The short answer
Your endorsement is compared, not copied
There is no national endorsement map. The receiving agency fits your current authorization into its own certificate names, grade bands and evidence rules. “Reciprocity” starts that review; it does not promise an identical license.
Four details shape the match
Subject
The destination decides whether your current field matches one of its teaching areas.
Grade span
Elementary, middle and secondary bands do not line up the same way in every state.
How it was earned
A full preparation field and a later add-on endorsement can receive different treatment.
Remaining evidence
Coursework, tests and experience can determine whether the match is complete.
What the destination can decide
Comparable endorsement
The destination issues its closest subject and grade-span match.
Narrower authorization
Part of the current field carries over, but the destination limits the subject or grades.
A condition remains
The endorsement is available after another test, course or piece of evidence.
No direct match
The destination uses a different credential structure or does not treat the source area as comparable.
Current official examples
Five states, five versions of “comparable”
These examples show why the full endorsement matters. Each statement belongs to a specific state route and can change.
Alabama
Comparable first, testing second
Alabama looks for a comparable field, grade level and degree class. An area held only as an endorsement or add-on can still bring a current Alabama Praxis requirement after the agency reviews eligibility.
Checked 2026-08-01
Florida
The subject must match Florida's structure
Florida's route is based on a current, comparable standard certificate. The department issues the same or a comparable Florida subject shown on the qualifying credential.
Checked 2026-08-01
Illinois
Comparable endorsements, plus current tests
Illinois evaluates a valid comparable license and its endorsements. For reciprocity applications received on or after January 1, 2026, the applicant must pass the Illinois content test for each endorsement sought.
Checked 2026-08-01
Rhode Island
Content and grade span must align
Rhode Island accepts a current full source certificate only when its content area and grade span align to a Rhode Island certificate. Preliminary and temporary source credentials do not qualify for reciprocity.
Checked 2026-08-01
New York
An add-on is not always enough
New York's endorsement pathway requires a regular, active and comparable certificate. The state warns that an add-on endorsement does not always satisfy its reciprocity requirements.
Checked 2026-08-01
Before you apply
Make the authorization visible
Do not rely on a wallet card or the title “professional license.” The reviewer needs to see the details behind it.
- Official license verification showing every subject, endorsement and grade span
- Transcripts and preparation-program verification for the fields you want reviewed
- Subject-test score reports, including the exact test name, code and date
- Experience records when the route uses teaching history for a waiver or credential level
Start with your state’s official teacher certification lookup. If testing is the open question, see how Praxis scores are treated between states.
Your actual fields, not a generic list
See what belongs to your move
TeachPassport turns your license, subjects, grade levels, experience and destination into an ordered live plan with the likely credential, open requirements and official links.
The destination agency makes the final decision.
Check my endorsements — $49Questions about endorsements and reciprocity
Do teaching endorsements transfer between states?
Sometimes, but not automatically. The destination state compares the subject, grade span, certificate type and preparation behind your current authorization with its own endorsements. It may issue a comparable area, a narrower area or a license with another requirement.
Will all the subjects on my current license carry over?
Not necessarily. A state may recognize some subjects and not others because its endorsement names, grade bands and evidence rules are different. Apply for each area you want the destination to evaluate.
What if the endorsement names are different?
The name alone does not decide the match. The agency may review the authorized subject, grade levels, coursework, preparation program and test history to find the closest destination credential.
Can an add-on endorsement transfer differently from my original field?
Yes. Some states distinguish an endorsement earned through a full preparation program from one added later through testing, coursework or another state's process. That difference can create a new test or evidence requirement.
Can my grade levels change when I move?
Yes. Grade spans are not uniform across states. An elementary, middle-level or secondary authorization may map to a different or narrower span in the destination state.
Should I take another subject test before applying?
Only when the published route clearly requires it or the state identifies it after review. First confirm the destination endorsement and whether your current license, preparation, test or experience satisfies the rule.
What should I gather for an endorsement review?
Start with an official copy or verification of your current license showing every subject and grade span. Keep official transcripts, preparation verification, score reports and experience records ready in the delivery format the destination requires.
How does TeachPassport help with endorsement matching?
Your $49 live plan uses your source license, subjects, grade levels, experience and destination to organize the expected credential, tests, evidence and official links. Future moves and released requirement updates are included.
How these examples are checked
Every example links to the destination licensing agency guidance behind it. TeachPassport is independent of state agencies, and each agency makes the final equivalency decision.
Checked 2026-08-02 · Check again by 2026-11-02