Arkansas Standard Educator License Renewal Requirements
Verified March 23, 2026Official source
Everything you need to renew your Standard Educator License in Arkansas: required hours, accepted PD types, fees, and approved providers.
Requirements at a Glance
180
PD hours required
5
years per cycle
Free
Renewal fee
Free
Late fee
Accepted PD Activity Types
- Arkansas Department of Education-approved professional development
- University coursework (graduate or undergraduate)
- School district-sponsored professional development
- State-approved workshops and conferences
- National Board Certification activities
Special Rules & Notes
Important notes for this license
- 36 hours of professional development per year required (180 hours total over 5-year cycle)
- PD must be in areas approved by the Arkansas Department of Education
- Renewal requires new ASP, FBI, and Child Maltreatment background checks
- Documentation of an awareness credential in scientific reading instruction required for licenses expiring December 31, 2023 or later
- License period begins January 1 of the year issued and expires December 31 of the fifth year
- Educators may begin the renewal process at any time during the fifth year
- Renewal submitted through the Arkansas Educator Licensure System (AELS) at aels.ade.arkansas.gov
Approved PD Providers
Sorted by price per hour — cheapest first. Est. total based on 180 hours needed.
No approved providers on file for this state yet. Check back soon, or visit the official DOE site for a full list.
How to Submit Your Hours
Once you've completed your 180 hours, submit your renewal application through the ArkansasDepartment of Education's official online portal. Have your PD certificates ready to upload.
Go to Arkansas Renewal Portal