Transferring your teaching license from Mississippi to Louisiana
Transfer pathway available — expect Louisiana exams + likely an interim license
Mississippi and Louisiana both participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, so a transfer pathway exists — but it isn't automatic. Expect Louisiana's certification exams (such as the Praxis Core Academic Skills) and often a time-limited interim license while you complete any remaining requirements.
See 547 open teaching jobs in Louisiana →License transfer finder
Your current credential (Mississippi)
- Issuing authority
- Mississippi Department of Education
- License type
- Novice Educator License (3 years)
- Reciprocity policy
- Mississippi participates in the NASDTEC compact. Out-of-state educators with valid certificates may receive a Mississippi license; content exams may be required.
Louisiana certification
- Issuing authority
- Louisiana Department of Education
- License you'll earn
- Level 1 Teaching Certificate (3 years)
- Typical timeline
- 12–18 months traditional; LAC allows classroom entry immediately with coursework over 2 years
- Louisiana reciprocity policy
- Louisiana participates in the NASDTEC compact. Valid out-of-state certificates are evaluated; content assessments may still be required.
Exams typically required in Louisiana
Out-of-state applicants are usually asked to demonstrate content-area knowledge on Louisiana'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 certification area
- edTPAPerformance assessment during student teaching
Pass the Praxis exam
Mometrix study guide & practice tests for the Praxis — prep with confidence.
Steps to transfer your license
- Verify your Mississippi credential is current. Louisiana will request a verification of your active Novice Educator License from Mississippi Department of Education.
- Apply through Louisiana Department of Education. The application packet typically includes official transcripts, prior teaching service verification, and a fingerprint-based background check.
- Sit for any Louisiana-specific exams. Most states honor out-of-state content-area exams when scores meet their cutoff, but Louisiana may require an additional jurisprudence or state-specific assessment.
- Apply to Louisiana districts that match your endorsement. We're currently tracking 547 active openings — browse Louisiana teaching jobs to start identifying districts.
Common questions
Can I teach in Louisiana with a Mississippi teaching license?
Mississippi and Louisiana both participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, so a transfer pathway exists — but it isn't automatic. Expect Louisiana's certification exams (such as the Praxis Core Academic Skills) and often a time-limited interim license while you complete any remaining requirements.
What exams are required to teach in Louisiana?
Louisiana typically requires the Praxis Core Academic Skills exam(s) for your subject area.
How long does transferring a teaching license to Louisiana take?
Typically 12–18 months traditional; LAC allows classroom entry immediately with coursework over 2 years.
Who issues teaching licenses in Louisiana?
Teaching licenses in Louisiana are issued by Louisiana Department of Education.