Top 11 Chemistry Teacher Certifications

Certifications are important for a chemistry teacher in the job market because they demonstrate the individual’s commitment to the profession and their knowledge of the subject. Employers want to hire teachers who have a deep understanding of chemistry, and certifications can provide evidence that someone has taken the time and effort to complete additional training. Certifications also show that a teacher is up-to-date on relevant topics and can provide current best practices in teaching. In addition, certifications may be required or preferred by some employers, so having them can give an applicant an edge over other candidates without such credentials.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Chemistry Teachers and explains how they can contribute to a chemistry teacher's career by providing more knowledge, skills, and recognition.

What are Chemistry Teacher Certifications?

Chemistry teacher certification is a professional credential that recognizes an individual’s ability to teach chemistry. It is typically obtained through completion of a program in teaching chemistry or by passing an examination administered by a professional organization. Certification can help teachers demonstrate their competency and knowledge in the field, as well as provide them with greater job opportunities. It can also help teachers stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field and provide them with access to valuable resources such as professional development courses, lesson plans, and instructional materials. With certification, teachers can be more confident when teaching complex topics and have a better understanding of how to best engage their students in learning. Additionally, having certification can also help teachers increase their earning potential and open up new career possibilities.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a chemistry teacher certification, it is important to research the state and school district requirements for certification. Each state and school district may have different requirements that must be met in order to become certified as a chemistry teacher. Additionally, it is important to make sure that any courses taken for certification meet the standards of the state or school district that you are seeking certification in.

Related: What does a Chemistry Teacher do?

Top 11 Chemistry Teacher Certifications

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

1. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Chemistry Certification

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Chemistry Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes teachers who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and skills in teaching chemistry. It is designed to recognize teachers who demonstrate a deep understanding of the subject matter, as well as the ability to effectively engage students in learning.

To become certified, teachers must complete an application process which includes submitting a portfolio of evidence demonstrating their expertise in teaching chemistry. The portfolio should include evidence of lesson plans, assessments, student work samples, professional development activities, and other related materials. Once the application is approved, candidates must then take and pass a written exam.

The entire process usually takes between 6-12 months to complete depending on the amount of preparation time available to candidates. The cost of the certification varies depending on the state where you are applying but typically ranges from $300-$600 USD.

2. American Chemical Society (ACS) Certified Chemistry Teacher Program

The American Chemical Society (ACS) Certified Chemistry Teacher Program is a professional certification program for chemistry teachers. The program is designed to recognize and reward excellence in the teaching of chemistry. It is open to all teachers who have completed an ACS-accredited degree in chemistry or a related field, have at least three years of teaching experience, and have taught at least two courses in chemistry.

To become certified, candidates must complete an application form, provide evidence of their qualifications, and pass a written examination. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that assess knowledge of the fundamentals of chemistry and its applications.

The entire process typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete. The cost for the program is $150 USD per applicant.

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

The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Certified Chemistry Teacher program is a voluntary certification program for K-12 teachers who have demonstrated excellence in the teaching of chemistry. The certification process involves an extensive review of the applicant's teaching experience and qualifications, as well as a comprehensive assessment of their knowledge and understanding of chemistry concepts.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the certification process. During this time, applicants must submit a detailed application packet that includes their teaching credentials, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. They must also take an online exam that tests their knowledge of chemistry topics such as atomic structure, chemical reactions, and thermodynamics. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their NSTA Certified Chemistry Teacher certificate.

The cost to apply for the NSTA Certified Chemistry Teacher program is $150 USD. This fee covers the cost of processing the application and administering the exam.

In order to maintain their certification status, NSTA Certified Chemistry Teachers must renew their certification every three years by completing professional development activities related to chemistry education or taking additional courses in chemistry topics.

4. American Association of Chemistry Teachers (AACT) Certified Chemistry Teacher Program

The American Association of Chemistry Teachers (AACT) Certified Chemistry Teacher Program is designed to recognize and reward chemistry teachers who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in teaching. The program is open to all chemistry teachers, regardless of their level of experience.

In order to be eligible for the AACT Certified Chemistry Teacher Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

-Have at least two years of full-time teaching experience in chemistry or related fields.

-Have completed at least one year of college-level coursework in chemistry or related fields.

-Be currently employed as a full-time teacher in a public or private school setting.

-Be able to demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in the areas of general, physical, and organic chemistry.

