Top 11 Biology Teacher Certifications

Certifications are important for a biology teacher in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that is required by employers. Certified teachers have proven their dedication to the profession through completing additional coursework, passing examinations, and meeting other standards. This demonstrates to employers that the teacher is committed to staying up-to-date on scientific developments and teaching best practices. Additionally, certifications can provide access to higher salaries and more desirable positions.

The purpose of this article is to review top certifications for biology teachers and explain how they can advance their career prospects.

What are Biology Teacher Certifications?

Biology teacher certification is a process of obtaining a formal qualification to teach biology in the classroom. It involves completing an approved program of study, typically at the college or university level, and passing a comprehensive assessment of teaching knowledge and skills. With this certification, teachers are able to demonstrate their knowledge in the field and provide evidence of their commitment to excellence in teaching.

Biology teacher certification can be beneficial for a number of reasons. First, it ensures that teachers have the necessary qualifications to teach biology in a way that meets accepted standards of practice. This helps ensure that students receive an education that is up-to-date and accurate, which can help them succeed in their studies. Second, having certification can be beneficial for gaining employment as a biology teacher; many employers may prefer certified candidates as they demonstrate commitment to the profession and have already demonstrated proficiency in teaching biology. Finally, having certification also demonstrates commitment to professional development and allows teachers to stay abreast of changes in the field so they can continue to provide quality instruction to students over time.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the biology teacher certification requirements in your state before beginning the process. Each state may have different requirements for becoming a certified biology teacher, so it is important to be familiar with them before you begin.

Related: What does a Biology Teacher do?

Top 11 Biology Teacher Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Biology Teachers today.

1. National Board Certification in Biology

National Board Certification in Biology is a voluntary, advanced certification program for biology teachers. It is designed to recognize and reward excellence in teaching. The National Board Certification process requires that candidates demonstrate their knowledge and skills through a series of assessments and portfolio entries.

The process typically takes two years to complete, with the first year spent collecting evidence of teaching effectiveness and the second year devoted to completing the assessment components. Candidates must also participate in an online discussion forum and submit a portfolio entry for review by National Board-certified teachers.

To begin the process, candidates must complete an application form, provide documentation of their qualifications, and pay a fee of $2,500. Once accepted into the program, candidates have up to three years to complete all requirements for certification.

Successful completion of the National Board Certification process results in a five-year renewable certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). This certification is highly respected among employers and can lead to increased job opportunities as well as salary increases.

2. Advanced Placement (AP) Biology Teacher Certification

Advanced Placement (AP) Biology Teacher Certification is a certification program designed to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach AP Biology courses. This certification is offered by the College Board, the same organization that administers the AP exams.

The process of obtaining an AP Biology Teacher Certification typically takes about two years. To begin, prospective teachers must first complete a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field from an accredited college or university. After completing their undergraduate studies, teachers can then apply for the AP Biology Teacher Certification Program through the College Board website.

Once accepted into the program, teachers will be required to complete a series of online courses and assessments that cover topics such as cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and biochemistry. Upon successful completion of these courses and assessments, teachers will receive their official AP Biology Teacher Certification from the College Board.

The cost of obtaining an AP Biology Teacher Certification varies depending on which courses are taken and how long it takes to complete them. Generally speaking, however, most applicants can expect to pay around $1,000 in tuition fees for this certification program.

3. National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Certified Biology Teacher

The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Certified Biology Teacher program is a professional certification program designed to recognize and honor teachers who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for successful teaching of biology. The certification is valid for five years and can be renewed through continuing education activities.

To earn the NSTA Certified Biology Teacher designation, applicants must meet certain criteria including: hold a valid state-issued teaching certificate in biology; have at least three years of full-time experience teaching biology; demonstrate mastery of the content knowledge and pedagogical skills necessary to teach biology; pass an online assessment that covers topics such as evolution, genetics, ecology, cellular biology, biochemistry, physiology, anatomy, and behavior; and complete an online portfolio demonstrating their ability to effectively teach this subject area.

The cost of the NSTA Certified Biology Teacher program varies by state but typically ranges from $150-$300. The cost includes registration fees for the online assessment and portfolio review. Additionally, some states may require additional fees or assessments in order to become certified.

4. International Baccalaureate (IB) Biology Teacher Certification

International Baccalaureate (IB) Biology Teacher Certification is an internationally recognized qualification that allows teachers to teach IB Biology courses. It is awarded by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) and is a highly sought after certification for biology teachers.

