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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
| Requirement | Value | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree | Verified |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree | Verified |
| Teacher Prep Program | Required | Verified |
| Student Teaching | Required | Verified |
| Background Check | Required | Verified |
| Fingerprinting | Required | |
| GPA Requirement | 2.5 | Verified |
| Minimum Age | 18 | Verified |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. | Verified |
Not sure if you need a teacher license? Check whether your state requires one.
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.
Didn't pass on the first try? Learn what to do if you fail the Praxis.
Overall licensing difficulty: 23/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Praxis Teacher Certification Exams
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) - Professional Readiness Examination (PRE)
Passing Score
220
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $200–$300Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) - Professional Readiness Examination (PRE).
Matched study materials
Study Materials & Exam Prep — Praxis Core Academic Skills
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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 | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Application FeeStandard application fee through MOECS system | $66 | Verified |
| Fingerprint FeeMichigan State Police and FBI fingerprint check | $64.50 | Verified |
| Exam Fees (Total)PRE basic skills test ($100) plus one or two subject area tests ($100 each) | $200–$300 | Verified |
| Initial CertificateIncluded in application fee | $66 | Verified |
| Renewal FeePer renewal cycle | $66 | Verified |
| Substitute PermitSubstitute Teaching Permit fee | $66 | Verified |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application fee, fingerprinting, and exam fees. Does not include teacher preparation program tuition. | $396–$497 | Verified |
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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.
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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
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Compare Michigan with other states →
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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.
Teacher requirements in nearby states
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Official Sources
Teacher requirements in Michigan verified against Michigan Department of Education (MDE) - Office of Educator Excellence, March 2026.
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Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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