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Moreland University: Arizona Certification Guide

In this article we cover licensure requirements for Arizona which Grants a 12-Year Standard Professional Certificate through AZDE (ADE). Candidates need an IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card (obtained before program completion), an Institutional Recommendation (IR) from Moreland, and AEPA exams (not Praxis). Moreland is not approved in AZ for Middle Grades, Early Childhood Ed, or Special Education.

Items Needed for Application

  • Official Bachelor's Transcript

  • Transcript Evaluation (for international degrees only)

  • Official Moreland Transcript

  • IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card  (must obtain BEFORE program completion)

  • Institutional Recommendation Form (IR)

  • AEPA Exam Scores or relevant exemptions

Please note: Moreland is not approved for Middle Grades, Early Childhood Education, or Special Education in Arizona.

Apply for the AZ IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

This must be done before program completion — the IVP card is required before Moreland can issue your IR. Follow the directions on the AZDE website to request the card. The fingerprint application will be mailed to you; return the required items in the blue envelope to the DPS. The physical IVP card will then be mailed to you. You will use the card information in your license application.

Receive the Institutional Recommendation (IR)

After you complete the program, Moreland's Certification team submits your information to AZDE. You will receive the IR via an AZDE notification and be prompted to create an application (if you haven't already).

  • The IR is valid for 1 year from the submission date.

  • You must receive the IR within 45 days of completing the program. After 45 days, you cannot apply to AZ using an IR.

  • No US SSN? You need an EIN — contact certification@moreland.edu.

Transcripts

Provide an official bachelor's transcript from a USDE-accredited institution. International degrees require a course-by-course evaluation from an AICE or NACES-approved agency (check your platform file box).

Order your official Moreland transcript through Parchment.

Pass the AEPA Exams (Pearson VUE)

Arizona uses Pearson VUE (AEPA) exams — not ETS Praxis. You need passing scores on

  • (1) Professional Knowledge Test  — aligns with your grade level

  • (2) Subject Knowledge Test — aligns with your certification area. If you hold a degree in that subject area, this may satisfy the requirement.

You may take these exams before completing the program — you do not need to wait.

Elementary candidates: Arizona requires a literacy endorsement for K-5 teachers (A.R.S. §15-501.1). You need to complete both Course A (science of reading/phonics — 3 credit hours or 45 clock hours) and Course B (reading instruction/interventions — 3 credit hours or 45 clock hours). View the approved programs list. The Foundations of Reading Exam is changing from test #190 to #890 on 9/1/25.

Apply on the AZDE Website

Follow the directions in your IR notification to apply on the AZ Gov website. You are applying for a 12-Year Standard Professional Certificate (Elementary K-8 or Secondary 6-12).

  • AZ & US Constitution requirement: After receiving your license, you have 3 years to pass a course or exam on the Arizona and U.S. Constitutions. If you teach history, government, social studies, citizenship, law, or civics, the window is 1 year.

  • SEI endorsement: Under A.R.S. §15-756.09, you may be required to obtain a Structured English Immersion (SEI) endorsement as part of the application.

Notes and Tips

  • Apply for the IVP Fingerprint Card as early as possible — Moreland cannot issue your IR without it, and you have only 45 days after program completion to use an IR.

  • Arizona uses AEPA/Pearson VUE exams, not ETS Praxis — register through the correct platform.

  • Elementary K-5 teachers must complete two literacy courses (Course A and B) in addition to standard requirements.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your Program Advisor or the Moreland Help Desk at help@moreland.edu.