Out-of-State Teacher Education Programs

On August 8, 2025, the HTSB Board approved New Business Item 25-05 Implementation of The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements and Clarification of Out-of-State Teacher Preparation Programs in Hawaiʻi (Read New Business Item 25-05 here).

HTSB revised its out-of-state program policy to ensure consistency with the U.S. Department of Education Strengthen Accountability for Colleges and Consumer Protection for Students (SACCPS) regulations 34 CFR 600.9(c)(2), and the standards set forth by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) when it took effect in July 2024. These regulations require institutions to certify that programs meet educational requirements for licensure/certification where students are located or in the State where the student seeks employment immediately after completing the program at the time of enrollment (read the fact sheet and the regulations).

Any educator preparation licensure program that is not approved by the HTSB is defined as an “out-of-state institution” or “out-of-state program,” even if the program allows candidates to complete coursework while residing in Hawaiʻi.

HTSB Guidance for Enrollment in an Out-of-State Program

HTSB also advises any Hawaiʻi individual enrolling in an out-of-state institution to receive written confirmation that the institution is approved by the Hawaiʻi Post-secondary Education Program to operate in Hawaiʻi and will meet all HTSB teacher educator preparation program requirements. In addition, if the out-of-state institution holds an approved Hawaiʻi Department of Education Affiliate Agreement, the individual should not assume that the institution will meet Hawaiʻi licensure requirements. Individuals can submit formal inquiries or complaints directly to the institution, the institution's accreditor, or NC-SARA. Individuals may contact the HTSB for a list of HTSB-approved programs.

HTSB Guidance for Out-of-State/International Teacher Education Program Completers

New Business Item (NBI) 21-13 Revised will serve as the official guidance for out-of-state and international teacher education program completers seeking licensure from HTSB. A Standard license may be issued if the applicant satisfies teaching experience requirements set forth in the Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR), in addition to fulfilling the foregoing requirements for an initial Provisional License.