Arizona: 🎓 What Education Documents Do We Accept?
To work in Arizona schools, you need to show proof that you meet the state’s education requirement — at least 60 college credit hours or a qualifying alternative. This guide will help you figure out what counts, what doesn’t, and what to do next.
✅ What Documents Meet the Requirement?
You can meet Arizona’s education requirement in one of two ways:
📘 Option 1: Education-Based Qualification
Submit one of the following:
- 🎓 Associate degree diploma or higher
- Must clearly show your name and degree type (e.g., Associate of Arts or Bachelor of Science)
🧾 Unofficial college transcripts
- Must show at least 60 completed semester credits
- (That’s equal to 90 quarter credits if your school uses quarters)
🌍 Foreign degree certified by a NACES or AICE-approved organization
➤ We do not cover this cost, but once evaluated, it’s valid for all U.S. employers.
📝 Option 2: Paraprofessional Qualification
If you don’t meet the 60-credit requirement, you can still qualify by submitting:
- A high school diploma with graduation date, AND Proof of passing a paraprofessional exam
We accept the following exams:
- ETS Paraprofessional Assessment
- Master Teacher Paraprofessional Exam
- ACT WorkKeys (Applied Math, Workplace Documents, Business Writing)
Your onboarding owner will walk you through your options, including:
- Remote WorkKeys test (we proctor!)
- In-person testing at a partner site
💸 Zen Educate helps cover the cost of the exam!
🌍 Foreign Degrees — Read This First!
Even if your degree is from a well-known international school, it must be evaluated by a NACES-approved agency to count toward the 60-credit requirement.
If it’s not evaluated, we can only accept it as a high school diploma equivalent, and you’ll need to take a paraprofessional exam to qualify.
💸 Zen Educate does not cover NACES evaluation fees,
but we can help you move forward with the para exam if needed.
❌ What Documents Do Not Qualify?
The following will not meet Arizona’s education requirements:
- High school diploma alone
- Certificate of completion
- Incomplete college transcripts
- Screenshots of student portals without course info
- Foreign high school diploma without NACES evaluation
✅ Quick Checklist
Before uploading your document, make sure:
👍 It shows your full name
👍 You’re submitting one of the following qualifying education documents:
- Associate degree diploma
- Unofficial college transcripts with 60+ semester credits (90 quarter credits)
- Bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution
- Foreign degree that has been NACES evaluated
OR for the Paraprofessional Exam path:
- High school diploma including graduation date or foreign bachelor’s degree (without NACES) + Paraprofessional exam results (ETS, Master Teacher, or ACT WorkKeys)
You’re not uploading:
- Certificates of completion
- Portal screenshots without course info
📩 Still Not Sure What to Submit?
If you're unsure whether your document qualifies, reach out to your onboarding owner or Support — we’re happy to help!