New Hampshire Alternative Teacher Certification Process and Programs
Alternative teacher preparation programs, or non-traditional programs, are designed for those with a bachelor’s degree outside of education and typically lead to a certificate or master’s degree. These alternative pathways are similar in scope to the traditional route to teacher licensure in New Hampshire; however they offer flexibility for meeting the certification requirements based on candidates’ education and career experience. If you don’t already have a bachelor’s degree, check out our guide to traditional certification in New Hampshire. Continue reading to learn more about alternative certification options in the state.
Table of Contents
- New Hampshire Alternative Certification Requirements
- Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses
- Testing Requirements
- Licenses From Another State
- Schools With Alternative and Master’s Programs
- Fastest Alternative Certification Programs
- Additional Resources
Requirements for Alternative Certification
Candidates for New Hampshire teacher certification must hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Depending on the route pursued, candidates may also need to complete additional coursework and pass the state’s educator exams. Again depending on the pathway, the additional education required may be an alternative teacher preparation program or a master’s degree in teaching, education, or in a core subject that includes an approved certification program.
Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses in New Hampshire
To attract qualified teachers to the classroom and fill teaching positions in critical need areas, New Hampshire offers several pathways leading to alternative teaching licenses. These programs are typically designed for candidates with bachelor’s degrees in subjects other than education and lead to certification in different endorsement areas.
Alternative 3A Pathway
The Alternative 3A pathway is available for candidates with a bachelor’s degree and at least three months of full-time teaching in a private school that does not require state teacher certification. Candidates for this pathway must send a letter of intent to the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHDOE) for a credential review. Candidates who qualify will be sent additional requirements, such as testing, to complete the licensure process based on an individualized background analysis. Candidates must also submit a portfolio and complete an interview with a board of examiners appointed by the NHDOE.
Alternative 3B Pathway
Candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree may pursue New Hampshire’s Alternative 3B Route to teacher certification by earning national certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Candidates must provide official transcripts for all college coursework and a copy of current licensure/certification from the NBPTS with their application for licensure via this pathway.
Alternative 4 Pathway
The Alternative 4 pathway is for those who wish to teach in one of New Hampshire’s critical shortage teaching areas in grades nine to 12. Identified shortage areas change from year to year; a current list of shortages can be viewed through the NHDOE. Candidates qualified in one of these areas may follow Alternative 4 licensing procedures to be hired into a classroom position by the superintendent of a school with a shortage of qualified applicants. The hired candidate must then complete an Individualized Professional Development Plan (IPDP) and earn a recommendation for licensure from the superintendent to receive full certification.
Alternative 5 Pathway
To qualify for the Alternative 5 pathway to licensure, a candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree plus an additional 30 semester hours in the discipline for which they are seeking endorsement. The additional 30 semester hours may be a graduate certificate or master’s degree in the discipline. Similar to the Alternative 4 pathway, candidates must be hired into a teaching position and teach for one year under the mentorship of a certified educator, complete an Individualized Professional Development Plan (IPDP), and earn a recommendation for licensure from the district superintendent to qualify for full certification under this pathway.
Testing Requirements for New Hampshire Alternative Certification
The testing requirements for alternative teacher certification vary by pathway and the hiring requirements of individual school districts. Exam requirements such as the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators and/or the Praxis Subject Tests may be identified as part of a candidate’s IPDP for alternative licensure.
Transferring Teaching Licenses From Another State
New Hampshire teacher certification via reciprocity is known as the Alternative 2 pathway. New Hampshire typically accepts applications from those with a current and valid teaching certificate issued by any state if the candidate has completed a state-approved teacher preparation program and at least three years of satisfactory teaching experience within the previous seven years. For more information, see our guide to interstate reciprocity or visit the NHDOE.
Schools With Alternative and Master’s Programs in New Hampshire
To qualify for teacher certification, you must complete an approved teacher preparation program. Alternative route teacher licensing programs typically lead to a certificate or master’s degree. The not-for-profit, school-based alternative certification programs below have been approved by the NHDOE for the preparation of teachers.
| State-Approved School | Accreditation | Program Type(s) | Alt. Teacher Program Enrollment4 | Alt. Teacher Prep Prog. Completers4 | Alt. Licensing Exams Pass Rate4 | Net Price5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin Pierce University | — | Master’s | — | — | — | $27,121 |
| New England College | — | Master’s | — | — | — | $32,024 |
| NHTI, Concord’s Community College | — | Certificate | — | — | — | $16,048 |
| Plymouth State University | AAQEP | Certificate, Master’s | — | — | — | $20,631 |
| Rivier University | — | Master’s | — | — | — | $27,304 |
| Southern New Hampshire University* | CAEP | Master’s | — | — | — | $41,217 |
| University of New Hampshire | — | Certificate, Master’s | — | — | — | $24,847 |
- — indicates none or not applicable.
- N.Av. indicates data was not available or pass rates were omitted for confidentiality.
- *Schools with an asterisk offer programs that can include paid classroom placements, subject to qualifications and experience. Students may be responsible for securing their own placement. Contact programs for further information.
Fastest Alternative Certification Programs
The following schools have the fastest programs to qualify for teacher certification in New Hampshire based on the shortest possible time to completion. Shorter alternative certification programs are often more affordable as they require fewer credit hours. Check with programs to verify program costs and funding opportunities.
- New England College (7 months)
- NHTI, Concord’s Community College (12 months)
- Plymouth State University (12 months)
- University of New Hampshire (12 months)
Additional Resources
- NHDOE Credentialing HD Knowledge Base: Comprehensive information on requirements for prospective educators in New Hampshire.
Related Articles
- Alternative Teacher Certification Guide
- New Hampshire Traditional Teacher Certification Guide
- Teacher Certification Reciprocity Guide
References:
1. New Hampshire Department of Education: https://nhdoepm.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/CHD/overview
2. Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP): https://caepnet.org/provider-search
3. Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP): https://aaqep.org/accredited-programs
4. US Department of Education 2021 Title II Report: https://title2.ed.gov/Public/Home.aspx
5. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/