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How to become a certified teacher in Michigan. Bachelor's degree required. Primary exam: Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) - Professional Readiness Examination (PRE). Government fees: $396–$497. Substitute requirements: 60 semester credit hours from an accredited college or a valid teaching certificate. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Michigan
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Michigan. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Michigan Department of Education (MDE) - Office of Educator Excellence.
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Degree Required
Bachelor's degree
Primary Exam
Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) - Professional Readiness Examination (PRE)
Total Gov Fees
$396–$497
Initial Cert
6 years
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree |
| Teacher Prep Program | Required |
| Student Teaching | Required |
| Background Check | Required |
| Fingerprinting | Required |
| GPA Requirement | 2.5 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. |
basic skills
Passing score: 220
Consists of Reading, Writing, and Mathematics subtests. All three subtests must be passed. Alternatives include SAT or ACT scores meeting minimum thresholds.
content knowledge
Passing score: 220
Subject-specific test required for each endorsement area. Test varies by teaching field.
Issued to beginning teachers who have completed all requirements including an approved teacher preparation program and passing MTTC scores. Valid for 6 years.
Issued after completing 3 years of successful teaching under a Provisional Certificate and an approved mentoring/induction program. Valid for 5 years and renewable.
Minimum Education
60 semester credit hours from an accredited college or a valid teaching certificate
Certificate Required
Substitute Teaching Permit
Background Check
Required
Permit Fee
$66
Validity
3 years (day-to-day); 5 years (full-year)
Michigan requires a Substitute Teaching Permit issued by MDE. Day-to-day substitutes need at least 60 semester credit hours. Full-year substitutes must hold a valid teaching certificate. All substitutes must pass a criminal background check. Districts may have additional requirements.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application FeeStandard application fee through MOECS system | $66 |
| Fingerprint FeeMichigan State Police and FBI fingerprint check | $64.50 |
| Exam Fees (Total)PRE basic skills test ($100) plus one or two subject area tests ($100 each) | $200–$300 |
| Initial CertificateIncluded in application fee | $66 |
| Renewal FeePer renewal cycle | $66 |
| Substitute PermitSubstitute Teaching Permit fee | $66 |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application fee, fingerprinting, and exam fees. Does not include teacher preparation program tuition. | $396–$497 |
Graduate from a Michigan-approved or CAEP/NCATE-accredited teacher preparation program.
Program must include student teaching
Pass the Professional Readiness Examination (PRE) and the subject area test(s) for your endorsement.
Fee: $200+
Register at mttc.nesinc.com
Submit fingerprints for Michigan State Police and FBI criminal background checks.
Fee: $64.50
Required for all certificate applicants
Submit your application through the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS).
Fee: $66
Upload required documents and pay application fee
Upon approval, receive your Provisional Certificate valid for 6 years.
Michigan offers alternative routes to certification for career changers with a bachelor's degree. The Interim Teaching Certificate allows candidates to teach while completing certification requirements. Candidates must pass MTTC exams and complete an approved alternative preparation program within 3 years.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
150
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Michigan requires 6 semester credit hours or 150 State Board Continuing Education Clock Hours (SB-CEUs) during each 5-year renewal cycle for the Professional Education Certificate. Teachers must also complete training in CPR/first aid and specific topics mandated by the state.
Reciprocity Type
Case-by-case review with NASDTEC participation
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Michigan participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Out-of-state licensed teachers may be eligible for a Michigan certificate if they hold a valid, comparable certificate from another state and meet Michigan-specific requirements. Additional MTTC testing may be required.
Additional requirements: May need to pass MTTC subject area test; must complete Michigan-specific background check
Unique to Michigan: Michigan is one of the few states that uses its own proprietary testing system (MTTC) instead of Praxis. The state's Provisional Certificate has an unusually long 6-year validity period, giving new teachers more time to transition to a Professional Education Certificate.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Michigan.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#21 of 51
Cost
#22 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (SOC 25-2021)
Entry Level
$49,810
25th percentile
Median
$62,350
At national averageExperienced
$78,030
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
40,200 employed in this state
Note: BLS category covers elementary school teachers only. Secondary, special education, and other teaching specializations have separate SOC codes with different wage data.
Source: BLS OEWS – Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
0%
Below AverageNew Jobs
-500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
103,200
per year (avg.)
1.4M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: Michigan Department of Education - Educator Certification
Estimated total: 216–234 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Michigan Department of Education - Educator Certification
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Michigan Department of Education - Educator Certification
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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Michigan requires completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program to earn your teaching certificate. Explore approved programs and alternative certification routes.
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