HowToGetLicensed

Teacher License: California vs Pennsylvania

Thinking about getting your teacher license? Here's how California and Pennsylvania compare on education requirements, exam fees, total costs, and renewal obligations.

Requirement California Pennsylvania
Education Hours 3500 hours 3400 hours
Exam CBEST + CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers) Praxis Core + Praxis Subject Assessment + PECT
Application Fee $100 $100
Exam Fee $400 $400
Total Estimated Cost $44,500 - $45,500 $39,500 - $40,500
Renewal Period Every 5 years Every 5 years
CE Hours 150 hours 180 hours
Renewal Fee $100 $100

Which State Is Easier or Cheaper?

Lower cost: Pennsylvania is the more affordable option, with an average total cost of $39,500-$40,500 compared to $44,500-$45,500.

Fewer education hours: Pennsylvania requires 3400 hours of pre-license education, compared to 3500 hours in California.

Full State Guides

Compare teacher requirements across all 50 states →