Minnesota Initial Teacher Certification
Gain the credentials you need

Minnesota Initial Teacher Certification:

• Route 1: Minnesota Initial Teaching License/Certification


For certification applicants who have completed formal teacher education training, the proper Minnesota Certification type to be applied for will be the Initial Minnesota Teacher Licensure. The Initial Licensure is valid for 5 years and is renewable.

Follow the following steps to apply for your Initial MN Teaching License:


• Step 1:
  
  
  You must have completed a teacher preparation program from an accredited institution. Minnesota Teacher Preparation Programs.
  
  Or request information from the accredited universities below:


• University of Phoenix
• Walden University
• Capella University
• Ashford University


• Step 2:
  
  
  You will need to pass the following examinations:
  • The Praxis I Test of Basic Skills or the CAAP Exam
  • The Praxis II Content Test related to your subject area if required
  • Find information on Praxis testing locations and dates here.


• Step 3:
  
  
  You will need to complete the Minnesota Human Relations Program.


• Step 4:
  
  
  You will need to complete a background check through the state of Minnesota and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
  
  Request Fingerprint cards from the Minnesota Department of Education by calling (651) 582-8691.
  
  You will need to take fingerprint cards to be completed at any Law Enforcement Office in Minnesota.
  
  You will also need to include a money order or cashier's check in the amount of $31 made payable to the "Bureau of Criminal Apprehensions" in your licensure application packet for fingerprint and criminal background processing.


• Step 5:
  
  
  You will need to download a Minnesota Licensure application packet.


• Step 6:
  
  
  After completing your application and enclosing all items required of you, you will need to send the contents to your Teacher Preparation Institution where a certification officer will complete section 5 of the application before sending the packet to the Minnesota Department of Education.


• Step 7:
  
  
  Your Minnesota Licensure application packet should contain the following items before being sent to your Teacher Preparation University/College.
  • Praxis exam score reports.
  • Your official transcripts will need to be enclosed within your application packet.
  • Completed and signed Minnesota Department of Education Fingerprint Cards.
  • Fees:
    • $57 by check or money order for application processing made payable to the "Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education"
    • $31 by cashier's check or money order for fingerprint processing made payable to the "Bureau of Criminal Apprehensions"


Your Teacher Education Institute should send your materials, in addition to a completed section 5 of the application to:
Minnesota Department of Education
Educator Licensing and Teacher Quality
1500 Highway 36 West
Roseville, MN 55113-4266

For further questions, Call a Minnesota Teacher Licensure Representative at (651) 582-8691


• Step 8:
  Sit Back and Relax!

• Route 2: Minnesota Alternative Certification


The Minnesota Alternative Certification Route allows the applicant to acquire an educator's license prior to the completion of a Teacher Education Program.

If you fulfill the proper requirements, you will be issued a Limited Minnesota Teaching License that is valid for 1 year.
• You must have at least a bachelor's degree.
• You will be required to show passing scores on the Pre-Professional Skills Tests and appropriate Praxis II subect tests.
• You must be hired by a Minnesota school district that is unable to find a licensed teacher for the position in question.
• Once accepted, you will begin an initial instruction phase prior to entering the classroom.
• Once teaching, you will be involved in a staff development program run by a Minnesota Resident Mentorship Team.
• At the end of the year, you will be assessed and it will be determined if you are a candidate for a Minnesota Full Professional Teaching Certification.


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

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.