Michigan Certification Renewal

Steps toward Renewing a Michigan Teacher Certification:

• Provisional Certificate Renewal


• First Renewal:
  • Complete at least 10 semester hours of an 18 semester hour planned program since the initial issuance of the Provisional Certification; OR
  • Complete a Master's or higher degree from an approved university
  • Application must be through the certification office of the university where the credit was received (If out of state, application must be sent directly to the Michigan Department of Education's certification office. Download an application, Here).
  • You will be billed $75 for application processing.


• Second Renewal:
  • Complete all 18 semester hours of an 18 semester hour planned program since the initial issuance of the Provisional Certification; OR
  • Complete a Master's or higher degree from an approved university
  • Application must be through the certification office of the university where the credit was received (If out of state, application must be sent directly to the Michigan Department of Education's certification office. Download an application, Here).
  • You will be billed $75 for application processing.


• Michigan Professional Educator Certification:
  The Professional Educator Certification is valid for five years

  • Successfully complete three years of teaching experience
  • Complete all 18 semester hours of an 18 semester hour planned program since the initial issuance of the Provisional Certification; OR
  • Complete a Master's or Doctoral degree from an approved university
  • Meet the reading requirement (6 semester hours of teaching of reading or reading methods for elementary and 3 semester hours for secondary)
  • You will be billed $75 for application processing


• Professional Certification Renewal:
  • Meet Continuing Education Requirements during the five years of professional certification before expiration.
  • Complete 6 semester hours at an approved teacher preparation institute; OR
  • 18 State-Board Continuing Education Units (SB-CEU's); OR
  • Any combination of the two (1 semester hour= 3 SB-CEU's


• More Information on Certification Renewal:
  Contact these individuals if you have circumstances that do not fit the traditional criteria of Michigan Certification Renewal

  • Terry Simpson (provisional certification)
    Phone: (517) 335-0580
    E-mail: simpsont@michigan.gov
  • Debbie Ryan (provisional certificate renewal)
    Phone: (517) 335-0585
    E-mail: ryand@michigan.gov
  • Debbie Barlow (professional certificate renewal)
    Phone: (517) 335-0584
    E-mail: barlowd@michigan.gov


Back to Michigan Teacher Certification/Credentialing
Or, Steps to become a teacher in Michigan

Learn about the requirements of another state by clicking on one of the state certification links to your left.

Request information from schools by clicking on the links or school logos below.