The certification process involves completing an IB-approved teacher training program, passing an exam, and submitting a portfolio of evidence demonstrating your knowledge of the IB Biology syllabus. The program typically takes between one and two years to complete, depending on the school or institution offering it.

In order to get certified, you must first obtain a bachelor's degree in either biology or education from an accredited university. You must then enroll in an IB-approved teacher training program that covers topics such as curriculum development, assessment strategies, and classroom management. After completing the program, you must pass the IB Biology exam to demonstrate your mastery of the subject matter. Finally, you must submit a portfolio of evidence demonstrating your knowledge of the IB Biology syllabus and teaching methods.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the institution offering the program and other associated costs such as travel expenses or materials fees. Generally speaking, however, it can cost anywhere from $2,000-$10,000 USD for tuition alone. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam and submitting a portfolio of evidence for review by IBO officials.

5. American Association of Biological Educators (AABE) Certified Biology Teacher

The American Association of Biological Educators (AABE) Certified Biology Teacher program is a voluntary certification program for biology educators. It is designed to recognize the expertise and dedication of biology teachers who have achieved the highest level of professional development in the field. The AABE Certified Biology Teacher program was created to provide a means for recognizing and rewarding teachers who demonstrate excellence in their teaching, research, and service activities related to biology education.

To obtain AABE certification, applicants must meet certain qualifications including:

• Completion of an approved college-level course in biology or a related field;
• At least three years of successful teaching experience at the secondary or post-secondary level;
• Demonstration of ongoing involvement in professional development activities related to biology education;
• Submission of a portfolio demonstrating mastery of content knowledge and pedagogy related to teaching biology;
• Participation in an oral interview with members of the AABE Certification Board.

The process typically takes several months from application submission to final approval. The cost for obtaining AABE certification varies depending on the applicant's individual circumstances but generally ranges from $200-$500 USD.

6. National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) Certified Biology Teacher

The National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) Certified Biology Teacher program is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience in teaching biology. It is designed to recognize those teachers who have achieved excellence in their field and are committed to promoting the study and understanding of biology.

To become an NABT Certified Biology Teacher, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a valid teaching license or certificate in biology
• Have at least three years of full-time teaching experience in biology
• Submit evidence of continued professional development in the area of biology education
• Submit three letters of recommendation from colleagues or supervisors attesting to the applicant’s professional qualifications
• Pass an online exam demonstrating knowledge of current trends and best practices in biology education.

The process typically takes several months to complete, depending on how quickly the applicant can gather all required documents and pass the exam. The cost for certification varies depending on whether the applicant is an NABT member or not; members pay $95 while non-members pay $145.

7. National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Certified Biology Teacher

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) is an organization that provides accreditation to teacher education programs in the United States. NCATE Certified Biology Teacher is a certification program that recognizes teachers who have completed an approved teacher preparation program in biology and have met the professional standards necessary to teach in the field.

To become NCATE Certified Biology Teacher, you must first complete an approved teacher preparation program in biology. The program must include coursework in pedagogy, content knowledge, and field experience. Once you have completed the program, you can apply for the certification by submitting a portfolio of evidence demonstrating your mastery of teaching skills and knowledge.

It typically takes about 1-2 years to complete an approved teacher preparation program in biology and become NCATE Certified Biology Teacher. The cost of the certification varies depending on the institution offering the program, but it usually ranges from $200-$400.

8. National Science Foundation (NSF) Certified Biology Teacher

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Certified Biology Teacher program is a professional development opportunity that recognizes the expertise of educators in teaching biology. This certification is designed to provide teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively teach biology at all levels, from middle school through college. The program consists of a series of online courses and assessments that cover topics such as ecology, evolution, genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry.

It typically takes about two years to complete the NSF Certified Biology Teacher program. During this time, teachers must complete an online self-assessment and submit a portfolio demonstrating their mastery of the course material. Upon successful completion of the program, teachers receive an official certificate from the NSF.

To become an NSF Certified Biology Teacher, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having a valid teaching license in your state or country; having at least three years of experience teaching biology; and completing an approved training program in science education or equivalent coursework. You must also pass all required assessments with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost for the NSF Certified Biology Teacher program varies depending on where you take it and how many courses you need to complete. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD for all required materials and assessments.

