Costs, Time & Commitment: What to Expect When Becoming a Teacher With the American Board

 Are you thinking, “How do I become a teacher?” Maybe you’re a career-changer, someone with a bachelor’s degree in another field, or simply someone who’s passionate about making a difference in the classroom. If so, the alternative route via the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) might be the right path for you. In this post we’ll break down exactly what you’ll invest (costs), how long it takes (time), and what commitment is required (effort) to pursue teacher licensure online through the American Board pathway.

Why choose this route?

Before we dive into cost and time, it’s helpful to understand why this option exists. Traditional teacher preparation often involves returning to a university education program, completing pedagogy courses, student-teaching, and so on. The American Board alternative teacher certification program is tailored for professionals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to transition into teaching without the full traditional program. It’s an online, self-paced certification that leads to a state teaching license in participating states. 
This means flexibility—you may continue working while you earn your “passport to teaching” (their term) and enter the classroom sooner than through many conventional routes. But of course, that convenience comes with its own considerations: time management, self-motivation, and cost.

1. Cost Breakdown: What You’ll Need to Budget

Program Fee

One of the first things you’ll ask is: How much does it cost to become a teacher via the American Board? According to the ABCTE website, program pricing varies by state and subject area, but typical numbers are:

• Standard program: around US $1,900 in many states. 

• Premium program (with extra study materials, job-counseling webinars, etc): approximately US $2,100 or more.

• On the installment payment plan, for example “Standard Pricing” is listed as $2,850 program fee + $160 administrative fee = ~$3,010 total; discounted may be ~$2,682. 

So expect somewhere between US$1,800 to US$3,000+ as the upfront cost for the program, depending on your state and subject area.

Additional fees & extras

Beyond the base fee, consider:

• Exam retake fees: If you don’t pass one of the required exams on your first attempt, there are additional fees (for example retake = ~$195) for some subjects. 

• Program extension: If you don’t finish within 12 months, you may need to pay for a six-month extension (around US$389) to continue the program without re-enrolling. 

• Additional subject areas: If you wish to certify in more than one teaching subject, each extra subject may cost ~US$850 (after the first subject) in some states. 

• State licensure or background check fees: Because each state has its own licensing board, you’ll likely pay state application fees, fingerprint/background check costs, and perhaps continuing professional development later. Each state varies (so check with your state’s education department). For example, in Missouri the state facts sheet shows you must complete the ABCTE certificate, background check, and required hours for licensure. 

• Opportunity cost: Although the program is self-paced, you’re still devoting time. If you reduce work hours or adjust schedule, that matters in your budgeting.

Value for money

When you consider traditional teacher preparation/m-ed programs that may cost many thousands of dollars and take multiple semesters, this alternative route can appear far more affordable and faster. Study.com reports that one reason candidates choose ABCTE is that it’s a “fast, flexible and affordable” online teacher certification program. 
So yes—the cost is reasonable compared to some routes. But you still want to treat it like an investment: you’re investing time, effort, discipline and money to gain teaching certification and enter the classroom.

2. Timeframe: How Long Will It Take?

Program Duration

One major advantage of the ABCTE route is that it is self-paced and online. Based on the ABCTE FAQ:

• You have up to 1 year (12 months) to complete the program from the time you enrol. 

• The “average” candidate completes in 7-10 months.

• Some ambitious candidates have even finished in 2 months if they dedicate significant time. 

So realistically you’re looking at somewhere between 4-10 months if you’re fairly dedicated; if you treat it part time you may take almost the full year.

What influences how fast you finish?

Several factors will affect your timeline:

• How much time you can allocate weekly: Since the study is self-paced, the more hours per week you dedicate, the quicker you finish.

• Your familiarity with your subject area: If you’re teaching in a subject you already have deep knowledge in (e.g., you studied it or worked in it), you may progress faster.

• Test preparation readiness: You’ll need to prepare for two main exams (Professional Teaching Knowledge and subject area knowledge). If you’re comfortable with test prep, you’ll move faster.

