COST State-by-State Certification Map 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a state issues a 'temporary' or 'provisional' out-of-state license, what is the typical maximum duration before the teacher must meet full requirements?
- 1 to 3 years (Correct answer)
- 6 months
- 5 to 7 years
- 10 years
Correct answer: 1 to 3 years
Most states grant provisional or temporary licenses valid for one to three years, during which the teacher must satisfy any outstanding requirements for full licensure.
Question 2: An out-of-state teacher applying in Pennsylvania must typically provide a 'letter of comparability.' What does this document confirm?
- That the applicant's out-of-state preparation program meets Pennsylvania's certification standards (Correct answer)
- That the applicant passed a Pennsylvania-specific background check
- That the applicant holds a current CPR certification
- That the applicant's salary in the previous state was equivalent to Pennsylvania salary scales
Correct answer: That the applicant's out-of-state preparation program meets Pennsylvania's certification standards
A letter of comparability confirms that the applicant's previous state program is substantially equivalent to Pennsylvania's teacher preparation requirements.
Question 3: Illinois requires out-of-state teachers to pass which assessment before granting an Educator License with Stipulations (ELS)?
- Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) exams (Correct answer)
- Praxis Core Academic Skills
- National Board Certification assessment
- edTPA portfolio
Correct answer: Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) exams
Illinois requires applicants to pass the relevant ILTS exams, including content-area and possibly the APT (Assessment of Professional Teaching), as a condition for full licensure.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes Minnesota's approach to out-of-state licensed teachers?
- Minnesota evaluates each application individually and may require additional coursework in Minnesota-specific content such as American Indian studies (Correct answer)
- Minnesota grants automatic full reciprocity to all 50 states
- Minnesota only accepts teachers from states that border it
- Minnesota requires all out-of-state teachers to complete a full teacher preparation program
Correct answer: Minnesota evaluates each application individually and may require additional coursework in Minnesota-specific content such as American Indian studies
Minnesota may require out-of-state applicants to complete coursework in American Indian culture and history, which is a state-specific requirement not commonly found elsewhere.
Question 5: A teacher licensed in Massachusetts moves to New Hampshire. Which scenario most accurately reflects what they should expect?
- New Hampshire may grant a reciprocal license but could still require a New Hampshire-specific assessment or course (Correct answer)
- New Hampshire automatically issues a full professional license with no additional steps
- New Hampshire does not participate in any form of interstate reciprocity
- New Hampshire requires the teacher to repeat a full student-teaching placement
Correct answer: New Hampshire may grant a reciprocal license but could still require a New Hampshire-specific assessment or course
New Hampshire participates in interstate agreements but may impose state-specific requirements such as local assessments or coursework before granting a full license.
Question 6: Which document issued by a state education agency formally verifies that a teacher's license is valid, in good standing, and without disciplinary action?
- Letter of Good Standing (Certificate Verification) (Correct answer)
- NASDTEC Clearinghouse Report
- FBI Background Check Summary
- Transcript Evaluation Form
Correct answer: Letter of Good Standing (Certificate Verification)
A Letter of Good Standing (or Certificate Verification letter) is an official document from the original state confirming the license is current and has no disciplinary flags.
Question 7: Ohio's reciprocity process grants an 'Alternative Resident Educator License' to qualified out-of-state applicants. What is a key condition of this license?
- The teacher must complete the Ohio Resident Educator Program during the license period (Correct answer)
- The teacher must retake all Ohio-specific content exams before employment begins
- The teacher must work only in urban districts for the first two years
- The teacher must hold a doctorate to qualify
Correct answer: The teacher must complete the Ohio Resident Educator Program during the license period
Ohio's Resident Educator Program is a mentored induction program that alternative license holders must complete to advance to a standard professional license.
COST State-by-State Certification Map 3
When a state issues a 'temporary' or 'provisional' out-of-state license, what is the typical maximum duration before the teacher must meet full requirements?