Once an applicant has met these criteria, they can begin the application process for the AACT Certified Chemistry Teacher Program. The application consists of three parts: an online application form, a written essay, and an oral interview with an AACT representative. Applicants must submit all three parts before their application will be considered complete.

The entire process typically takes between four and six weeks from start to finish. Once an applicant has been accepted into the program, they will receive a certificate that recognizes them as an AACT Certified Chemistry Teacher. This certificate is valid for five years and can be renewed every five years by submitting updated documentation demonstrating continued competency in teaching chemistry.

The cost of applying for the AACT Certified Chemistry Teacher Program varies depending on the state where you live and your current employment status (public school teacher vs private school teacher). Generally speaking, it costs around $100-$150 USD per year to maintain certification.

5. International Baccalaureate (IB) Chemistry Teacher Certification

International Baccalaureate (IB) Chemistry Teacher Certification is a professional certification program designed to give teachers the knowledge and skills needed to teach IB Chemistry. The certification is offered through the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). It is recognized worldwide as a mark of excellence in teaching IB Chemistry.

To become an IB Chemistry teacher, one must have a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related field, complete the IBO’s online application form, and pass an exam that tests their knowledge of IB Chemistry. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is administered by the IBO.

The certification process typically takes about 6-9 months from start to finish, depending on how quickly the applicant can complete all requirements.

The cost of getting certified as an IB Chemistry teacher varies depending on where you live, but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD for the application fee and exam fee combined.

6. Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry Teacher Certification

Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry Teacher Certification is a certification program designed to prepare teachers to teach AP Chemistry courses. The certification is offered by the College Board, the organization that administers the AP exams.

In order to get certified, you must have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related field and have completed an approved teacher preparation program. You must also pass the AP Chemistry Exam with a score of 3 or higher. Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for AP Chemistry Teacher Certification.

The application process typically takes about four weeks from start to finish. The cost of applying for certification varies depending on your state and school district, but it generally ranges from $50-$200.

Once you receive your certification, it is valid for five years and must be renewed every five years in order to remain active. Renewal requires completion of professional development activities and passing scores on the AP Chemistry Exam.

7. National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Chemistry Teacher Certification

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Chemistry Teacher Certification is a professional certification that validates the knowledge and experience of chemistry teachers. The certification demonstrates to employers, peers, and students that the teacher has met certain standards for teaching chemistry.

The certification process takes approximately 6-12 months to complete, depending on the individual's background and experience in teaching chemistry. To get certified, applicants must submit an application form along with official transcripts, proof of passing scores on the NCEES Chemistry Teacher Certification Exam, and a letter of recommendation from a supervisor or mentor.

The cost of the NCEES Chemistry Teacher Certification exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $100-$200. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with submitting transcripts or other documents required for the application process.

8. State Department of Education-Approved Chemistry Teacher Certification

The State Department of Education-Approved Chemistry Teacher Certification is a certification that allows teachers to teach chemistry in public schools. This certification is required by most states in order to teach chemistry at the middle and high school levels. The process for obtaining this certification varies slightly from state to state, but generally involves completing a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field, passing an approved teacher preparation program, and passing the relevant state exams.

In terms of how long it takes to get the certification, this depends on the individual’s educational background and experience. Generally, it can take anywhere from one year to several years depending on the individual’s circumstances.

To obtain the State Department of Education-Approved Chemistry Teacher Certification, individuals must first complete a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related field from an accredited college or university. After completing their degree, they must then pass an approved teacher preparation program which typically includes coursework in teaching methods, classroom management, and curriculum development. Finally, they must pass the relevant state exams which test their knowledge of chemistry as well as their ability to teach it effectively.

The cost of obtaining this certification can vary greatly depending on where you live and what type of program you choose. Generally speaking, tuition for teacher preparation programs range from $5,000-$20,000 depending on length and location. Additionally there may be fees associated with taking the necessary exams which can range from $100-$300 per exam.

9. National Center for Science Education (NCSE) Certified Science Educator in Chemistry

The National Center for Science Education (NCSE) Certified Science Educator in Chemistry is a professional certification program designed to recognize excellence in teaching science. The certification is open to all individuals who have completed at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry and who have taught chemistry for at least three years.

To obtain the NCSE Certified Science Educator in Chemistry, applicants must pass an online exam that covers topics such as the history of chemistry, scientific inquiry, chemical reactions, laboratory safety, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the NCSE Certified Science Educator in Chemistry, applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience teaching chemistry. This portfolio should include evidence of teaching experience such as lesson plans, student evaluations, and other relevant documents.

