Hawaii Credential Guide
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages License Field Requirements in Hawaii
Issued by Hawaii Teacher Standards Board.
Hawaii lists TESOL as a teaching license field. Adding that field to an existing license and applying for an initial license follow different requirements.
Official sources reviewed . Requirements can change, so confirm your route with the issuing agency before enrolling.
Hawaii TESOL Add-Field Choice
Meet the Content-Knowledge Rule, Then Submit the Add-Field Application
Hawaii requires an active, valid teaching license with no deficiencies before you add TESOL as a field. For TESOL content knowledge, the Board's policy permits either qualifying credits or a passing score on its approved TESOL exam. Other add-field requirements still apply.
Submit official transcripts documenting 30 TESOL semester credits, including at least 15 upper-division credits. Check the Board's add-field worksheet before assuming past courses qualify.
Submit an official passing score for the Board-approved TESOL licensure exam. Confirm the current assessment and any remaining application conditions with HTSB.
In your HTSB account, choose Licenses/Permits, then Add Teaching Field. Save each step and submit online. The Board says processing can take up to six weeks.
Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, checked September 29, 2026: add-field application, TESOL content-knowledge policy and coursework worksheet guidance.
Hawaii Requirements
Are You Adding TESOL to an Active Hawaii License?
Check your current license before using the add-field process. If you are seeking your first license, ask the Board about the separate initial route.
License status
Adding a TESOL teaching field requires an active, valid Hawaii license. Initial licensure follows separate academic preparation, student teaching, competency testing, and experience requirements.
Hawaii Requirements
Choose How to Show TESOL Content Knowledge
The Board accepts a specified TESOL transcript or an approved TESOL exam score for this part of the add-field review. Both choices sit within the wider add-field application.
Transcript option
For the TESOL add-field content-knowledge requirement, the Board accepts official transcripts documenting 30 TESOL semester credits, including at least 15 upper-division credits, as an alternative to the approved TESOL licensure exam. Other add-field requirements still apply.
Exam option
Passing the Board-approved TESOL licensure exam is an alternative way to meet the TESOL add-field content-knowledge requirement; other add-field requirements still apply.
Hawaii Requirements
Renew the License That Carries TESOL
The state distinguishes standard and advanced license periods. Use the renewal rule for the license type you hold.
License validity
Hawaii's standard license is valid for five years and its advanced license is valid for ten years. Both are renewable under the Board's current rules.