Transferring your teaching license from Minnesota to North Dakota
North Dakota evaluates out-of-state teaching credentials on a case-by-case basis. Expect a credential review by North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) and additional North Dakota-specific exam or coursework requirements before a full license is issued.
See 219 open teaching jobs in North Dakota →Your current credential (Minnesota)
- Issuing authority
- Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB)
- License type
- Tier 1 License (non-traditional) or Tier 2 License (traditional) (1 year (Tier 1) or renewable (Tier 2))
- Reciprocity policy
- 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.
North Dakota certification
- Issuing authority
- North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB)
- License you'll earn
- Initial License (2 years)
- Typical timeline
- 12–18 months traditional; Alternative Authorization allows immediate classroom entry with coursework over 3 years
- North Dakota reciprocity policy
- North Dakota participates in the NASDTEC compact. Out-of-state educators with valid certificates may receive a North Dakota license with limited additional requirements.
Exams typically required in North Dakota
Out-of-state applicants are usually asked to demonstrate content-area knowledge on North Dakota's preferred exams, even when basic-skills testing is waived through reciprocity. Plan for one or more of the following:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying ACT/SAT/GRE scores)Basic reading, writing, and mathematics
- Praxis Subject AssessmentsContent knowledge for your licensure area
Steps to transfer your license
- Verify your Minnesota credential is current. North Dakota will request a verification of your active Tier 1 License (non-traditional) or Tier 2 License (traditional) from Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB).
- Apply through North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB). The application packet typically includes official transcripts, prior teaching service verification, and a fingerprint-based background check.
- Sit for any North Dakota-specific exams. Most states honor out-of-state content-area exams when scores meet their cutoff, but North Dakota may require an additional jurisprudence or state-specific assessment.
- Apply to North Dakota districts that match your endorsement. We're currently tracking 219 active openings — browse North Dakota teaching jobs to start identifying districts.