Biology Certification
Can you name the major systems of the human anatomy? Describe how plants transform sunlight into food? The Biology program is designed to ensure that candidates have a thorough knowledge of topics ranging from the basic functions of DNA to the biochemical basis for life. Your program includes advising services, exams, online coursework, practice exams and more.
Become a teacher and have a classroom of your own in less than a year! We offer comprehensive resources to help you prepare for a new career as a teacher.
Your program includes:
- Study Plans: Our study plans are based on expert recommendations and successful candidate best practices. View a sample.
- Program Advisor: Work through the certification process at your own pace with ABCTE's expert advisors as guides.
- Prepare to Teach workshops: Familiarize yourself with teaching concepts and practices using online lessons, video case studies and printable resources. Preview workshops.
- Online Refresher course: Explore over 300 pages of material, dedicate more time to topics that need intense review and skip over what you already know. Preview refresher courses.
- Practice Exams: Practice in the same format as the real test on more than 300 sample questions. These include full-length tests, topic quizzes, timed and untimed modes, and complete explanations of the answers. Preview practice exams.
- New Teacher Hotline: Download free podcasts featuring fun, practical advice from teaching experts. Start listening today.
- Exams: Take exams when you are ready, according to your own schedule. Testing is available year-round at Pearson VUE centers, Monday-Saturday.
Want to learn more? Request more information, visit our discussion forums or download our Information Kit.
A state accepting ABCTE’s certification often tailors aspects of the program to fit their own needs and requirements. To find out how ABCTE works in a specific state, please select one from the list:
Once you have fulfilled the requirements for ABCTE certification, you are ready to find a teaching job in a public, charter or private school. Be sure to inquire about any additional requirements at the schools you are applying.
Once you begin teaching, we recommend you consider a mentoring program. These are often available through your school or through ABCTE for a fee. Learn more about our mentoring program.
ABCTE also has preferred employers to give your starting salary a boost.
Want to learn more? Request more information, visit our discussion forums or download our Information Kit.
To earn a Biology certificate, you must:
- Hold a Bachelor's degree or higher
- Submit your official college or university transcripts
- Pass our computer-based Biology exam consisting of 145 multiple choice questions
Download a snapshot - Pass our computer-based Professional Teaching Knowledge exam consisting of 100 multiple choice questions and a writing component
Download a snapshot - Pass a national background check
Want to learn more? Request more information, visit our discussion forums or download our Information Kit.
Refunds
ABCTE understands that, after enrollment, a candidate may decide to withdraw from the program. However, because ABCTE begins to incur administrative costs as soon as enrollment begins, it has adopted the following policy regarding requests for refunds:
- All refund requests must be in writing (letter, fax) using the Refund Request Form. You may obtain this form by contacting ABCTE at 1-877-669-2228.
- No Refund Request Form will be accepted if it is submitted more than 30 days after the date of the original payment to ABCTE.
- Not more than eighty percent of the payment will be refunded when a written refund request form is received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time thirty days after payment was received. If you purchased services as part of a package, only the certification portion of the package is eligible for a refund. No preparation materials are eligible for a refund.
- No refund will be issued if written cancellation is received after 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time thirty day after payment was received.
Certification Candidates only:
- Retake payments are not eligible for refund.
- This refund policy does not apply to Teach & Inspire or Installment Payment Plan participants.
There are no "extenuating circumstances" which will result in an exception to these policies.
Retake Exams
Applies to Certification candidates only
Your fee includes your first attempt at all exams that are part of that program. In the event you fail one or more of the exams, you must purchase a retake at a cost of $195 if you wish to attempt the exam again. This fee includes:
- Exam appointment with Pearson VUE
- Advising services available upon request
- 6 month extension of the enrollment period.
Note that your initial enrollment period of 1 year cannot be extended beyond 2 years. Once you reach the 2 year point, you must purchase an enrollment extension. These are available for 6 months at a cost of $145.
Candidates are eligible for two retakes of a failed exam. In other words, candidates may take any one examination a maximum of 3 times (first attempt plus two retakes). After 3 failed attempts, candidates must choose a new subject area or pursue a different route to certification.
Installment Payment Plan
Applies to Certification candidates only
ABCTE offers a payment plan for new candidates. If you are looking for a flexible way to join the program, use this plan to divide the fee into eight monthly installment payments. Pricing for installment plans is the current subject certification price plus an installment program fee for financing and administrative costs.
For more details on the plan, an FAQ to answer any questions you may have, and forms to be completed and faxed for enrollment by installment, see our ABCTE Payment Plan.
Candidate Handbook
Applies to Certification candidates only
All candidates should read the candidate handbook to familiarize themselves with all policies and requirements.
