Tutor requirements by state
Every program lets families pay for tutoring, but the proof each one asks of tutors ranges from a state teaching certificate to a high school diploma.
| Program | Rule |
|---|---|
| AlabamaCHOOSE Act | Accreditation, a bachelor's degree or state certification, plus a completed background check. Tutoring must be in approved subjects (core academics, art, music, foreign language, religion).1 |
| IndianaINESA | An Indiana teaching certificate for the subject or grade, a bachelor's or graduate degree in math, reading, English, STEM or elementary education, or 2 years of documented tutoring work.2 |
| West VirginiaHope Scholarship | Pre-approval by the Hope Scholarship Board and a criminal background check for anyone in contact with students. Immediate family members can't tutor the student.3 |
| FloridaStep Up For Students | One of about a dozen credentials: a Florida or other state teaching certificate, NBPTS or ABCTE certification, an approved research-based program (Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, Barton, ALTA), a subject-area degree, or a passing Florida subject exam. Part-time tutoring is capped at 720 to 900 hours per student a year.4 |
| ArizonaArizona ESA | An individual tutor needs at least a high school diploma (homeschool diplomas accepted). A business with several tutors submits an accreditation or ADE's attestation form covering every tutor.5 |
| TexasTEFA | One qualifying credential for each person who teaches: current or retired educator at an accredited school, a valid teaching license or relevant accreditation, or a current or retired higher-education teaching role. Plus TEFA fingerprinting.6 |
| GeorgiaPromise Scholarship | Certification by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission: PSC certification ID, field code and an active certificate. Business license required for businesses.7 |
| MissouriMOScholars | A teaching certificate or a bachelor's degree.8 |
| UtahUtah Fits All | A business license with incorporation or IRS documents, plus professional license numbers and documents for service providers.9 |
| LouisianaGATOR | Tutors apply as part-time education providers and upload a copy of their LLC.10 |
| WyomingWyoming ESA | FEIN, business license or articles of incorporation, and copies of relevant certifications, licenses or training. Service providers start on provisional status.11 |
| IowaStudents First ESA | Tutoring counts as an educational therapy service and qualifies from vendors with credentials from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners or another state-approved entity.12 |
"Not published" means we couldn't find the rule in the program's official materials, not that no rule exists. Check with the program before relying on it.
Sources
- 1. CHOOSE Act Education Service Provider Guide 2026-2027, Alabama Dept. of Revenue provider guide, p. 4, updated Jul 27, 2026
- 2. INESA: information for providers, Indiana Treasurer of State (INESA), updated Oct 8, 2026
- 3. Hope Scholarship Education Service Provider Handbook, WV Hope Scholarship provider handbook, p. 10, updated Aug 27, 2026
- 4. Part-Time Tutoring provider guide, Step Up For Students, updated Sep 30, 2025
- 5. Arizona ESA 2025-2026 Parent Handbook, Arizona Dept. of Education, handbook p. 22, updated Jun 26, 2025
- 6. When Are Professional Licenses Required in the TEFA Vendor Application, Odyssey help center, updated Jul 27, 2026
- 7. Can I Be Listed as a Tutor for Students A Guide for Service Providers in Georgia, Odyssey help center, updated Jul 24, 2026
- 8. MOScholars Vendor Application, Odyssey help center, updated Jul 31, 2026
- 9. What Documents are Needed to Complete the UFA Scholarship Program Provider Application, Odyssey help center, updated Mar 8, 2026
- 10. How to Become a Vendor or Service Provider for the LA GATOR Program, Odyssey help center, updated May 20, 2026
- 11. What documents and information do I need when applying as a Wyoming ESA Service Provider, Odyssey help center, updated Apr 2, 2025
- 12. Iowa s Students First ESA Program Eligible and Ineligible Expenses, Odyssey help center, updated Jun 2, 2026