Top 10 Social Studies Teacher Certifications

Certifications are important for social studies teachers in the job market because they demonstrate that the teacher has the professional qualifications and experience to teach in a specific area. Certifications provide evidence of a teacher’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in an academic setting. They also demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development, which is essential for staying current with changes in curriculum and best practices. Additionally, certifications can help teachers stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs. In some states, certification may be required by law to teach at certain grade levels or subject areas.

The purpose of this article is to review top certifications for Social Studies Teachers and explain how they can help enhance a social studies teacher's career.

What are Social Studies Teacher Certifications?

Social studies teacher certification is a formal process of recognition that allows educators to teach social studies courses at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. To become certified, teachers must complete an approved program of study in social studies education and pass state-mandated tests. Certification typically requires completing a minimum number of college credits in social studies education or related fields, such as history, political science, psychology, sociology, economics, and geography.

Social studies teacher certification can help teachers advance their career by providing them with the qualifications needed to teach social studies courses. For example, some states may require teachers to be certified before they are allowed to teach any course in the subject area. Additionally, teacher certification can provide job security and demonstrate a commitment to professional development. Certification also serves as evidence of knowledge in the subject matter that is necessary for teaching social studies courses effectively. Finally, having a valid teaching certificate from the state board can help when applying for other jobs or promotions within the educational system.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for social studies teacher certification in your state. Each state has different requirements, and it is important to understand what is necessary for you to become certified in order to teach social studies.

Related: What does a Social Studies Teacher do?

Top 10 Social Studies Teacher Certifications

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

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

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification is a voluntary certification process that recognizes teachers who demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in their teaching practice. The NBPTS certification is a rigorous, performance-based assessment that measures a teacher’s ability to meet the high standards of the profession. It is an important way for teachers to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in teaching.

The NBPTS certification process typically takes two years to complete. During this time, teachers must complete an extensive portfolio that includes student work samples, lesson plans, reflections on teaching practices, and other evidence of professional growth. After completing the portfolio, teachers must pass a series of assessments designed to evaluate their knowledge and skills in various areas of teaching. Once all requirements have been met, the NBPTS will award the teacher with a certificate of professional recognition.

To become certified by the NBPTS, teachers must first apply for candidacy status by submitting an application along with supporting documents such as transcripts and letters of recommendation. Candidates then have two years to complete all requirements for certification. During this time they must also pay an annual fee and participate in professional development activities related to their area of expertise.

The cost of certification varies depending on the state or district where you are located as well as any additional fees associated with your application or portfolio submission. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 dollars for the entire process from start to finish.

2. Advanced Placement (AP) Social Studies Certification

Advanced Placement (AP) Social Studies Certification is a program offered by the College Board that allows high school teachers to demonstrate their expertise in teaching social studies courses. The certification is designed to help teachers stay up-to-date on their knowledge and skills in teaching social studies.

In order to get AP Social Studies Certification, teachers must first complete an online application and submit it to the College Board. Once the application is approved, teachers can then take an online exam that covers topics such as history, government, economics, geography, and culture. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost for taking the AP Social Studies Certification exam varies depending on where you take it. In most cases, the cost ranges from $90-$150 USD.

Once a teacher passes the exam, they will receive their official AP Social Studies Certification from the College Board. This certification is valid for five years and must be renewed after that time period has elapsed.

3. International Baccalaureate (IB) Social Studies Certification

International Baccalaureate (IB) Social Studies Certification is a program designed to help educators develop the skills and knowledge necessary to teach social studies in an IB school. The certification is offered through the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). It is a two-year program that requires applicants to have at least three years of teaching experience in social studies, as well as demonstrate their commitment to the IB mission and philosophy.

In order to get certified, applicants must complete a series of courses and assessments. These include: completing an online application, attending an orientation session, taking part in a seminar on the IBO’s mission and philosophy, completing two courses in social studies methodology and assessment, attending two workshops on teaching strategies for social studies, passing two exams on the IBO’s approach to teaching social studies, completing one course in educational research methods, and participating in a final interview with an IBO representative.

The cost of the certification varies depending on where you are located. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,500 - $2,000 USD for all fees associated with the program. This includes application fees, course fees, exam fees and any other additional costs associated with the program.

Once certified by the IBO, teachers will be able to teach social studies at any IB school around the world. They will also receive ongoing support from IBO staff members who can provide advice on best practices when it comes to teaching social studies within an IB setting.

4. Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Social Studies Teacher Certification

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is a national accrediting body that sets standards for educator preparation programs. CAEP Social Studies Teacher Certification is a certification program designed to ensure that educators have the knowledge and skills necessary to teach social studies in K-12 schools.

