You may be thinking, “Wait, I have tuition AND certification costs? That’s a lot and I haven’t even started to bring in my salary.” We hear you and want to support you to budget for your certification. As certification is an important part of teaching and a requirement of Relay’s teaching programs, you’ll want to make sure it doesn’t catch you off guard financially.
First, we encourage, if feasible for you, to put away the maximum potential cost to spend on certification. Even if it is not the maximum potential cost, if you are able, put away some portion of what you may need to spend on certification.
Then, research the aid that is available to you.
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Waivers - ETS, the company that hosts the Praxis exam, provides fee waivers for some college students who meet all the eligibility criteria.
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Vouchers - Some states provide vouchers for specific required tests and distribute those vouchers through Relay. They are often first-come, first-serve, so if you receive an email that offers you a voucher, make sure to look at the deadline and respond as soon as possible.
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Financial Aid - If you are eligible for financial aid, you may add the cost of certification exams and fees to loan requests. This is another reason to fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible.
We highly encourage you to think about the financial aspects of the program, including certification costs.
CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE COSTS BY STATE
Connecticut Certification Costs and Timeframes Below is the estimated additional cost for each certification. There is a link attached with a chart explaining the additional costs, as well as an estimated timeframe. Please note that if you need more than one attempt to pass your licensure exams, the total costs will be higher than the estimate. Secondary Education (Residents) - $630 - $810 Secondary Education (Non-Residents) - $630 - $810 |
Illinois Licensure Costs and Timeframes Below is the estimated additional cost for each certification. There is a link attached with a chart explaining the additional costs, as well as an estimated timeframe. Please note that if you need more than one attempt to pass your licensure exams, the total costs will be higher than the estimate. Learning Behavior Specialist I - $679- $788 All Other Endorsement Areas - $702- $712 |
Tennessee Licensure Costs and Timeframes Below is the estimated additional cost for each certification. There is a link attached with a chart explaining the additional costs, as well as an estimated timeframe. Please note that if you need more than one attempt to pass your licensure exams, the total costs will be higher than the estimate. Residency - $465.15 - $515.15 Job-Embedded - $465.15 - $515.15 |
Texas Certification Costs and Timeframes Below is the estimated additional cost for each certification. There is a link attached with a chart explaining the additional costs, as well as an estimated timeframe. Please note that if you need more than one attempt to pass your licensure exams, the total costs will be higher than the estimate. Post Baccalaureate Certification - $574.25 - $886.25 Alternative Certification - $574.25 - $886.25 |