Minnesota Initial Teacher Certification
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Minnesota Initial Teacher Certification:

The following are two separate routes and associated steps to earn your Initial Minnesota Teaching Certification. Click here to skip down to the Alternative Route to 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:


    • Step 2:

      You will need to pass the following examinations:

    • 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:


    • 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.

    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.


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