In order to become certified, educators must first complete an approved teacher education program at an accredited institution. These programs typically include coursework in pedagogy, content area knowledge, and student assessment. Once the program has been completed, educators must pass a state-mandated test in order to be eligible for certification.

The length of time it takes to get certified depends on the individual's educational background and experience. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from one year to four years or more to complete all of the requirements for certification.

In order to get certified, individuals must apply for certification through their state's department of education or other regulatory agency. The application process typically includes submitting transcripts, passing tests, providing references, and completing additional paperwork as required by the state.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the state and type of certification sought after. Generally speaking, fees range from $50-$200 per exam with additional costs associated with application processing fees and background checks.

5. National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) Certification

The National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote excellence in the field of social studies education. It is the only national certification program of its kind and is recognized by school districts, state departments of education, and other educational organizations.

To become certified, an individual must demonstrate knowledge, skills, and dispositions in the areas of history, geography, economics, government/civics, sociology/anthropology, psychology/sociology/anthropology, and philosophy/religion. The candidate must also have at least three years of teaching experience in social studies or related fields.

It typically takes two to three years to complete the NCSS Certification process. During this time period, candidates are required to take part in a variety of activities such as attending workshops and conferences; completing online courses; writing papers; taking exams; submitting portfolios; and participating in an interview with a panel of experts.

In order to get NCSS Certification, candidates must submit an application that includes their resume and transcripts as well as a portfolio that demonstrates their knowledge and skills in social studies education. They must also pay a fee which varies depending on the type of certification sought. The fees range from $50 for Level I certification up to $250 for Level IV certification.

Once all requirements have been met and the application has been approved by NCSS staff members, candidates will receive their official certificate along with a seal indicating they are an NCSS Certified Educator.

6. National Middle School Association (NMSA) Social Studies Teacher Certification

The National Middle School Association (NMSA) Social Studies Teacher Certification is a program designed to provide teachers with the knowledge and skills to effectively teach social studies in middle schools. The certification is based on the NMSA’s standards for teaching social studies and provides evidence that teachers have met these standards.

The certification process typically takes between one and two years to complete, depending on the individual teacher’s experience and background. To get certified, teachers must meet certain prerequisites, such as having a valid teaching license or degree in social studies education. They must also pass an online assessment that tests their knowledge of social studies content and pedagogy.

In addition to meeting the prerequisites, teachers must also complete at least 30 hours of professional development activities related to social studies education. These activities can include attending workshops or conferences, taking courses, completing research projects, or participating in other forms of professional development related to social studies education.

The cost for the NMSA Social Studies Teacher Certification varies depending on the individual teacher’s situation and how they choose to pursue their certification. Generally speaking, costs can range from $200-$500 for materials and fees associated with taking the assessment and completing professional development activities.

7. American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Social Studies Teacher Certification

The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Social Studies Teacher Certification is a program designed to help teachers become certified in teaching social studies in a foreign language. The certification is valid for five years and requires that the teacher demonstrate proficiency in the target language, as well as knowledge of social studies content and pedagogy.

To be eligible for the certification, applicants must hold a valid teaching license or certificate in their state, have completed an ACTFL-approved course of study, and pass the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI). The OPI assesses speaking proficiency in the target language.

It typically takes between one to two years to complete all requirements for certification. During this time, applicants must complete an approved course of study and pass both the OPI and a written exam demonstrating their knowledge of social studies content and pedagogy.

The cost for the certification varies depending on whether or not you are already an ACTFL member. For non-members, it costs $250 plus any additional fees associated with taking the OPI exam. For members, it costs $200 plus any additional fees associated with taking the OPI exam.

8. National Education Association (NEA) Social Studies Teacher Certification

The National Education Association (NEA) Social Studies Teacher Certification is a certification program designed to recognize teachers who have demonstrated their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of social studies. This certification is intended to provide an additional level of assurance that the teacher has the necessary qualifications to teach social studies in an effective manner.

To become certified as a social studies teacher through the NEA, applicants must meet certain requirements. These include having at least a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, completing an approved social studies teaching program, and passing the appropriate subject area exams. Additionally, applicants must also complete three years of successful full-time teaching experience in the social studies field.

The process for obtaining NEA Social Studies Teacher Certification can take up to two years depending on individual circumstances. Applicants should contact their state’s department of education for specific details regarding requirements and timelines for certification.

