Frequently Asked Questions

Here at ABCTE, we seek to reduce the hurdles associated with teacher certification and help you achieve your goal of becoming a teacher. Feel free to call us and you will get a prompt response. Dial 1-877-669-2228 or visit our Help Desk.

Passport to Teaching

Purchasing Resources

Advisors

Exams

 

Passport to Teaching

How long does the Passport to Teaching program take?
You have up to one year to complete the program (18 months for special education certification). Most individuals earn certification in 6-10 months.
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Can I earn certification in more than one area?
Yes. The cost to add an additional certification area is $450.
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Can I change subject areas after enrolling?
Yes. The cost to change your subject is $50.
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Can my enrollment fees be refunded if I change my mind?
Yes. Refund requests must be received within 30 days of your enrollment. Full details are available in the candidate handbook.
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Do you offer an installment payment plan?
Yes. We offer a payment plan in several of our subject areas. Your fees can be paid via 4 monthly installments.
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If I earn a Passport to Teaching certification, will I be considered highly qualified according to NCLB?
If your state recognizes Passport to Teaching as a route to certification, you will be considered highly qualified.
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What if I my degree is from a college or university outside the U.S.?
ABCTE is pleased to accept foreign-educated applicants into the program. We require that all international applicants submit a credential evaluation in addition to their transcripts. International graduates should consult the candidate handbook for further information.
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How is the background check conducted?
To complete your national background check, you must submit a disclosure authorization form to ABCTE.
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I already had a background check done. Why do I need another one?
ABCTE recognizes that teachers are responsible for the well being of students. Background checks from other sources are not valid for ABCTE certification.
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Do I need to submit transcripts for my advanced degree?
Your graduate level transcripts are not required. Although information on your advanced degree(s) is important to ABCTE, no transcripts beyond your Bachelor's are required.
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How will I know that you have received my documents?
Our records division updates candidate records daily. Once received and approved, updates will be reflected in your MyPass account.
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Purchasing Resources

When can I expect to receive my CD-ROM or practice exam bundle?
Practice test orders are shipped within 2-3 business days after being purchased. These materials take an additional 2-3 business days to reach their destination after being shipped via the US Postal Service. If you are an international candidate, shipping time may vary.
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How do I access my online refresher course?
In order to access your online refresher course, please click here. You can then log in using your MyPass username and password. If you have trouble logging in, make sure that you are using a recent version of Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. Please note that it takes up to 72 hours for course activation from the date of purchase.

You will have access to your online refresher course until your enrollment in that certification area expires.
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How do I access my eLearning Teacher's Classroom Assessment Program?
In order to access the eLearning course, visit www.elearningteacher.com. You can then log in using your MyPass username and password.
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I have received a promotional code. How can I apply this to my order?
Once you reach the payment screen, there will be a text box where you can enter the promotional code located under the list of products in your shopping cart. Clicking on "check" will apply this code to your order.
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I am an international candidate - when can I expect to receive my CD-ROM or practice exam bundle?
The amount of time your materials spend in transit will vary greatly depending on where they are going. All international shipments are sent via Global Priority Mail where this service is available. You can get an idea of what the average shipping time is for your area by visiting the international shipping section of the U.S. Postal Service website. If Global Priority Mail Service is not available where you live, your package will be shipped by standard air mail.
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Advisors

What is the role of my advisor?
Your advisor is a virtual "guidance counselor" during the orientation phase of the Passport to Teaching program. They review your Individual Learning Plan and match up resources that target the areas that need the most improvement. They suggest a timetable that is manageable and based on when you would like to complete the program.
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When will my advisor contact me?
You can expect your advisor to contact you within 7 business days after enrollment.
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How will I communicate with my advisor?
Candidates can communicate with advisors via phone or e-mail. It is recommended to schedule phone appointments over e-mail.
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Where is my advisor located?
Advisors are located throughout the U.S. and are not in our ABCTE office. Advisors' personal contact information will not be given to candidates.
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How long will I have my advisor?
Candidates will work with advisors until the completion of all self-assessments and creation of all individualized learning plans. This is generally about 45 days. Once a candidate transitions from an advisor, they may contact the resident advisor with further questions.
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Will my advisor teach me what I need to know?
No. Advisors are available for recommending ideas from our resources list and answering your questions. Together, you will build a study plan based on the strengths and weaknesses identified in your self-assessment.
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Exams

When and where do I take my exams?
Certification exams are offered year round. Visit the Pearson VUE Web site to view testing center locations.
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How long will I have to wait to receive my official score report?
You will receive your score reports four to six weeks after you sit for the exam.
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If I do not pass my exam the first time, can I take it again?
Yes, you may retake an exam twice for a total of three attempts.
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