License Requirements and Forms

Administrative Rules 8710: Teacher and Other School Professional Licensing
Administrative Rules 3512: School Personnel Licensing

On July 1, 2018, Minnesota transitioned to tiered licensure. Information about current licensure requirements are below.

Name Changes
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:
- 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.
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.
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.
Forms