Top 10 Science Instructor Certifications

Certifications are important for science instructors in the job market because they demonstrate that the instructor has a certain level of competency in the subject matter. This can be especially important for those who may not have a degree in the field or any sort of relevant experience. A certification can provide evidence to employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to teach science effectively. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire certified teachers due to the assurance of quality instruction and safety standards. Certifications also allow instructors to stand out from other applicants, as they show that an individual has taken the extra step to prove their knowledge and abilities in a specific area.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Science Instructors and explains how they can contribute to a science instructor's career by providing an increased knowledge base, improved professional standing, and greater job opportunities.

What are Science Instructor Certifications?

Science instructor certification is a process that provides recognition to individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, experience, and skill in teaching science. Certification is typically granted by professional organizations or state boards of education. This type of certification helps to ensure that teachers have the necessary qualifications to teach science and can provide students with the highest quality instruction possible.

In addition to demonstrating expertise in teaching science, certified instructors may also be required to participate in ongoing professional development activities such as attending workshops, completing coursework, and taking exams. Through this type of certification, teachers are able to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in science education and can better prepare their students for success.

Lastly, science instructor certification can also help teachers advance their careers by providing them with an extra level of recognition and credibility when applying for jobs or promotions. It is a great way for teachers to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in teaching science and can give them an edge over other candidates who do not possess the same credentials.

Pro Tip: Look for science instructor certification programs that are accredited by a national or regional accreditation body. This will ensure that the program meets the highest standards of quality and is recognized by employers in your field.

Related: What does a Science Instructor do?

Top 10 Science Instructor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Science Instructors today.

1. National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) Certified Science Teacher

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) Certified Science Teacher is a professional certification program that recognizes science teachers who demonstrate excellence in the teaching of science. It is intended to recognize and reward those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the teaching of science, and to encourage others to strive for similar levels of excellence.

To become an NSTA Certified Science Teacher, an individual must meet certain criteria and complete the application process. The criteria include having at least three years of successful experience teaching science at the K-12 level, having completed a minimum of 30 hours of professional development related to science education within the last five years, and having earned a degree in science or a related field from an accredited college or university.

The application process includes submitting an official transcript from your college or university, completing an online application form, providing two letters of recommendation from current or former supervisors or colleagues, and submitting a portfolio that demonstrates your knowledge and skills as a science teacher. Once all required materials are submitted, applicants will be evaluated by an NSTA Certification Board. If approved, applicants will receive their certification within six weeks.

The cost for becoming an NSTA Certified Science Teacher varies depending on the type of membership you choose. For non-members, it is $125; for members it is $75; and for student members it is $50.

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

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certified Science Teacher is a program designed to recognize and reward excellence in the teaching of science. This certification is available to teachers who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and skill in the science classroom.

To become an NBPTS Certified Science Teacher, teachers must complete an application process that includes submitting evidence of their professional practice, completing a portfolio assessment, and passing a written examination. The entire process typically takes between two and three years to complete.

The application fee for the NBPTS Certified Science Teacher program is $75, which covers the cost of processing the application materials. Additionally, there is a fee for taking the written examination, which varies depending on the state or region where it is taken.

Once certified, teachers are required to maintain their certification by completing continuing education activities every five years. These activities may include attending professional development workshops or conferences, engaging in research projects or collaborations with other professionals in their field, or participating in online learning opportunities related to science education.

3. American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) Certified Science Instructor

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) Certified Science Instructor program is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize physics teachers who demonstrate excellence in teaching and professional development. The program provides an opportunity for teachers to demonstrate their commitment to the profession and to gain recognition for their accomplishments.

It takes approximately two years to complete the requirements for certification. The process begins with submitting an application and providing evidence of meeting the eligibility criteria, which include having at least three years of full-time teaching experience in physics or physical science, holding a valid teaching license, and completing at least 24 hours of professional development related to physics or physical science instruction within the past five years. Once these requirements are met, applicants must pass a written exam that covers topics such as physics content knowledge, instructional strategies, assessment techniques, and classroom management.

To get certified, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts, proof of licensure, and evidence of professional development activities. Applicants must also pay a fee that covers the cost of administering the exam and processing the application. The fee varies depending on whether you are an AAPT member or non-member; members pay $75 while non-members pay $125.

Once all requirements have been met and the fee has been paid, applicants will be notified when they can take the written exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their certification from AAPT.

