Top 11 High School Biology Teacher Certifications

Certifications are important for a high school biology teacher in the job market because they provide proof that the educator has the knowledge and experience necessary to teach biology. Certifications also demonstrate that the teacher is up-to-date on best practices, trends, and current research in the field. Additionally, certifications may provide access to professional development opportunities, as well as networking events with other professionals in the field. Therefore, having certifications can help a high school biology teacher stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs and ultimately increase their chances of getting hired.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain the benefits of some of the top certifications for High School Biology Teachers, and how they can help enhance a high school biology teacher's career.

What are High School Biology Teacher Certifications?

High school biology teacher certification is a credential that is required in order to teach biology at the high school level. The certification process typically involves completing an accredited teacher preparation program, taking and passing a competency exam, and obtaining a state-issued teaching license.

Having this credential can help teachers gain access to higher salaries, better job opportunities, and the ability to advance their careers within the field of education. It also demonstrates that they have the knowledge and skills needed to effectively teach biology at the high school level. Certification may also give teachers access to additional resources such as professional development programs, grants, and other educational material that can be used in their classrooms. Additionally, having high school biology teacher certification can provide teachers with greater credibility when applying for new jobs or promotions within their current school district.

Pro Tip: Make sure to take advantage of any resources available to you when pursuing high school biology teacher certification. Many states provide online classes and workshops that can help you gain the knowledge and experience necessary for certification. Additionally, look into professional organizations like the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) for guidance on best practices and standards in teaching high school biology.

Related: What does a High School Biology Teacher do?

Top 11 High School Biology Teacher Certifications

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

1. National Board Certification in Adolescent and Young Adult Science

National Board Certification in Adolescent and Young Adult Science is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of science educators who teach students in grades 6-12. The certification process includes an assessment of content knowledge, pedagogical practice, and professional development. It is offered through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

The certification process takes about two years to complete. During this time, applicants must demonstrate their mastery of content knowledge and pedagogical practice through a series of assessments. Applicants must also participate in professional development activities such as workshops, seminars, or courses related to adolescent and young adult science education.

To get certified, applicants must first submit an application to the NBPTS. After submitting the application, they will receive instructions on how to register for the assessments. Once registered, applicants will have three years to complete all required assessments.

The cost of National Board Certification in Adolescent and Young Adult Science varies depending on the state where you live. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,500-$3,000 USD.

2. National Board Certification in Early Adolescence Science

National Board Certification in Early Adolescence Science is a voluntary certification program offered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). This certification is designed to recognize and reward teachers who demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in teaching science to students in grades 5-8.

In order to become certified, teachers must complete a rigorous application process that includes submitting evidence of their professional practice, student learning results, and assessments of their own teaching. The process typically takes about three years to complete. During this time, teachers must submit various forms of evidence that demonstrate their expertise in teaching science.

The cost of obtaining National Board Certification in Early Adolescence Science varies depending on the state where the teacher resides. Generally, it costs around $2,000-$3,000 for an individual teacher to become certified. This fee covers the cost of materials needed for the application process as well as any fees associated with taking the required assessments.

Overall, National Board Certification in Early Adolescence Science is an excellent way for teachers to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in teaching science and gain recognition from peers and colleagues.

3. National Board Certification in Middle Childhood Science

National Board Certification in Middle Childhood Science is a voluntary certification program that recognizes and rewards teachers who meet the highest standards of excellence in teaching. This certification is offered through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). It is designed to recognize teachers who demonstrate a deep understanding of their subject matter, as well as exceptional instructional practices.

The certification process takes two years to complete and consists of four components: content knowledge, instructional practice, student outcomes, and professional learning. To become certified, teachers must submit evidence of their knowledge, skills, and accomplishments in each area.

In order to get started with the National Board Certification process, teachers must first apply online and pay an application fee. Once accepted into the program, they can begin working on the four components of certification. The cost for this program varies depending on the state you live in; however, most states offer financial assistance to help cover some or all of the costs associated with certification.

Once all four components are completed successfully, teachers will receive their National Board Certification in Middle Childhood Science. This certification serves as recognition of a teacher’s commitment to excellence in teaching and provides them with greater job opportunities and higher salaries than those without it.

4. National Board Certification in Biology/Life Sciences

National Board Certification in Biology/Life Sciences is a voluntary certification program for teachers who have met high and rigorous standards set by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The certification recognizes teachers who demonstrate advanced knowledge, skills, and practices in teaching biology/life sciences.

