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Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Minnesota
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Minnesota. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB).
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Degree Required
Bachelor's degree
Primary Exam
MTLE Content, Pedagogy, and Basic Skills Exams
Total Gov Fees
$405–$680
Initial Cert
5 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 | |
| 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.
Minnesota does not require standardized exams for teacher certification.
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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MTLE Content, Pedagogy, and Basic Skills Exams
Passing Score
No longer required as of August 1, 2023
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $0Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the MTLE Content, Pedagogy, and Basic Skills Exams.
Matched study materials
Study Materials & Exam Prep — Praxis Core Academic Skills
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Standard teaching license for teachers who have completed an approved teacher preparation program, passed required exams, and met all PELSB requirements. Valid for 5 years.
Professional teaching license for teachers with a Tier 3 license, 3 years of teaching experience, and a master's degree or National Board Certification. Valid for 7 years.
Permission to teach for individuals who do not yet meet full licensure requirements. Valid for 1 year. Issued at district request.
License for individuals actively completing an approved teacher preparation program or alternative pathway. Valid for 2 years.
Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree for short-call substituting; valid teaching license preferred
Certificate Required
Short-Call Substitute License or valid teaching license
Background Check
Required
Permit Fee
$57
Validity
5 years
Minnesota issues Short-Call Substitute Licenses valid for 15 consecutive school days per assignment. Requires a bachelor's degree and a background check. Teachers with a valid Tier 3 or Tier 4 license may substitute without an additional permit. Long-term substitutes (more than 15 days) need a full teaching license.
| Fee | Amount | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Application FeeNon-refundable licensure fee | $57 (non-refundable) | Verified |
| Fingerprint FeeBCA and FBI fingerprint background check | $48 | Verified |
| Exam Fees (Total)No exams required for graduates of PELSB-approved programs since August 2023 | $0 | Verified |
| Initial CertificateIncluded in the application fee | $57 | Verified |
| Renewal FeePer renewal cycle | $57 | Verified |
| Substitute PermitShort-Call Substitute License fee | $57 | Verified |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, and exam fees. Does not include teacher preparation program tuition. | $405–$680 | Verified |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Graduate from a PELSB-approved teacher preparation program or equivalent out-of-state program.
Program must include student teaching/clinical experience
Pass basic skills tests, content area tests, and edTPA or equivalent pedagogy assessment.
Fee: $300–$575
Register through appropriate testing agencies
Submit fingerprints for BCA and FBI criminal background checks.
Fee: $48
Required for all license applicants
Submit application through the PELSB online licensing system.
Fee: $57
Upload transcripts, test scores, and program verification
Upon approval, receive your Tier 3 teaching license valid for 5 years.
Minnesota's tiered licensure system provides built-in alternative pathways. Tier 1 and Tier 2 licenses allow individuals to teach while completing full preparation requirements. Districts can request Tier 1 licenses for individuals with relevant content expertise. Candidates must demonstrate progress toward full licensure.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
125
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Minnesota requires 125 clock hours of continuing education per 5-year renewal cycle for Tier 3 licenses. Tier 4 license holders need 200 clock hours per 7-year cycle. Activities may include coursework, workshops, mentoring, professional learning communities, and research.
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Reciprocity Type
Case-by-case review with NASDTEC participation
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Minnesota participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Out-of-state teachers with a valid license may apply for a Tier 3 license. They must hold a comparable license, complete a background check, and may need to pass Minnesota-specific exams or meet additional requirements.
Additional requirements: Background check required; may need to pass additional exams or meet Minnesota-specific content requirements
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Minnesota with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Unique to Minnesota: Minnesota eliminated all standardized testing requirements (MTLE) for teacher licensure in August 2023 for graduates of approved preparation programs. This makes it one of the few states where a prospective teacher can earn a license without passing any state exams. The state uses a unique four-tier licensing system, with Tier 1 for community experts (no degree required) and Tier 4 for advanced educators.
Teacher requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota (you) | $405–$680 | 216–234 wks | |
| Iowa | $227-$373 | 216–234 wks | → |
| North Dakota | $366–$416 | 216–234 wks | → |
| South Dakota | $363.25–$513.25 | 216–234 wks | → |
| Wisconsin | $380–$540 | 216–234 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Minnesota
See how Minnesota compares: Teacher License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
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How does Minnesota compare to other states for teacher? See the full comparison →
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Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Minnesota.
Teacher Schools in Minnesota
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Official Sources
Teacher requirements in Minnesota verified against Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB), March 2026.
Moving to Minnesota? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Teacher license to Minnesota →
Transfer your Teacher license from Minnesota to: Iowa → | North Dakota → | South Dakota → | Wisconsin →
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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