• Whether you need extensions: If you stall, you may need to pay to extend beyond 12 months. That adds time and cost.

• State-specific requirements: Some states may have extra steps (mentoring, supervised teaching, etc) once you pass the exams, so you’ll want to check your state’s licensing board.

Timeline recap

Here’s a sample timeline:

• Month 1: Enrol, receive study materials, begin self-study.

• Months 2-4: Complete modules, some practice tests, subject content review.

• Month 4-6: Take Professional Teaching Knowledge (PTK) exam and subject area exam (once ready).

• Month 6-10: Receive results, apply to state licensure board, secure teaching position, potentially complete induction/mentoring year.

• Up to Month 12: If unfinished by then, pay for extension or re-adjust schedule.

Again, if you can commit major hours per week, you could knock it out in ~4-5 months; if you manage around 5-10 hours/week while working full-time, 9-12 months is realistic.

3. Commitment: What Will You Need to Do & How Hard Will It Be?

Study commitment

Because the program is self-paced and online, you’ll need to be disciplined:

• Set a schedule: Treat it like a job or part-time course. Block out study hours each week.

• Prepare for two major exams: The PTK (Professional Teaching Knowledge) and at least one subject-area exam. You’ll need to write essay responses (for some) and take computer-based multiple-choice tests. 

• Use study materials/practice exams: Particularly if you choose the Premium version, you’ll have extra practice tests, job-search webinars, etc.

• Keep track of progress: Since you have up to a year, but could finish faster, aiming for milestones (module completions, practice exam scores) helps.

Work while you study?

Yes—you can. That’s one of the program’s selling points. The FAQ says: “Can I work while I’m enrolled? Of course!” 
This means you’ll need to balance your job commitments + study + life. That’s why realistic planning is key.

State licensing commitments

After you finish the online certification, you’ll still need to:

• Apply to your state’s teacher licensure board. Each state has its own rules about alternative routes. For example, in Missouri the facts sheet shows ABCTE certificate-holders must complete background check and other state-specific tasks. 

• Possibly complete a mentoring or clinical teaching year: Some states require an induction year or supervised teaching before granting a full certification/license. E.g., North Dakota’s process includes a “clinical experience program” and mentoring after obtaining ABCTE tests. 

• Maintain professional development: Though less immediate, once you begin teaching you may have continuing education, performance reviews, etc.

Personal commitment

From a personal viewpoint, you should ask yourself:

• Am I ready to manage my time effectively so I don’t drag this out beyond 12 months?

• Do I have the motivation to self-study (no fixed classroom, no regular lectures)?

• Do I already have some subject-area strength so I don’t struggle heavily with content?

• Can I handle the transition into teaching (classroom management, lesson planning, student interactions) once licensed?

It’s not easy—but it’s quite doable if you commit.

4. Weighing the Cost: Is It Worth It?

Let’s recap and reflect.

Investments:

• Money: ~$1,900-3,000+ upfront (plus potential extras like exam retakes, extension fees, state licensing fees).

• Time: 4-12 months of study, plus additional time for state licensing and possibly induction.

• Effort: Self-discipline, exam prep, balancing other life commitments, transitioning into teaching.

Rewards:

• You gain a teaching license in your subject area through a flexible online route.

• You can shift into a teaching career without going back to full-time school for a master’s or full credential program.

• You enter the classroom sooner, with lower debt and less time away from work (compared to traditional programs).

• For many career changers, the personal fulfillment of making a difference outweighs the investment.

Considerations:

• Make sure your state accepts the ABCTE pathway for licensure in the subject you want to teach. 

• Know that classroom readiness (pedagogy, management) may still be a learning curve once you start teaching. An alternative route may have less in-class teacher-training than a traditional ed program. Reddit users note it’s legit but “no classroom component” vs. traditional programs. 

• Consider job market and subject demand: Some subject areas (Math, Science, Special Ed) have higher demand, possibly better entry opportunities.