In terms of cost, applicants will need to pay fees associated with taking any required exams as well as any fees charged by their state's department of education for processing applications. Additionally, some states may require teachers to pay for professional development courses or workshops related to teaching social studies before they are eligible for certification.

9. National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Social Studies Teacher Certification

The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Social Studies Teacher Certification is a program designed to help teachers become certified in social studies instruction. This certification is available to teachers who have completed a bachelor's degree in social studies, or an approved equivalent, and have at least three years of teaching experience. The certification is valid for five years and must be renewed every five years.

In order to obtain the NCTE Social Studies Teacher Certification, applicants must first complete the online application and pay the associated fee. Once the application has been accepted, applicants will need to submit official transcripts from their undergraduate institution, as well as any additional documentation that may be required by the NCTE. After all documents have been received and reviewed, applicants will receive an email notification confirming their acceptance into the program.

Once accepted into the program, applicants will need to complete four courses: Introduction to Social Studies Education; Content Area Literacy Strategies; Teaching Diverse Learners; and Assessment for Learning in Social Studies Education. Each course requires approximately 30 hours of study time and can be completed online or through independent study. Upon successful completion of all four courses, applicants will receive their NCTE Social Studies Teacher Certification.

The cost for obtaining the NCTE Social Studies Teacher Certification varies depending on which courses are chosen and how they are taken (online or independent study). Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 for all four courses combined.

10. Educational Testing Service (ETS) Praxis II: Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 5-9 Exam

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) Praxis II: Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 5-9 Exam is a comprehensive assessment designed to measure the knowledge and skills of prospective teachers who wish to teach in grades 5-9. The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as instructional planning, classroom management, teaching strategies, student development, and professional roles and responsibilities. It also includes two constructed-response questions that ask test takers to write an essay about a specific educational topic.

The exam takes approximately two hours and 45 minutes to complete. It is offered at testing centers throughout the United States on a regular basis. To register for the exam, applicants must first create an account on the ETS website and pay an associated fee. The cost of the exam varies by state but typically ranges from $90 to $120.

Do You Really Need a Social Studies Teacher Certificate?

Yes, you do need a social studies teacher certificate in order to teach social studies in most states. A teacher certification is important because it provides evidence that the teacher has the necessary knowledge and skills to teach social studies effectively. It also serves as a way for school districts to ensure that their teachers are qualified and able to provide quality instruction.

In addition, having a social studies teacher certificate is important for job security and advancement opportunities. Most schools require state-issued teaching certificates for any type of teaching position, and social studies teachers are no exception. Without a valid teaching certificate, it can be difficult to find employment in the field of education. Even if you do find a job without one, there will likely be limitations on what you can teach and how much you can earn.

Finally, having a social studies teacher certificate demonstrates your commitment to the profession and your dedication to helping students learn. This can be especially beneficial when applying for higher positions or additional credentials such as National Board Certification or an advanced degree in education. Having these qualifications can open up more doors in terms of career advancement and salary increases within the field of education.

In conclusion, having a social studies teacher certificate is essential if you want to become an effective educator with access to better job opportunities and higher salaries. It demonstrates your knowledge and commitment to the profession while providing evidence that you are qualified to teach this subject matter in an effective manner.

Related: Social Studies Teacher Resume Examples

FAQs About Social Studies Teacher Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a social studies teacher?

Answer: To become a social studies teacher, you typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, as well as state-specific certification or licensure. You may also need to pass the appropriate Praxis exam and/or complete additional coursework.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a social studies teacher?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified as a social studies teacher varies by state, but it can range from several months to up to two years. Generally speaking, the process involves completing coursework, passing an exam, and fulfilling other requirements such as student teaching or field experience hours.

3. Are there any special certifications for teaching social studies?

Answer: Yes, some states offer specialized certifications for teaching particular subjects within the broader category of social studies. For example, history teachers may pursue certification in that specific area. Check with your state's Department of Education for more information on available certifications and requirements.

4. Are there any online programs that offer certification in social studies teaching?

Answer: Yes, some universities offer online programs for certification in social studies teaching. These programs typically involve completing coursework online and then either taking an exam or completing field experience hours in order to receive certification. It is important to note that not all states accept online certification programs; check with your state's Department of Education before enrolling in an online program.

5. Are there any alternative paths I can take if I want to teach social studies without getting certified?

Answer: Yes, some states allow individuals without formal education degrees or certifications to teach certain subjects within the context of homeschooling or tutoring services outside of traditional public schools and private schools. However, these alternative paths do not always provide the same level of job security or salary potential as those with formal certification and/or degrees in education do; check with your local school district for more information on these options before making a decision about which path is right for you.