2026 Certification Guide
How to Become a Teacher in Minnesota
Everything you need to know to earn a Minnesota teaching certificate — from degree requirements and required exams to alternative routes and reciprocity.
Step-by-Step: Getting Certified in Minnesota
- 1
Complete Your Education
Bachelor's degree for Tier 2+; field experience required. This typically includes completing an approved teacher preparation program that includes coursework in pedagogy, child development, and your subject area.
- 2
Complete Student Teaching
Complete a supervised student teaching experience (clinical practice) in an approved school setting. Most programs require a full semester of student teaching under a cooperating teacher.
- 3
Pass Required Assessments
Minnesota requires passing state-approved assessments before certification is issued:
- Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE) Basic SkillsReading, writing, and mathematics
- MTLE Pedagogy AssessmentTeaching knowledge and practice
- MTLE Content Area SubtestsSubject matter knowledge by licensure field
- 4
Apply for Your Certificate
Submit your application to Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB), including transcripts, test scores, proof of student teaching completion, and any applicable fees. Most applications are processed through an online portal.
- 5
Start Teaching & Advance Your License
Your Tier 1 License (non-traditional) or Tier 2 License (traditional) (valid 1 year (Tier 1) or renewable (Tier 2)) allows you to begin teaching. Advance to a Tier 3 License → Tier 4 License (Professional) (3 years (Tier 3) or 5 years (Tier 4), renewable) by meeting additional requirements such as completing a mentorship program or additional coursework.
Pass the Praxis exam
Mometrix study guide & practice tests for the Praxis — prep with confidence.
Alternative Paths to Certification in Minnesota
If you have a bachelor's degree in another field or relevant professional experience, these routes may let you enter the classroom sooner while completing certification requirements.
- Tier 1 License: For those with a degree and relevant expertise but no teaching program
- Resident Educator Program: Alternative preparation with mentorship
- Teach For America (active in Twin Cities metro)
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) licenses
Out-of-State Certification & Reciprocity
Minnesota evaluates out-of-state licenses individually. Tier 2 may be issued to teachers with at least 2 years of out-of-state teaching experience.
Tip: If you hold a valid teaching license from another state, contact Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) directly about your reciprocity options before re-taking any exams. Many states streamline the process for experienced educators.
What Will You Earn in Minnesota?
Now that you know how to get certified, find out what to expect to earn. Minnesota teachers start around $40,000 and average $64,818 per year statewide.
Minnesota Teacher Salary Guide →Ready to apply?
Browse current teaching positions in Minnesota — apply directly on district sites.
Data sources: Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB). Certification requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) before beginning a preparation program. EduJobsBoard is not affiliated with any state education department.
Frequently asked questions about teaching in Minnesota
- How do I become a teacher in Minnesota?
- Minnesota certification is administered by Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB). The standard path is a Bachelor's degree for Tier 2+; field experience required from an approved teacher-prep program, completion of state-required exams (Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE) Basic Skills, MTLE Pedagogy Assessment, MTLE Content Area Subtests), and a background check. Total timeline is approximately 12–18 months for Tier 2 (traditional program); Tier 1 available immediately for qualified career changers.
- What exams are required to teach in Minnesota?
- Minnesota requires the following exams: Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE) Basic Skills (Reading, writing, and mathematics); MTLE Pedagogy Assessment (Teaching knowledge and practice); MTLE Content Area Subtests (Subject matter knowledge by licensure field). Most are computer-based and offered year-round at testing centers.
- How long is a Minnesota teaching license valid?
- The initial Tier 1 License (non-traditional) or Tier 2 License (traditional) is valid for 1 year (Tier 1) or renewable (Tier 2). After meeting professional development and experience requirements, you can advance to the Tier 3 License → Tier 4 License (Professional) which is valid for 3 years (Tier 3) or 5 years (Tier 4), renewable.
- Can I teach in Minnesota with a license from another state?
- Minnesota evaluates out-of-state licenses individually. Tier 2 may be issued to teachers with at least 2 years of out-of-state teaching experience.
- Are there alternative routes to teaching in Minnesota?
- Tier 1 License: For those with a degree and relevant expertise but no teaching program; Resident Educator Program: Alternative preparation with mentorship; Teach For America (active in Twin Cities metro); Career and Technical Education (CTE) licenses