Becoming a teacher in the United States is a rewarding and achievable goal for educators trained in India. However, understanding how to transfer your credentials and meet state-specific requirements can be challenging without the right guidance. From evaluating your education to passing certification exams, the process involves several important steps—but with proper planning, you can successfully begin your teaching career in the U.S.
This guide outlines everything Indian-trained teachers need to know to get started.
Educational Requirements to Become a Teacher
To teach in most U.S. schools, candidates must hold at least a bachelor's degree in education or a closely related field. In India, this typically means having a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) or a similar credential.
Before your degree can be recognized in the U.S., it must be evaluated to determine how it compares to local standards. A credential evaluation helps U.S. institutions and certification boards understand your academic background, identify the equivalency of your degree, and if secondary education is the focus, what subject matter you may be considered eligible to teach, and determine whether additional coursework or training is needed to meet U.S. teaching requirements.
Credential Evaluation for Teachers from India
Credential evaluation agencies like ECE specialize in reviewing international academic records and producing reports that clearly explain your qualifications. These reports are accepted by school districts, teacher certification boards, and employers across the country.
An ECE® credential evaluation translates your education into a format that’s familiar to U.S. institutions—outlining your degree, coursework, teaching subject major, and institutional recognition. This process supports a smooth transition into the American education system and helps licensing authorities verify that you’ve met baseline qualifications to teach.
Certification Exams
In addition to holding an approved degree, most U.S. states require teachers to pass specific certification exams. One of the most common is the Praxis® series of exams, which evaluate your knowledge of teaching principles, subject matter expertise, and classroom readiness.
Some states may use different testing systems or have specialized exams for certain grade levels or content areas. These tests are a critical part of the certification process and help demonstrate that you’re prepared to meet the standards expected of U.S. educators. Be sure to check the exam requirements for the state where you plan to teach.
State-Specific Requirements
One of the most important factors in becoming a teacher in the U.S. is understanding that every state has its own requirements. These may include additional coursework, different certification tests, or ongoing training after licensure.
Before starting the process, it’s important to research the teaching standards in the specific state where you plan to work. State education departments or teaching certification boards often have dedicated websites with updated information.
Your credential evaluation report can help highlight any gaps between your current qualifications and the state’s requirements, making it easier to plan your next steps.
ECE’s Global Reach
ECE provides credential evaluation services to applicants around the world, including educators based in India. Our process is entirely online (though documents must be mailed), allowing you to complete most of the steps from wherever you live.
Our evaluation reports are widely recognized by U.S. teacher education boards, helping reduce confusion and streamline your path to certification. With more than 45 years of experience, we understand how to evaluate Indian teaching credentials in a way that supports your success in the U.S.
Next Steps for Aspiring Teachers in the U.S.
To set yourself up for success, it’s important to begin preparing early. Here are some steps to help you move forward:
- Gather your academic documents, including your degree certificates, transcripts or marksheets, and any teaching-related credentials.
- Start your credential evaluation with a trusted agency like ECE to avoid delays and ensure your reports are ready when needed.
- Create a teaching career plan by identifying the states where you’re most interested in teaching, understanding their specific licensure rules, and preparing for required exams or coursework.
Your Teaching Journey Starts Here
Teaching in the U.S. as an educator from India is entirely possible with the right support and preparation. A credential evaluation is the foundation of this journey—it verifies your education, provides clarity to licensing boards, and opens doors to career opportunities across the country.
At ECE, we’re here to help you take that first step. Our trusted evaluation reports are accepted nationwide and designed to help internationally educated teachers succeed.
Ready to begin? Start your credential evaluation here.