The process of becoming nationally board certified takes approximately one year to complete. It involves completing an application, submitting evidence of teaching practice and student learning, participating in a video conference interview with a national board assessor, and passing the content assessment.

To get started on the path to National Board Certification, applicants must first create an account on the NBPTS website and submit an application. Applicants must also provide evidence of their teaching practice such as lesson plans, student work samples, or videos of their teaching. After submitting all necessary materials, applicants will participate in a video conference interview with an assessor from the NBPTS. Finally, applicants must pass a content assessment which covers topics related to biology/life sciences such as cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, ecology, and more.

The cost of National Board Certification varies depending on the state in which you are applying but generally ranges from $2,000-$4,000 USD. This cost includes fees for the application process as well as any additional costs associated with completing the requirements such as travel expenses or materials needed for evidence submission.

5. Advanced Placement (AP) Biology Teacher Certification

Advanced Placement (AP) Biology Teacher Certification is a credential that allows teachers to teach AP Biology courses. It is offered by the College Board, the organization behind the AP program. To become certified, teachers must first have a valid teaching license in their state and complete an approved professional development course in AP Biology. The course typically takes three days to complete and covers topics such as lab safety, curriculum design, and test preparation. The cost of the course varies depending on location but is typically around $500. Once the course is completed, teachers can apply for certification from the College Board. Certification requires passing a written exam and submitting a portfolio of student work samples for review. Upon successful completion of these requirements, teachers will receive an official certificate from the College Board recognizing them as an AP Biology teacher.

6. International Baccalaureate (IB) Biology Teacher Certification

International Baccalaureate (IB) Biology Teacher Certification is a program that allows teachers to become certified to teach IB Biology courses. The program is offered by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), which is an international organization that provides educational programs and qualifications for students around the world.

The certification process typically takes approximately one year, depending on the individual's circumstances. To get certified, applicants must first complete an online application form and submit it to IBO for review. Once accepted, applicants must then complete a series of online courses in order to gain knowledge and understanding of the IB Biology curriculum. After completing the courses, applicants must then take and pass a written exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the country where the applicant resides. Generally, it costs between $400-$600 USD to apply for certification and take all of the necessary courses. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking and passing the written exam.

7. State Teaching License for High School Biology

A State Teaching License for High School Biology is an endorsement that allows a teacher to teach high school biology in the state they are licensed in. It typically requires additional coursework and/or exams beyond what is required for a general teaching license. The length of time it takes to get a State Teaching License for High School Biology varies by state, but generally ranges from six months to two years.

In order to obtain a State Teaching License for High School Biology, you must first meet the requirements set by your state's Board of Education. These requirements usually include completing a bachelor's degree in biology or a related field, passing any relevant exams such as the Praxis II: Biology Content Knowledge exam, and having at least one year of teaching experience in the subject area. In addition, some states may require additional coursework or professional development courses related to teaching high school biology.

The cost associated with obtaining a State Teaching License for High School Biology also varies by state, but typically includes fees for taking exams, completing coursework, and submitting paperwork. Additionally, some states may require teachers to pay an annual fee in order to maintain their license.

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

The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Certified Biology Teacher Program is a certification program designed to recognize and reward teachers with the highest level of knowledge, skills, and commitment to teaching biology. The program is open to all biology teachers in the United States who have at least three years of teaching experience.

To become certified, teachers must complete an online application and submit it to NSTA. They must also provide evidence of their teaching experience, such as transcripts or letters from previous employers. Once approved, applicants are required to take a two-day workshop that covers topics such as instructional strategies, assessment methods, and current trends in biology education. After completing the workshop, candidates must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of biology content and pedagogy.

The cost for the certification program varies depending on the state in which you live. Generally speaking, it costs around $500 for the entire process including the application fee, workshop fees, and exam fees. It typically takes about six months from start to finish to become certified.

9. American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) Certified High School Biology Teacher

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) Certified High School Biology Teacher is a professional certification program designed to recognize and reward outstanding high school biology teachers. This certification is intended to recognize those who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, knowledge of the subject matter, and dedication to their profession.

To obtain this certification, applicants must meet certain criteria and pass an exam. The criteria include a minimum of three years of full-time teaching experience at the high school level, a current teaching license or certificate in the subject area, completion of at least two college-level courses in biology or related fields, and completion of an AAPT approved professional development course.

