Most candidates who are coming from out-of-state apply for either a Tier 2 or Tier 3 license. To qualify for a Tier 2 license, a candidate must have a job offer with a Minnesota public school and meet Tier 2 requirements. Tier 2 candidates do not need to meet testing requirements.
A Tier 3 license requires the candidate to meet testing requirements prior to applying for licensure. It does not require a job offer with a Minnesota public school.
Both Tier 2 and Tier 3 applications can be found on PELSB’s Apply for a License webpage.
A. There are several ways Tier 3 and Tier 4 teachers can add to their teaching license:
Connect with a teacher preparation program. A teacher preparation program can review your prior coursework and help you implement a plan of study to add the additional licensure field.
Complete PELSB’s Licensure via Portfolio process. This is a good option for teachers who have experience in the licensure field they are looking to add.
If you hold a professional out-of-state teaching license in good standing in the licensure field you are looking to add AND you have two years of teaching experience in that licensure area, you can look to add the licensure via experience.
Teachers are unable to hold multiple tiers of licensure. Instead of applying for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 license, you and your district must submit a request for an Out-of-Field Permission (OFP). OFPs are valid for up to one school year and an individual can have up to five OFPs in their lifetime. Districts should refer to the "Districts" tab for additional information.
Yes, Tier 1 and 2 licenses are only valid for the licensure area and school district that requested the license. If candidates switch school districts or licensure areas, they must submit a new application and fee to PELSB with the new position information.
In most instances, if you have completed your degree program, you should complete a Tier 3 licensure application. If you are currently enrolled in, or do not meet accreditation requirements for Speech-Language Pathology, School Counseling, or School Psychology, you can apply using the Tier 2 Related Service Application. School Nurse and School Social Worker cannot apply for a Tier 2 license. No related service field is eligible for a Tier 1 license.
CTE and Career Pathways licensure do not require a bachelor’s degree. Instead, individuals can meet minimum requirements by holding an associate’s degree in the licensure area, have five years of relevant work experience in the licensure area, or hold a professional certification aligned to the licensure area. To qualify for Tiers 2-4, applicants must also meet the appropriate licensure requirements related to the corresponding tier. For example, a Tier 3 applicant must meet testing and coursework requirements.
Before applying with PELSB, you must have a detailed course-by-course foreign evaluation completed. PELSB accepts any foreign evaluation that was completed by a NACES and/or AICE evaluation company. More information on evaluations can be found here.
Once your evaluation is complete and you meet appropriate licensure requirements, you can apply for a license. As part of your application, please send the original foreign evaluation. PELSB will mail back the original evaluation once our review is complete.
Official electronic transcripts can be sent directly from the college to pelsb@state.mn.us. Do not have the transcripts sent to your personal or work email address. Electronic transcripts sent directly to the applicant make the transcripts unofficial. If the transcripts were obtained under a different name, please make reference to this on your application so PELSB staff are able to identify the transcripts.
PELSB has 30 days from the receipt of all materials to process licensure requests. If you are an initial licensure candidate, the 30-day timeframe begins when PELSB receives the results of your completed background check. Once your license has been issued, you will receive an email from PELSB with your licensure information. We ask that you please refrain from contacting PELSB for a status update if you have submitted materials less than three weeks ago.
Because of the 30 day timeframe that PELSB has to issue a license, we are unable to offer the ability to expedite applications. Candidates should submit their applications to PELSB as soon as they are able. PELSB staff work hard to issue licenses as promptly as possible.
To change your name with PELSB, you can log into your licensure account and follow the steps for a name change. As part of the process, you must include documentation of your name change (e.g. copy of your marriage license or driver’s license). If providing marriage or divorce documentation, both the former and new name must be listed on your documentation. If you are looking to renew your license at the same time as completing the name change, please complete the name change request prior to submitting your renewal application.
PELSB is able to notarize teaching licenses for educators who are seeking to teach outside the country. However, educators will need to contact theMinnesota Secretary of State’soffice once the license has been notarized to begin the apostille process.
To request your license be notarized, please email Emily Busta atemily.busta@state.mn.us.In your request, please include your name, file folder number, and mailing address.
First, you should check your renewal requirements that are listed on the bottom of your license. You can view your license by accessing Educator License Lookup.
If you held a five-year professional teaching license, you must meet the 125 clock hours and mandatory components that are currently in place.
If you currently teach and/or reside in Minnesota, you must work with your local continuing education committee to have your clock hours approved.
If you live and work outside of Minnesota, you must document how you meet the renewal requirements of your lapsed license. Information and documentation can be found at the bottom of PELSB’s Renew My License webpage. Documentation must be submitted to PELSB for approval prior to renewing your license.
If you held a one-year license because of testing or other requirements, please contact PELSB. We will assist you in the renewal process.
If you held any other type of license, please contact PELSB for more information.
If you have a job offer with a Minnesota public school and are unable to meet renewal requirements prior to starting your position, you may be eligible for a once in a lifetime one-school year extension to your license. Please contact PELSB for further instructions.
If you are unable to meet the renewal requirements listed on your license and do not have a job offer with a Minnesota public school, you can apply for a three-year short call substitute teaching license. You can apply for the substitute license here.
Currently, Tier 1 and Tier 2 renewals must be done by paper application. Tier 1 and Tier 2 applications can be found on PELSB’s Apply for a License webpage. If this is your first renewal, you must meet the renewals requirements listed on your license. More information on renewals can be found on Tier 1 Renewal Facts Sheet and Tier 2 Renewal Facts Sheet. Applications for the 2022-2023 school year can be submitted starting July 1, 2022.
PELSB replaced the two and five-year short call substitute licenses with a three-year short call substitute license. A short call substitute license is no longer tied to school districts and it allows you to substitute statewide. To renew for a three-year short call substitute license, apply here.
Please note that only clock hours that have been uploaded by your local continuing education committee will be displayed. Clock hours kept in third party sites (e.g. Keep Certified) will not be shown.
PELSB is unable to use previous fingerprinting and the results for licensure purposes. All initial licensure applicants must submit a fingerprint card to PELSB as part of their initial licensure application.
No, you are not required to be fingerprinted in Minnesota. However, the fingerprinting needs to be completed on the fingerprint card provided by PELSB or on a white card with sky-blue outline. (FD-258).
