Skip to content

Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education test requirements

Will I need another teacher test in Arkansas?

Requirements can differ by certificate, subject, grade span and prior score.

Open Licensure by Reciprocity
Official state guidance State makes the decision Checked 2026-08-01

Testing and assessment treatment

Requirement

Applicants submit content testing required for the source license, and Arkansas lists a Foundations of Reading requirement for K-6 elementary, K-12 special education and P-4 early childhood.

Which out-of-state path this covers

Arkansas evaluates an out-of-state teaching license under its reciprocity rules rather than exchanging it automatically, with credential type, recent good standing, tests and field-specific requirements controlling the result.

What can change this answer

The source license must have been in good standing during the educator's three most recent years of teaching experience; Arkansas can still impose content testing, Foundations of Reading or other ancillary requirements based on the requested field.

Documents you may need

The reciprocity packet uses the online application, background check, official transcripts, all relevant out-of-state licenses and applicable content-test evidence.

Where the testing answer can change

  • Holding another state's license does not guarantee Arkansas issuance
  • The agency evaluates the source license type and requested Arkansas area
  • Foundations of Reading applies to listed elementary, special-education and early-childhood licenses
  • Military applicants and spouses may have a separate automatic-equivalent route under Arkansas law

Register and send scores only for the exact exam code named by the state agency.

Official sources

Check again by 2026-11-01