4. National Council of State Boards of Education (NCSBE) Certified Science Educator

The National Council of State Boards of Education (NCSBE) Certified Science Educator (CSE) is a professional certification program for science educators. It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in science teaching and learning. The CSE certification is awarded to those who demonstrate mastery of the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to be an effective science educator.

To receive the CSE certification, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least three years of successful experience teaching science in a K-12 setting. Additionally, applicants must pass the CSE exam with a score of 70% or higher. The exam consists of multiple choice questions that assess knowledge and understanding of the National Science Education Standards (NSES), as well as best practices in science education.

The cost for taking the CSE exam varies by state; however, it typically ranges from $100-$200. After passing the exam, there is an annual fee for maintaining certification which also varies by state but typically ranges from $50-$100 per year.

Overall, the process for obtaining NCSBE Certified Science Educator certification can take several months depending on when you apply and when you are able to take the exam.

5. National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) Certified Science Instructor

The National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) Certified Science Instructor (CSI) program is a professional certification program designed to recognize and support high-quality teaching of science in grades 6-12. The CSI program recognizes teachers who demonstrate excellence in their teaching, have a commitment to professional development, and are knowledgeable about current trends in science education.

To become certified as an NABT CSI, a teacher must first meet the eligibility requirements and complete the application process. The eligibility requirements include having at least three years of full-time teaching experience in biology or related sciences, holding a valid state teaching license or certificate, and completing at least 15 hours of professional development activities related to biology instruction within the last two years. Once these requirements are met, applicants must submit an application packet that includes letters of recommendation from administrators or colleagues, evidence of professional development activities, and a statement of teaching philosophy.

Once the application is approved by NABT staff, applicants will be invited to take the CSI exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions covering topics such as instructional strategies for biology instruction; assessment strategies; current trends in science education; and safety protocols for laboratory activities. Applicants have up to three hours to complete the exam and must score 70% or higher to pass.

The cost for taking the CSI exam is $150 USD for members of NABT and $200 USD for non-members. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official NABT Certified Science Instructor certificate along with other recognition materials.

6. International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Certified Science Instructor

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Certified Science Instructor is a professional certification program that recognizes educators who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in integrating technology into science instruction. It is designed to equip educators with the knowledge and skills to effectively use technology to support student learning in science.

It takes approximately one year to complete the ISTE Certified Science Instructor program, depending on the individual’s level of experience with technology integration. The program consists of two components: a self-paced online course and an assessment. The online course covers topics such as using digital tools for inquiry-based learning, developing digital resources for instruction, teaching with data, and exploring virtual simulations and models. Upon completion of the online course, participants must pass an assessment that tests their understanding of the material covered in the course.

To get the ISTE Certified Science Instructor certification, individuals must first register for the program at ISTE’s website. After registering, they will receive access to the self-paced online course and instructions on how to complete it. Once they have completed the course, they must take and pass an assessment before receiving their certification.

The cost of the ISTE Certified Science Instructor program varies based on whether or not you are an ISTE member. For non-members, it costs $299 USD; for members, it costs $249 USD.

7. National Earth Science Teachers Association (NESTA) Certified Earth Science Instructor

The National Earth Science Teachers Association (NESTA) Certified Earth Science Instructor program is a professional certification for teachers who wish to demonstrate their expertise in the field of earth science. The program is designed to recognize and reward teachers who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in teaching earth science.

To become NESTA certified, applicants must complete an application process that includes submitting a portfolio of evidence demonstrating their mastery of earth science content and pedagogical skills. The portfolio must include evidence such as lesson plans, student assignments, and other materials that demonstrate the applicant’s ability to effectively teach earth science.

The application process typically takes two to three months to complete, depending on the applicant’s availability and preparation time. Applicants must also take an online assessment that tests their knowledge of earth science content.

The cost for the NESTA Certified Earth Science Instructor program varies depending on the type of certification sought (e.g., elementary or secondary). Generally speaking, it costs between $200 and $400 USD for the application fee plus any associated assessment fees.

8. American Chemical Society (ACS) Certified Chemistry Instructor

American Chemical Society (ACS) Certified Chemistry Instructor is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated an advanced level of knowledge and expertise in the field of chemistry. The program is administered by the ACS Education Division, which is responsible for promoting excellence in teaching and learning of chemistry.

To become an ACS Certified Chemistry Instructor, applicants must have a minimum of a Master’s degree in chemistry or a related field, as well as at least two years of college-level teaching experience. Applicants must also complete the ACS Certification Exam, which consists of three parts: general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry. The exam is offered twice each year at various locations throughout the United States.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on the location, but typically ranges from $150-$200 USD. Once applicants pass the exam, they will receive their certification within 6-8 weeks.

