Testing

Requirements by Tier

Content Exams

Licensure-specific content knowledge is assessed through the MTLE content exams. Most of PELSB’s licensure fields have associated content exams that are required for licensure (see below for exemptions). Each content area test has two required subtests, with the exception of elementary education which has three content area subtests. Passing scores on all subtests are required for Tier 3 and Tier 4.

Many of the content exams have online proctoring available, and some content tests are also administered in Spanish, Hmong, and Somali. See the MTLE websitefor more details.  

Teachers Exempt from Content Exams

Effective August 1, 2023 the following teachers, who are applying for a Tier 3 or Tier 4 license, are exempt from taking exams:

1). Teachers who completed an approved teacher preparation program in Minnesota;

2). Teachers who completed an approved teacher preparation program in another state and passed those exams (if applicable); and

3). Teachers who were recommended for licensure via the portfolio process.

Use this flow chart to see whether you will need to take content or pedagogy exams. Note: The flow chart is meant to offer common examples or scenarios that may lead to an exemption from exams. PELSB encourages candidates to submit an application to our office and we will reach out if any additional testing materials are needed.

Licensure Fields Not Subject to Content Testing

• Adult Basic Education
  
• American Indian Language, History, and Culture
• Bilingual Education
• Career and Technical Education
• Developmental/Adaptive Physical Education (DAPE)
• Driver and Traffic Safety
• Parent and Family Education
• Teacher Coordinators of Work Based Learning
• School Administrator
• School Counselor
• School Nurse
• School Psychologist
• School Social Worker
• Speech Language Pathologist

    For more information

For more information, please review the Minnesota General Education Teacher Licensure Testing Information factsheet. For specific questions about which exams you must complete, please contact pelsb@state.mn.us.

Changes to Cut Scores

Effective immediately, new cut scores for licensure exams can be used. These revised scores now align with a 95% pass rate for all teachers. Some teachers who took exams prior to January 9, 2023, may be eligible to use these new cut scores in order to obtain a higher tier of licensure. Teachers will start seeing the new pass rates reflected in score reports beginning January 9, 2023.

For teachers attempting exams after January 9, 2023, the revised score will be in effect and will be reflected in the official scores. However, preliminary scores (unofficial scores given when leaving the testing center) will not reflect the revised test scores for some time. Please only use official test scores to determine a pass/non-pass status. Teachers who receive a preliminary (unofficial) score at the testing center that shows a non-pass should wait for the official scores to determine if they have passed.  

Revised MTLE Test Scores

Revised MTLE Test Score FAQs

Pedagogy Exams

Pedagogy exams assess a teacher’s knowledge and skills related to teaching. Almost all of PELSB’s licensure fields have associated pedagogy exams that are required for licensure (see below for exemptions). Each pedagogy exam has two required subtests. Passing scores on all subtests are required for Tier 3 and Tier 4.

Applicants seeking a license that covers more than one developmental age range are only required to take one battery of pedagogy subtests. For example, a teacher seeking a K-12 license can choose to either take the elementary OR secondary pedagogy exams.

All pedagogy tests are available to take via online proctoring, and elementary and secondary pedagogy exams are also administered in Spanish, Hmong, and Somali. See the MTLE website for more details.

Teachers Exempt from Pedagogy Exams  

Effective August 1, 2023, the following teachers, who are applying for a Tier 3 or Tier 4 license, are exempt from taking exams:

1). Teachers who completed an approved teacher preparation program in Minnesota;

2). Teachers who completed an approved teacher preparation program in another state and passed those exams (if applicable); and

3). Teachers who were recommended for licensure via the portfolio process.

Use this flow chart to see whether you will need to take content or pedagogy exams. Note: The flow chart is meant to offer common examples or scenarios that may lead to an exemption from exams. PELSB encourages candidates to submit an application to our office and we will reach out if any additional testing materials are needed.