The cost of the NCSE Certified Science Educator in Chemistry is $150 USD. This fee covers the cost of the online exam and any associated materials needed to complete it. After passing the exam and submitting the required portfolio materials, applicants will receive their official certification from NCSE along with a certificate suitable for framing.

10. National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Program for Teaching High School Chemistry

The National Science Foundation's (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Program is a competitive grant program that provides funding to community colleges, universities, and other non-profit organizations to improve the quality of technical education in high school chemistry. The program focuses on developing innovative approaches to teaching high school chemistry that are based on current industry standards.

The ATE program is designed to support projects that will increase the number of students who are prepared for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Projects may include activities such as curriculum development, faculty professional development, student recruitment and retention strategies, and outreach activities.

To be eligible for the ATE program, applicants must have an approved project proposal that meets the criteria outlined in the NSF's solicitation. Applications are accepted annually from October through December. Awards typically range from $500K-$2M depending on the scope of the project.

To apply for an ATE grant, potential applicants should first review all relevant information provided by NSF including guidelines for submitting proposals and deadlines for submission. Once an applicant has determined their eligibility for the program, they can submit a proposal to NSF via Grants.gov or FastLane. After submission of a proposal, applicants should expect a response within three months regarding whether their application was accepted or rejected.

11. The American Institute of Chemists' Certified Professional Chemist

The American Institute of Chemists' Certified Professional Chemist (CPC) is a professional certification that is designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of practice in the field of chemistry. It is a voluntary certification program that is available to all chemists who have earned a bachelor's degree or higher in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, or related fields.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements and pass an examination. The CPC examination consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral exam. The written exam covers topics such as general chemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, environmental chemistry, and instrumentation. The oral exam focuses on the applicant's knowledge of professional ethics and safety practices.

The process of becoming certified typically takes several months to complete. Applicants must submit an application form with their educational transcripts and work experience information. Once their application has been approved by the institute, they can register for the exams. After passing both parts of the exam, applicants will be awarded their CPC designation from the American Institute of Chemists.

The cost for becoming a Certified Professional Chemist varies depending on the applicant’s location and whether they are taking the exams online or in person. In general, it costs between $400-$600 for individuals to take both parts of the exam and receive their CPC designation from the American Institute of Chemists.

Do You Really Need a Chemistry Teacher Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your career goals. If you are interested in teaching chemistry, then a chemistry teacher certificate is essential. A chemistry teacher certificate will demonstrate to potential employers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to teach chemistry effectively. It will also provide you with an opportunity to gain further qualifications in the field of chemistry, such as master's degrees or doctoral degrees.

However, if you are looking for other employment opportunities or just want to explore different options in the field of chemistry, then a chemistry teacher certificate may not be necessary. Many employers look for individuals who have a wide range of knowledge and skills, which can be acquired through a combination of education and experience. For example, if you have a degree in biology or physics but also have some laboratory experience and an understanding of chemical reactions, then these skills could be useful even if you do not possess a formal teaching certificate.

In short, whether or not you need a chemistry teacher certificate depends on what type of career path you would like to pursue and how much emphasis you want to place on having formal qualifications in the field of chemistry. If teaching is your goal, then it is highly recommended that you obtain the relevant certification; however if your interests lie elsewhere, then there may be other options available that do not require this type of qualification.

Related: Chemistry Teacher Resume Examples

FAQs About Chemistry Teacher Certifications

Q1: What qualifications do I need to become a certified chemistry teacher?

A1: Generally, teachers need to have a degree in chemistry or related field and complete a state-approved teacher certification program.

Q2: How long does it take to get certified as a chemistry teacher?

A2: It typically takes two years of full-time study, including student teaching, to obtain certification as a chemistry teacher.

Q3: Do I need to be licensed in the state where I plan on teaching?

A3: Yes, most states require teachers to be licensed in order to teach in public schools. Licensure requirements vary from state to state and may include passing exams and completing background checks.

Q4: Is there an age requirement for becoming a certified chemistry teacher?

A4: No, there is no age requirement for becoming a certified chemistry teacher. However, states may have certain educational requirements that must be met before you can receive your certification.

Q5: Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my chemistry teacher certification?

A5: Yes, most states require teachers to participate in continuing education courses in order to maintain their certifications. Additionally, some states also require teachers to pass periodic recertification exams in order to keep their certifications current.