In addition to passing the exam, certified instructors are required to maintain their certification status through continuing education activities such as attending conferences or workshops and completing online courses related to chemistry education.

Overall, becoming an ACS Certified Chemistry Instructor requires dedication and commitment to achieving excellence in teaching and learning of chemistry.

9. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Certified Oceanography Instructor

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Certified Oceanography Instructor program is a professional certification program for educators who teach oceanography-related topics. The program is designed to provide recognition of the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of oceanographic principles and concepts.

In order to become certified as an NOAA Certified Oceanography Instructor, individuals must meet the following requirements:

• Have a minimum of two years teaching experience in oceanography or related fields;
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of oceanographic principles and concepts;
• Successfully complete an approved course in oceanography or related field;
• Pass an examination administered by NOAA.

The examination consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as physical oceanography, chemical oceanography, biological oceanography, geology, geophysics, ecology, marine policy and management. Individuals must score at least 80% on the exam in order to be certified.

The cost for taking the exam is $150 USD. The cost for renewing certification every five years is $50 USD. It typically takes between four to six weeks to receive results from the exam.

10. American Meteorological Society (AMS) Certified Meteorology Instructor

The American Meteorological Society (AMS) Certified Meteorology Instructor is a certification program for meteorologists who wish to teach meteorology at the college or university level. The program is designed to provide an opportunity for experienced professionals in the field of meteorology to become certified instructors.

To be eligible for the AMS Certified Meteorology Instructor program, applicants must have a minimum of a master's degree in meteorology or atmospheric science, as well as three years of professional experience in the field. Applicants must also demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles and applications of meteorology, including weather forecasting and climate change.

The certification process takes approximately two months to complete. During this time, applicants will need to submit their application materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and evidence of professional experience. They will then take an online exam that tests their knowledge on topics such as climatology, synoptic meteorology, and radar meteorology. Once they pass the exam, they will receive their certification from the AMS.

The cost for the AMS Certified Meteorology Instructor program is $250 USD. This fee covers all application materials and exam fees.

Do You Really Need a Science Instructor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the context of the teaching position. In some cases, a science instructor certificate may be required, while in others it may not be necessary.

In general, science instruction is a highly specialized field and teachers who specialize in this subject matter should be expected to have a working knowledge of the material they are teaching. Therefore, if you are applying for a job that requires you to teach science at any level, it is likely that having a science instructor certificate will give you an advantage over other applicants who do not possess one. This type of certification can also demonstrate that you have taken the initiative to learn more about the subject area and can show potential employers that you are dedicated to becoming an effective and knowledgeable teacher.

On the other hand, there are some teaching positions where having a science instructor certificate is not necessary or even beneficial. For example, if you are applying for a position as an elementary school teacher who only needs to teach basic scientific concepts such as life cycles or simple experiments then having this type of certification may not make much difference. However, if you plan on taking on more advanced subjects like chemistry or physics then having this type of certification would certainly help your application stand out from other candidates.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a science instructor certificate largely depends on the specific teaching position for which you are applying. If the job requires advanced knowledge of scientific concepts then having this type of certification could be very beneficial and can help increase your chances of being hired.

Related: Science Instructor Resume Examples

FAQs About Science Instructor Certifications

1. How do I become a Science Instructor?

Answer: To become a Science Instructor, you must have a degree in science and/or teaching, plus experience teaching science. You may also need to obtain a certification from an approved organization.

2. What type of certifications are available for Science Instructors?

Answer: There are several different types of certifications available for Science Instructors including National Board Certification, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Certification, and National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Certification.

3. How long does it take to get certified as a Science Instructor?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get certified as a Science Instructor can vary depending on the type of certification you choose and the requirements set by the certifying organization. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year or longer to complete the certification process.

4. Are there any prerequisites for getting certified as a Science Instructor?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations require that applicants have at least 3-5 years of teaching experience in science and/or related fields prior to applying for certification. Additionally, many organizations require that applicants pass an assessment or exam prior to being granted certification.

5. What is the cost associated with obtaining a Science Instructor Certification?

Answer: The cost associated with obtaining a Science Instructor Certification varies depending on the type of certification and the certifying organization you choose; however, most programs range from $500 - $1,000 USD or more depending on requirements and fees associated with each program.