An individual without a bachelor's degree can teach in CTE and career pathway fields if they meet one of three other criteria aligned to their field: 1) Professional Certification, 2) Associate's Degree, or 3) 5 Years of Relevant Work Experience. This recommended list is a starting point to begin issuing licenses on July 1, 2018. An individual who wishes to apply for a tiered licensure with a different professional certification or associate's degree can apply and request board consideration of their credentials. If the board approves the credential, they can add the credential to this list. An individual or organization that disagrees with a credential on this list should provide their concerns in writing for the board to consider removing credentials from the list.
CTE or Career Pathways license does not require a bachelor's degree. Instead, individuals can meet minimum requirements by holding an associate's degree in the licensure area, having five years of relevant work experience in the licensure area, or holding 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 coursework requirements (e.g., teacher preparation).
To apply for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 CTE license, please use the CTE or Career Pathways licensure application. To apply for Tier 3, please use the Tier 3 licensure application. To apply for Tier 4, please use the Tier 4 licensure application.
(Updated January 2024)
A World Language and Culture license no longer requires a bachelor's degree to qualify. Now, individuals who are native speakers of a world language can receive licensure based on their native-speaker status. A school district will verify the applicant's native-speaker status as part of the Bachelor's Degree Exemption application.
Please note: to qualify for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 license, an individual must have a job offer to teacher world language and culture with a Minnesota public or charter school. 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 coursework requirements (e.g., licensure via portfolio).
(Added January 2024)
A Visual or Performing Arts license (includes Visual Arts, Music, Theater, and Dance) no longer requires a bachelor's degree to qualify. Individuals who have five years of relevant work experience in a visual or performing arts area can use their experience to qualify for licensure. As part of the Bachelor's Degree Exemption application, the applicant will need to have their former employer (or current school district) verify the five years of relevant work experience.
Please note: to qualify for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 license, an individual must have a job offer to teach visual or performing arts with a Minnesota public or charter school. 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 coursework requirements (e.g., licensure via portfolio).
(Updated January 2024)
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. Please note: OFPs requested for the 23-24 school year do not count towards the five allowed, based on the Board passing this resolution.
(Updated January 2024)
There are multiple pathways to a teaching license designed specifically for out-of-state teachers. The most common pathways are outlined below.
Tier 4: An out-of-state teacher is eligible for a Tier 4 license if the teacher:
If you trained as a teacher outside the United States or its territories, you may be eligible for a license to teach in Minnesota. Prior to starting the application for licensure, you will need to submit materials, including transcripts of credits, pattern of training, and degrees awarded, to a PELSB-approved evaluation service.
More information about approved evaluation services and the process to becoming a licensed Minnesota teacher can be in found in the Foreign Credential Evaluation document.
Please note: A job offer is required to qualify for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 license.
There are multiple pathways to a teaching license for out-of-state teachers. The most common pathways are outlined below.
Tier 4: An out-of-state teacher is eligible for a Tier 4 license if the teacher:
Tier 3: An out-of-state teacher is eligible for a Tier 3 license if the teacher holds a bachelor's degree and:
Tier 2: An out-of-state teacher is eligible for a Tier 2 license if the teacher holds a bachelor's degree and:
Teachers who completed an approved teacher preparation program in another state and passed exams in that state (if applicable), may be exempt from needing additional Minnesota licensure tests. Applicants looking to use the testing exemption should provide either a copy of their professional teaching license in the state where their teacher preparation program was completed, or have their teacher preparation program complete "Verification of Out-of-State Educator Credentialing Test Scores" form as part of their licensure application.
More information about Minnesota testing requirements can be found here.
(Added January 2024).
In Minnesota, paraprofessionals can obtain a Voluntary Paraprofessional Credential, which recognizes that the paraprofessional has completed additional training and preparation. To obtain the credential, the paraprofessional must:
A. Complete 60 hours of professional development.
B. Have two or more years of experience as a paraprofessional in the same district.
C. Pass the ParaPro or ParaEducator examination.
Additionally, the paraprofessional must demonstrate knowledge and skills in 9 different competency areas.
Voluntary Paraprofessional Credential, MN Rule 8710.9000
Use this document for ideas how to approach each competency. An accessible format of this document is available on request.
A. There are several ways Tier 3 and Tier 4 teachers can add to their teaching license:
You are welcome to submit a name change request using PELSB's online licensing system. Further instructions for submitting the request can be found here.
(Updated January 2024)
PELSB is able to notarize teaching licenses for educators who are seeking to teach outside the country. However, educators will need to contact the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office once the license has been notarized to begin the apostille process.
To request your license be notarized, please email Dawn Markling at dawn.markling@state.mn.us. In your request, please include your name, file folder number, and mailing address.
(Updated January 2024 with new link)