• Think long-term career trajectory: Will you want to pursue a master’s later? Will you need extra credentials? Some states may require more later.

In short: yes, it can be worth it — if you approach it intentionally, check your state licensure path carefully, commit to the work, and treat it like the investment it is.

5. Step-by-Step: What the Process Looks Like

Here’s a simplified timeline of “how to become a teacher” via the American Board route:

1. Check state eligibility – Ensure ABCTE is approved in your state for your chosen subject.

2. Bachelor’s degree + background check – You must already hold a bachelor’s degree and be ready for a background survey. 

3. Enroll in ABCTE program – Choose subject area, choose Standard or Premium option, pay program fee or set up installment.

4. Complete self-paced study – Use materials, practice, complete modules.

5. Take required exams – Professional Teaching Knowledge (PTK) exam + subject area exam(s). Schedule at Pearson VUE test centers. 

6. Pass exams, apply for state license – Submit exam results, background check, application to state board.

7. Enter classroom/induction year – Many states require a first year with mentoring or supervised teaching.

8. Begin full teaching role – Once you satisfy state requirements, you begin your career as a licensed teacher.

9. Continue professional development – As with all educators, keep growing, possibly pursue further credentials.

6. Tips to Maximise Your Success

Here are some actionable tips so you don’t just “complete”, but succeed faster and more confidently:

• Create a weekly study schedule: Even 5-10 hours per week devoted to study will move you ahead steadily.

• Make use of practice exams: They help with reviewing subject area content and familiarising yourself with exam style.

• Prioritise your weaker areas: If you’re comfortable in your subject (say mathematics) but less so in pedagogy test (PTK), allocate extra time to pedagogy.

• Don’t delay enrolment: The sooner you start, the fresher your motivation; setting deadlines helps you finish within 12 months.

• Connect with peers: Even though the program is self-paced, find online forums or study groups for support.

• Research your state’s licensing board early: Understand required paperwork, state exams (some states may still require additional assessments).

• Prepare for classroom life: Even though you’re not going through full traditional training, reading up on classroom management, lesson planning and student engagement will serve you well once you begin teaching.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the minimum requirement to enrol in the program?
You need a Bachelor’s degree (or be within six months of obtaining one) from an accredited college/university. 

Q2. How long does it take to complete the program?
You have up to 12 months from enrollment. Most complete in 7-10 months, though some finish in 2–4 months depending on pace. 

Q3. How much does it cost?
The standard program typically starts around US $1,900, premium options ~$2,100+. If paying via installments or state dependent, total cost may be ~$2,600-3,000. 

Q4. Are there extra fees beyond the program fee?
Yes – additional subject certifications (~$850), exam retakes (~$195+), program extension (~$389/6-month), state licensing fees, background check costs. 

Q5. Is this certification valid in all states?
No. Each state must approve the ABCTE route. You must check whether your state accepts it for the subject you want. 

Q6. Can I work full- time while doing the program?
Yes – the program is self-paced and designed for flexibility, so many candidates continue working while they study. 

Q7. What if I don’t pass an exam or finish in one year?
If you fail an exam, you may be charged a retake fee. If you don’t finish in 12 months, you may pay for an extension (around US$389). 

Q8. After certification, what next?
You apply for your state teaching license, often complete any required induction/mentoring year, and then begin your full teaching role. Professional development continues thereafter.

Final Thoughts

If your goal is to answer the question “how to become a teacher?” in a practical, efficient, and cost-conscious way, the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence alternative route is a compelling option. You’ll need to invest financially, commit your time, and set yourself up for success with disciplined study. But in exchange you gain a faster path into the classroom, a teaching license, and a chance to impact young lives.

Just remember: check your state’s requirements first, budget the costs realistically, plan your study hours, and mindset matters. With motivation and structure, you could be teaching within months, not years.

Good luck on your teaching journey—you’ve got this! If you’d like help with further resources, exam study tips, or state-by-state breakdowns, let me know and I’ll support you.