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as genetics, evolution, ecology, biochemistry, cell biology, physiology and anatomy. The exam is administered by the AAPT and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for taking the exam is $100 for members of AAPT and $150 for non-members. Once certified, teachers must renew their certification every five years by completing additional professional development activities related to teaching high school biology.

10. American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Certified High School Biology Teacher

The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Certified High School Biology Teacher program is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize and promote excellence in high school biology teaching. The certification requires that the teacher has completed at least a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field, has taught high school biology for at least three years, and has demonstrated mastery of the content and pedagogy of high school biology.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the certification process. To get certified, teachers must submit an application form, provide transcripts from their college studies, pass an online assessment covering topics such as cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, ecology, and biochemistry, submit lesson plans demonstrating their ability to teach these topics effectively in the classroom setting, participate in an interview with ASM staff members to discuss their teaching philosophy and experience, and pay a fee of $125.

Once certified by ASM, teachers are recognized as having met rigorous standards for teaching high school biology. This recognition can be beneficial when seeking employment or promotion within their district or state.

11. National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) Certified High School Biology Teacher

The National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) Certified High School Biology Teacher (CHSBT) program is an advanced certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of experienced high school biology teachers. The CHSBT credential is designed to provide recognition for those who have demonstrated a mastery of the content, pedagogy, and professional responsibilities associated with teaching high school biology.

It typically takes two years to complete the CHSBT program. To get certified, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a valid teaching license in biology or a related field
• Have at least three years of teaching experience in high school biology
• Provide evidence of professional development activities related to teaching high school biology
• Submit letters of recommendation from administrators and/or colleagues attesting to their expertise in teaching high school biology
• Pass an assessment administered by NABT which includes questions on topics such as anatomy and physiology, ecology, genetics, evolution, biochemistry, cell structure and function, taxonomy, and scientific inquiry.

The cost for the CHSBT program is $200 USD. This fee covers the cost of application processing and assessment administration.

Do You Really Need a High School Biology Teacher Certificate?

Yes, having a high school biology teacher certificate is essential for those who want to pursue a career in teaching this subject. A valid certificate demonstrates that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to teach high school biology effectively. It also shows that the teacher has undergone rigorous training and can handle any situation related to the subject.

The knowledge and skills acquired through obtaining a high school biology teacher certificate are invaluable for teaching this subject. The courses included in such a program cover topics ranging from cell structure and function to genetics, evolution, ecology, and physiology. These courses help teachers gain an in-depth understanding of the material they will be teaching. In addition, they provide teachers with the tools needed to assess student learning and plan lessons accordingly.

Furthermore, having a high school biology teacher certificate is beneficial for job seekers as it helps them stand out among other applicants. Employers know that certified instructors have been trained in the most up-to-date methods of instruction and can handle any challenges that may arise during class time. Thus, having a valid certification makes it easier for job seekers to get hired by schools that are looking for qualified instructors in this field.

In conclusion, obtaining a high school biology teacher certificate is essential for those pursuing a career in teaching this subject. It provides teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills required to deliver effective instruction while also helping them stand out among other job applicants when seeking employment opportunities.

Related: High School Biology Teacher Resume Examples

FAQs About High School Biology Teacher Certifications

Q1. What qualifications do I need to become a high school biology teacher?

A1. Generally, you will need a bachelor’s degree in biology, along with a teaching certification or license from the state in which you plan to teach. You may also be required to take additional coursework in education and teaching methods.

Q2. How do I obtain a teaching certification for high school biology?

A2. To obtain a teaching certification for high school biology, you must complete an approved teacher preparation program and pass the relevant exams for your state or jurisdiction. Once you have passed the tests, you will receive your teaching certificate or license.

Q3. What is the difference between a teaching certificate and a license?

A3. A teaching certificate is typically awarded after completing an approved teacher preparation program and passing relevant exams, while a license is issued by the state government as official recognition of an individual’s qualifications to teach in that particular state or jurisdiction.

Q4. Are there any other requirements for becoming a high school biology teacher?

A4. In addition to completing an approved teacher preparation program and passing relevant exams, some states may require additional qualifications such as background checks or fingerprinting before issuing a license to teach high school biology in their jurisdiction.

Q5. How long does it take to become certified as a high school biology teacher?

A5: The time it takes to become certified can vary depending on the individual's level of experience and educational background, but typically it takes about two years to complete all of the necessary requirements for certification as a high school biology teacher.