Licensure Requirements

On July 1, 2018, Minnesota moved to a tiered licensure structure. Information regarding current requirements can be found below. Additional information will be provided after rulemaking efforts are completed.

View the Tiered Licensure Infographic.

CTE Professional Credentials
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.
- Recommended Professional Certifications and Associates Degrees
Early Childhood Family Education

According to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 124D.13, subdivision 11, effective May 2008, a school board must employ licensed teachers for its Early Childhood Family Education programs. Below are lists of applicable licenses. Please note that some licenses (old rule) that are no longer available as initial licenses can be renewed by persons already holding those licenses.

To teach parents in an ECFE program one of the following licenses is required:

a. 180402 Family Education/Early Childhood (old rule – renewal only), or

b. 180401 Parent and Family Education

To teach young children in an ECFE program one of the following licenses is required:

a. Nursery School (old rule – renewal only)

b. Prekindergarten Teacher (old rule – renewal only)

c. Early Childhood Special Education (can teach in an ECFE program only if licensed before 9-2001)

d. Early Childhood Family Educator (old rule – renewal only)

e. Early Childhood Education

f. Elementary Education with a pre-primary specialty (for working with children three years old and older) (8710.3200)

When a school district is unable to obtain a fully licensed teacher to teach children and/or parents in Early Childhood Family Education programs, the school district may apply for an out-of-field permission (OFP). Applications for all special permissions may be received and granted in accordance with the rules and statutes governing these permissions.
Foreign Credentials

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.
Out-of-State Applicants
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:
- holds a bachelor's degree, completed a state-approved teacher preparation program with equivalent student teaching to that of a Minnesota program (typically 12-weeks of student teaching), and three years of teaching experience in their licensure field. Consult this flow chart to determine whether licensure exams will be required.
Tier 3: An out-of-state teacher is eligible for a Tier 3 license if the teacher holds a bachelor's degree and one of the following:
- completed a state-approved teacher preparation program with equivalent student teaching to that of a Minnesota program (typically 12-weeks of student teaching). Consult this flow chart to determine whether licensure exams will be required.
- holds or held a professional teaching license from another state, the teacher's license is in good standing, the teacher has two years of teaching experience in that state in the content area, and the teacher obtained passing scores on applicable Minnesota content and pedagogy exams.
Tier 2: An out-of-state teacher is eligible for a Tier 2 license if the teacher holds a bachelor's degree and:
- completed a state-approved teacher preparation program bud did not complete a student teaching experience of at least 12 weeks or has not attempted their states' exams or the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exams (MTLEs). Note: A teacher must have a job offer from a Minnesota public school in order to be issued a Tier 2 license.
If you have questions regarding licensure for out-of-state applicants, please contact PELSB's general inbox or call 651-539-4200 during customer service hours.
Paraprofessionals

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.