Transferring your teaching license from South Dakota to Minnesota
Transfer pathway available — expect Minnesota exams + likely an interim license
South Dakota and Minnesota both participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, so a transfer pathway exists — but it isn't automatic. Expect Minnesota's certification exams (such as the MTLE) and often a time-limited interim license while you complete any remaining requirements.
See 861 open teaching jobs in Minnesota →License transfer finder
Your current credential (South Dakota)
- Issuing authority
- South Dakota Department of Education
- License type
- Initial Certificate (5 years)
- Reciprocity policy
- South Dakota participates in the NASDTEC compact. Out-of-state educators with valid certificates may receive a South Dakota certificate with verification of content knowledge.
Minnesota certification
- Issuing authority
- Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB)
- License you'll earn
- Tier 1 License (non-traditional) or Tier 2 License (traditional) (1 year (Tier 1) or renewable (Tier 2))
- Typical timeline
- 12–18 months for Tier 2 (traditional program); Tier 1 available immediately for qualified career changers
- Minnesota 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.
Exams typically required in Minnesota
Out-of-state applicants are usually asked to demonstrate content-area knowledge on Minnesota's preferred exams, even when basic-skills testing is waived through reciprocity. Plan for one or more of the following:
- 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
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Steps to transfer your license
- Verify your South Dakota credential is current. Minnesota will request a verification of your active Initial Certificate from South Dakota Department of Education.
- Apply through Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB). The application packet typically includes official transcripts, prior teaching service verification, and a fingerprint-based background check.
- Sit for any Minnesota-specific exams. Most states honor out-of-state content-area exams when scores meet their cutoff, but Minnesota may require an additional jurisprudence or state-specific assessment.
- Apply to Minnesota districts that match your endorsement. We're currently tracking 861 active openings — browse Minnesota teaching jobs to start identifying districts.
Common questions
Can I teach in Minnesota with a South Dakota teaching license?
South Dakota and Minnesota both participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, so a transfer pathway exists — but it isn't automatic. Expect Minnesota's certification exams (such as the MTLE) and often a time-limited interim license while you complete any remaining requirements.
What exams are required to teach in Minnesota?
Minnesota typically requires the MTLE exam(s) for your subject area.
How long does transferring a teaching license to Minnesota take?
Typically 12–18 months for Tier 2 (traditional program); Tier 1 available immediately for qualified career changers.
Who issues teaching licenses in Minnesota?
Teaching licenses in Minnesota are issued by Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB).