How to Renew Your Teaching License in Indiana (2026 Guide)

Last updated March 2026

Renewing your Indiana teaching license doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you hold a Proficient Practitioner License or an Accomplished Practitioner License, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has a structured process built around your Professional Growth Plan. But there are some unique requirements — like CPR/AED certification — that catch teachers off guard if they're not prepared.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about how to renew your teaching license in Indiana in 2026: how many Professional Growth Points (PGP) you need, how the Professional Growth Plan works, how to submit through LVIS, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.

The Basics: Indiana Teaching License Renewal at a Glance

• Renewal cycle (Proficient Practitioner License): Every 5 years
• Renewal cycle (Accomplished Practitioner License): Every 10 years
• PGP points required: 90 points (for both license types)
• Alternative to PGP points: 6 semester hours of college coursework
• Governing body: Indiana Department of Education (IDOE)
• Where to renew: License Verification and Information System (LVIS) at in.gov/doe
• Renewal fee: $35
• Additional requirement: CPR and AED certification from an IDOE-approved provider

Your license expiration date is available in the LVIS system. If you're not sure when yours expires, log in to check — more details on the portal below.

Understanding the 90 PGP Point Requirement

Indiana requires 90 Professional Growth Points (PGP) per renewal cycle for both the Proficient Practitioner License (5-year cycle) and the Accomplished Practitioner License (10-year cycle). For Proficient Practitioners, that's about 18 points per year. For Accomplished Practitioners, it's just 9 points per year — very manageable over a decade.

Alternatively, you can renew with 6 semester hours of college coursework instead of 90 PGP points. This is a good option if you're working toward a master's degree or additional endorsements — your graduate coursework does double duty.

What Counts as PGP Points in Indiana?

Indiana ties professional development directly to your Professional Growth Plan (PGP). Activities must align with the goals in your plan to count toward renewal. Approved activity types include:

• PGP-approved activities: Professional development activities approved by your building-level administrator or superintendent (1 clock hour = 1 PGP point)
• College or university coursework: 6 semester hours can substitute for the entire 90-point requirement
• Workshops, seminars, and conferences: Must be aligned with your PGP goals
• National Board Certification activities: All NBPTS work counts toward PGP points
• Leadership and mentoring activities: Must be aligned with your PGP (Accomplished Practitioner License holders)

The Professional Growth Plan (PGP)

The Professional Growth Plan is central to Indiana's renewal system. Unlike states that simply require you to log hours, Indiana asks you to create a plan with specific professional growth goals, then pursue PD activities aligned with those goals.

Here's what you need to know about the PGP:

• Your PGP must be approved by a building-level administrator, superintendent, supervisor, or director
• The plan should outline your professional growth goals and the types of activities you'll pursue
• PD activities must align with the goals in your plan to count toward your 90 PGP points
• Keep your PGP updated — if your goals change, update the plan and get it re-approved

Pro tip: Create your PGP early in your renewal cycle, ideally within the first few months. This gives you clear direction for the next 5 or 10 years and ensures that the PD you complete will actually count toward renewal.

CPR and AED Certification Requirement

This is the requirement that catches many Indiana teachers by surprise. In addition to your 90 PGP points, you must hold current CPR and AED certification from an IDOE-approved provider at the time of renewal.

A few things to keep in mind:

• The certification must come from an IDOE-approved provider — not just any CPR class
• CPR certifications typically expire every 2 years, so you may need to renew your CPR certification multiple times during your license cycle
• Many school districts offer CPR/AED training as part of their back-to-school professional development
• Make sure your certification is current at the time you submit your renewal application

Proficient Practitioner vs. Accomplished Practitioner License

Feature	Proficient Practitioner	Accomplished Practitioner
Renewal cycle	5 years	10 years
PGP points required	90	90
Alternative (coursework)	6 semester hours	6 semester hours
CPR/AED required	Yes	Yes
Renewal fee	$35	$35
Mentoring/leadership PD	Accepted	Accepted and encouraged

Both license types require the same 90 PGP points and the same $35 fee. The main difference is the cycle length: 5 years for Proficient Practitioners, 10 years for Accomplished Practitioners. The Accomplished Practitioner License is for experienced educators who have demonstrated advanced competency.

