* Degree level: A bachelor's degree in education typically takes 4 years. A master's degree in education, which some states now require or prefer, adds another 1-2 years on top of a bachelor's degree. Some people even pursue a doctorate in education, which adds several more years.
* Prior education: If you already have a bachelor's degree in a different field, you might be able to complete a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program in 1-2 years, depending on the program and your existing coursework.
* Program type: Traditional on-campus programs generally take longer than accelerated or online programs. Online programs can be completed at your own pace, but may still take 4 years for a bachelor's degree.
* Full-time vs. part-time: Full-time students typically finish faster than part-time students.
In short: While a bachelor's degree in education typically takes 4 years, the total time to become a teacher can range from 1-7+ years or more, depending on the factors listed above.