Mississippi Initial Teacher Certification

Mississippi Initial Teacher Certification:

• Route 1: Mississippi's Traditional Route to Certification


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

Follow the following steps to apply for your Initial MS Teaching License:
• Step 1:
  You must have completed a teacher preparation program from an accredited institution. Mississippi 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 Principles of Learning Test and a Specialty Area Test related to your subject area.
  • Find information on Praxis testing locations and dates here.


• Step 3:
  Download the Application for Mississippi Licensure


• Step 4:
  Request Original Transcripts for all college credits you have received.


• Step 5:
  You will need to have the following items in your application packet for Mississippi Initial Licensure.
  • Praxis exam score reports.
  • Sealed Official Transcripts.
  • Original Praxis Test Scores. (Copies will not be accepted)


Send materials to this address:
Mississippi Department of Education
Office of Educator Licensure
P.O. Box 771
Jackson, MS 39205-0771

For further questions, Call a Mississippi Teacher Licensure Representative at (601) 359-3483


• Step 6:
  Sit Back and Relax!

• Route 2: Mississippi Alternative Certification


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

There are four Mississippi alternative certification options. They all have similar requirements, but the main difference lies in the program you will be enrolled in and for how long after you begin teaching.

The options are as follows:
• Mississippi Alternate Path to Quality Teachers (MAPQT) (valid for 1 year)
• Teach Mississippi Institute Alternate Route (valid for 1 year)
• Master of Arts in Teaching (valid for 3 years)
• American Board Certification to the Teacher Alternate Route (valid for 1 year)


Download information and applications for each option.

The following are the basic requirements for entering the classroom:
• 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.
• Acquire admission into whichever program you found to suit you best.
• Complete an initial training session through the Mississippi alternative certification program.
• Secure a teaching position in a Mississippi school district.


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

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.