How to Submit Your Renewal: The LVIS Portal

Indiana uses the License Verification and Information System (LVIS) for all licensure transactions, including renewal. Here's how the process works:

1. Log in to LVIS at in.gov/doe using your credentials. If you're a new user, you'll need to create an account.
2. Check your license status and expiration date. LVIS shows your current license details and when it expires.
3. Gather your documentation. Have your PGP (signed by your administrator), certificates of completion for PD activities, transcripts (if using the coursework option), and current CPR/AED certification ready.
4. Submit your renewal application. Enter your PGP points or coursework hours, upload supporting documentation, and confirm your CPR/AED certification is current.
5. Pay the $35 renewal fee. Payment is made online through LVIS.
6. Receive your renewed license. Processing times vary. You'll receive confirmation through LVIS.

Important timing note: IDOE asks that you do not apply more than 45 days prior to your expiration date. Submitting too early may cause processing issues. Mark your calendar for 45 days before expiration and submit promptly.

What Happens If You Miss Your Renewal Deadline?

If your license expires, you cannot legally teach in an Indiana public school. However, Indiana's approach is relatively forgiving compared to some states: there is no late penalty fee from the IDOE licensing office.

That said, your license will not be renewed until all requirements are met — including your 90 PGP points (or 6 semester hours), your CPR/AED certification, and the $35 fee. If your license lapses, you'll need to work with your district and IDOE to get it renewed before you can return to the classroom.

The bottom line: even though there's no penalty fee, an expired license means you can't teach. Don't let it lapse.

Special Situations

National Board Certification

If you hold or are pursuing National Board Certification, all NBPTS activities count toward your PGP points. The work involved in earning or renewing NBC typically generates well over 90 PGP points, making this an excellent path for dedicated educators.

The Coursework Alternative

If you're enrolled in a graduate program, 6 semester hours of college coursework can substitute entirely for the 90 PGP point requirement. This is especially valuable for teachers working on a master's degree, additional licensure areas, or endorsements. Just make sure you have official transcripts available when you submit your renewal.

Educators New to Indiana

If you recently moved to Indiana with an out-of-state license, you'll need to apply for an Indiana license through LVIS. Your out-of-state PD may count toward Indiana's PGP requirement if it aligns with your Professional Growth Plan goals. Work with your building administrator to develop a PGP that accounts for your prior PD activities.

Advancing to Accomplished Practitioner

If you currently hold a Proficient Practitioner License and want to advance to an Accomplished Practitioner License (with its 10-year cycle), you'll need to meet additional requirements beyond standard renewal. Check with IDOE for the current advancement criteria.

Fees at a Glance

Action	Fee
Proficient Practitioner License renewal	$35
Accomplished Practitioner License renewal	$35
Late fee	None (but license must be renewed before you can teach)

Your Renewal Checklist

1. Find your license expiration date in LVIS
2. Set a calendar reminder 12 months before expiration (and a second reminder at 45 days out, when you can submit)
3. Create or update your Professional Growth Plan (PGP) and get it approved by your building-level administrator
4. Track your PGP points throughout the cycle — you need 90 points (or 6 semester hours of coursework)
5. Complete or renew your CPR and AED certification from an IDOE-approved provider
6. Gather all documentation: signed PGP, PD certificates, transcripts, CPR/AED card
7. Log in to LVIS no earlier than 45 days before expiration and submit your renewal
8. Pay the $35 fee and save your confirmation

Stay on Top of Your Renewal

Indiana renewal requirements can change — IDOE periodically updates rules and the Professional Growth Plan process. The best way to stay informed is to subscribe to renewal reminders so you know when requirements shift in your state.

For a full breakdown of Indiana teacher license types, fees, and accepted PD hours, visit the ChalkReady Indiana page.