American Board Now Available in Alabama
Alabama has officially approved a new alternative pathway to teacher certification, allowing professionals with a bachelor’s degree to become certified teachers without returning to a traditional university program. As of March 13, 2025, American Board is now authorized to certify teachers in Alabama, providing a fast, flexible, and affordable route to the classroom.
This approval is significant for both aspiring teachers and Alabama schools struggling with a growing teacher shortage.
How American Board’s Alabama Program Works
American Board in Alabama offers a program designed for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree and want to transition into teaching. Unlike traditional certification routes, this program:
- Is entirely online and self-paced, allowing candidates to study at their convenience.
- Uses competency-based exams to assess subject knowledge, removing unnecessary coursework.
- Provides a faster, cost-effective path to certification, reducing financial and time barriers.
- Does not require student teaching before certification, allowing candidates to enter the classroom sooner while completing their mentorship on the job.
For professionals in STEM fields, business, the military, and other industries, this program provides a direct and structured route into education without requiring years of additional schooling. This pathway is ideal for individuals looking to bring real-world experience into Alabama classrooms while filling critical teaching vacancies across the state.
American Board in Alabama: Background Information
The approval of American Board comes at a time when Alabama is struggling to fill classrooms with fully certified educators. Currently, many Alabama teachers are working under emergency certifications, meaning they have not yet completed full certification requirements.
To address this, the Alabama Legislature passed House Bill 342 in 2023, requiring the State Board of Education to approve alternative certification programs with a proven track record. American Board met all state requirements, including:
- More than 20 years of operation as a certification provider.
- Over 20,000 teachers certified nationwide.
- Certification programs in 14 other states.
Legislators who have advocated for alternative certification options see this approval as a positive step for Alabama’s education system.
State Rep. Terri Collins (R-Decatur), Chair of the House Education Policy Committee, emphasized the importance of expanding pathways to teaching: “The approval of alternative teacher certification programs opens doors that were previously unavailable, streamlines the process of getting qualified educators into schools, and takes advantage of an individual’s previous experience. Right now in Alabama, we need programs that can quickly and effectively get teachers into the classroom.”
State Rep. Susan DuBose (R-District 45) also highlighted how alternative certification benefits both schools and students: “These programs provide a pathway for professionals from diverse backgrounds—whether industry experts, military veterans, or career changers—to bring their knowledge and experience into the classroom. By expanding access to alternative certification, we are strengthening our teacher workforce and addressing critical shortages with innovative, practical solutions.”
Resources to Get Started
Alabama residents who meet the eligibility requirements can begin the certification process immediately.
- Learn More: Visit www.americanboard.org to explore program details.
- Get Started: Visit our Alabama-specific state page to begin your 7-day free trial.
- Call Us: You can call 877-669-2228 during standard business hours to speak with our team.
- Read More: Click here for a brief recap of the State Board of Education meeting approving American Board.
For those looking to transition into teaching, this new pathway provides an accessible, structured, and proven route to certification while helping Alabama schools address their growing teacher shortage.