Licensure Fields Not Subject to Pedagogy Testing

Individuals seeking a license in one of the following fields are not subject to the pedagogical testing requirement:

• Adult Basic Education
• Parent and Family Education
• American Indian Language, History, and Culture
• School Administrator
• School Nurse
• School Social Worker
• School Counselor
• School Psychologist
• Speech Language Pathologist

*Note: If a teacher with one of these above licenses adds an additional license, the teacher may be subject to a pedagogy exam.

For more information

For more information, please review the Minnesota General Education Teacher Licensure Testing Information factsheet.

Changes to Cut Scores

Effective immediately, new cut scores for licensure exams can be used. These revised scores now align with a 95% pass rate for all teachers. Some teachers who took exams prior to January 9, 2023, may be eligible to use these new cut scores in order to obtain a higher tier of licensure. Teachers will start seeing the new pass rates reflected in score reports beginning January 9, 2023.

For teachers attempting exams after January 9, 2023, the revised score will be in effect and will be reflected in the official scores. However, preliminary scores (unofficial scores given when leaving the testing center) will not reflect the revised test scores for some time. Please only use official test scores to determine a pass/non-pass status. Teachers who receive a preliminary (unofficial) score at the testing center that shows a non-pass should wait for the official scores to determine if they have passed.

Revised MTLE Test Scores

Revised MTLE Test Score FAQs

Adding a Science License via Testing

Beginning in 2007, a Minnesota teacher licensed in grades 9-12 or 7-12 in Chemistry, Physics, Life Science, or Earth and Space Science may add an additional 9-12 science licensure field by taking a PELSB approved science content exams.

Eligibility

• Three years of 9-12 or 7-12 science teaching experience,
• Currently hold a Minnesota 9-12 or 7-12 science license, and
• Passing scores on PELSB approved science content exams.

Note: Science teachers are not eligible to add a 5-8 General Science license via exam. Candidates interested in adding 5-8 General Science should contact PELSB for more information on how to obtain the license.

Testing

Minnesota teachers interested in adding a science field via testing will need to take the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exams (MTLEs) in the 9-12 science area they are seeking to add. Testing and registration information can be found on the MTLE Website. Questions about test dates, sites, or registration should be directed to MTLE.

For teachers who have completed additional science testing in another state, PELSB will review out-of-state exams as part of a licensure application.

Application Materials

A teacher interested in pursuing this licensure option must submit the following materials in one packet:

• Application form entitled "Application for a Tier 3 License" or "Application for a Tier 4 License" found on the PELSB web page. On the front of the application write "Licensure by MTLE." Section 6 can be left blank.
• $57.00 Licensure Fee (this is a non-refundable fee)
• Completion of Section 7: Verification of Teaching Experience form signed by a school administrator verifying a minimum of three years of science teaching experience 

Sign Language Proficiency

Teachers seeking a Tier 2, 3, or 4 license in Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) or American Sign Language (ASL) must demonstrate proficiency in American Sign Language before receiving a license. Tier 1 teachers must demonstrate proficiency to initially renew their Tier 1 license.

Examinations

PELSB has adopted two sign language proficiency exams to meet this requirement. Teachers can choose to either take:

• The Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) The SLPI is administered several times a year by the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf (MSAD). More information on registering for the SLPI can be found on the MSAD website.

• The American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) The ASLPI is administered by the University of Gallaudet. More information about registering for the ASLPI can be found on the university’s website.

Tier 1 Renewals

For Tier 1 ASL initial licensure renewals, candidates must attempt either the SLPI or ASLPI prior to renewing their license for the first time. For Tier 1 D/HH initial licensure renewals, applicants can either choose to attempt the SLPI/ASLPI examinations or the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exams (MTLEs) in Special Education: Core Skills before renewing their Tier 1 license for the first time. Applicants should include a copy of their proficiency rating with their application.

Oral/Aural License

D/HH licensure applicants who have not yet taken, or not yet passed, a proficiency interview may qualify for an Oral/Aural teaching license. Applicants must either demonstrate six credits in ASL or a “survival” rating on the SLPI. There is currently no option to use the ASLPI to meet requirements for an Oral/Aural license.