator license issued through the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). Licensure verifies that you meet academic, training, and assessment standards for the grade level and subject you plan to teach.

Typical requirements

Most candidates complete an accredited teacher preparation program or an approved alternative route, hold at least a bachelor's degree, and pass state-required exams and background checks. The license connects your academic preparation with demonstrated content knowledge and professional practice.

Grade levels covered

An Indiana teaching license applies to K-12 settings and is issued for specific grade bands and subject areas: elementary (often K-6), middle grades, and secondary/subject-specific endorsements for high school. Schools rely on these endorsements to place teachers in appropriate classrooms.

Tests and assessments

Licensure usually requires passing content and pedagogy assessments. Historically, Indiana has used Praxis exams, but the state periodically adopts or updates required assessments. Check the IDOE website for the current list of approved tests for your endorsement and route.

Substitutes and temporary pathways

There are distinct permissions for substitute and emergency teaching. Many districts hire substitutes through a short-term permit or a substitute license that has different qualifications than a standard teaching license. Some districts accept a bachelor's degree alone or require passing a placement or competency assessment for substitute work. Specific rules and application steps vary by district and by state updates. ¹

Higher education and college teaching

Teaching at colleges and universities follows different expectations. Postsecondary institutions typically hire on academic credentials (master's or doctorate) and subject expertise rather than a K-12 teaching license. A state teaching license is usually not required to teach in higher education.

Homeschooling and licensure

Parents who homeschool in Indiana are not required to hold a state teaching license. Some families choose to pursue teaching credentials to strengthen curriculum design or to teach in blended settings, but licensure is optional for home education.

Practical steps

1. Review the IDOE licensing pages and identify the endorsement you need. ²

1. Complete an approved teacher preparation program or an alternative route. ³

1. Pass required background checks and state assessments. ⁴

1. Apply through the state licensing portal and follow district hiring processes.

Bottom line

An Indiana teaching license formalizes that you meet state standards to teach in public K-12 schools. Homeschooling parents do not need a license, and college teaching generally relies on higher degrees rather than a K-12 certificate. Because rules and exams change over time, confirm current requirements on the IDOE site before you apply. ⁵

1. Confirm current state-required licensure exam(s) for Indiana (Praxis vs. state exams) and list authoritative exam names if needed.
2. Verify the official license categories and names used by the Indiana Department of Education (initial/professional/resident/emergency).
3. Check specific substitute teacher permit requirements and whether a short-term substitute license is currently used statewide or varies by district.
4. Confirm the exact application portal or process link on the IDOE site for educator licensure.