9. American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Certified Biology Teacher

The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Certified Biology Teacher program is a professional certification program designed to recognize teachers who have achieved a high level of competency in teaching biology. The certification is granted by the ASM's Certification Board, and it represents a commitment to excellence in teaching biology.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain requirements, including having at least three years of experience teaching biology at the middle school or high school level, completing an approved course in biology education, and passing an exam administered by the ASM Certification Board. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and other areas related to the teaching of biology.

The process of becoming certified typically takes about six months from start to finish. Applicants must submit their application materials to the ASM Certification Board for review and approval before taking the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their certificate from the ASM Certification Board.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on several factors such as whether you are an existing member of the ASM or not. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere between $100-$200 USD to become certified.

10. American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) Certified Biology Teacher

The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) Certified Biology Teacher program is a professional certification program designed to recognize teachers who have demonstrated mastery in the field of biology. The program is offered by AIBS, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing biological research and education.

To become certified, teachers must complete an application and provide evidence that they meet the requirements for certification. This includes having a minimum of three years teaching experience in biology, at least 90 hours of professional development related to biology instruction, and a passing score on the AIBS Certified Biology Teacher Exam.

The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, anatomy & physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology. It takes approximately two hours to complete the exam.

The cost for taking the AIBS Certified Biology Teacher Exam is $125 USD. Once certified, teachers are eligible for additional benefits such as access to AIBS resources and discounts on professional development opportunities.

11. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certified Master Science Teacher

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certified Master Science Teacher is a certification program that recognizes teachers who demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in teaching science. It is the highest level of recognition available to science teachers. The certification process takes approximately three years to complete, and involves demonstrating mastery of content knowledge, pedagogical strategies, and professional practice.

To become certified as a Master Science Teacher, individuals must first meet eligibility requirements, including having at least five years of teaching experience in science and completing the necessary coursework. After meeting the eligibility requirements, applicants must complete the NBPTS assessment process which consists of four components: Content Knowledge Assessment (CKA), Pedagogy Assessment (PA), Professional Practice Assessment (PPA), and an Oral Defense.

The cost for the NBPTS Certified Master Science Teacher certification is $2,500 USD. This includes all application fees and assessments required for the program.

Do You Really Need a Biology Teacher Certificate?

When it comes to choosing a career path, there are many different options available to you. If you’re interested in teaching biology, one of the most important steps is obtaining a Biology Teacher Certificate. This certificate proves that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to teach this subject at an educational institution.

The answer as to whether or not you need a Biology Teacher Certificate depends on your individual situation. In some cases, it may be possible to obtain a job as a teacher without this certificate; however, having one can be beneficial in many ways. It shows potential employers that you have gone through the process of learning the material and have been certified by an accredited institution as being qualified to teach it. As such, it can make your resume stand out from other applicants who don’t have the same credentials.

In addition, having a Biology Teacher Certificate can also open up more opportunities for advancement within the field of education. For example, if you want to pursue further studies or become involved in research projects related to biology, having this certification can help demonstrate your commitment and dedication to the science. It can also help boost your chances of getting accepted into graduate programs or securing grants for research projects.

Therefore, while it is not always essential to obtain a Biology Teacher Certificate before beginning your teaching career, doing so can be advantageous in terms of both employment prospects and opportunities for further study or research in the field of biology.

Related: Biology Teacher Resume Examples

FAQs About Biology Teacher Certifications

1. What certifications do I need to become a biology teacher?

A: To become a certified biology teacher, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology or related field and pass a state-approved teacher preparation program. You may also need to complete additional certification requirements, such as passing an exam or completing continuing education credits.

2. How long does it take to obtain a biology teacher certification?

A: The amount of time it takes to obtain a biology teacher certification depends on the individual's background and the specific requirements of their state. Generally, it can take anywhere from one to two years of schooling and certification coursework before becoming eligible for teaching certification.

3. Are there any specializations available for biology teachers?

A: Yes, many states offer specializations within the field of biology teaching such as marine science, ecology, genetics, microbiology and more. Depending on your interests and qualifications, you may be able to pursue these specializations after obtaining your initial teaching certification.

4. Do I have to renew my biology teacher certification?

A: Yes, most states require that teachers renew their certifications every few years in order to maintain their license. This typically involves taking continuing education courses or passing additional exams in order to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of education and teaching methods.

5. What is the salary range for certified biology teachers?

A: The salary range for certified biology teachers varies depending on factors such as experience level, geographic location and school district size/budgetary constraints. In general, salaries for certified teachers range from approximately $30k-$90k per year with higher salaries being earned by those with more experience or working in larger school districts/areas with higher cost of living expenses.