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Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Mississippi
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Mississippi. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) - Office of Educator Licensure.
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Degree Required
Bachelor's degree
Primary Exam
Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators
Total Gov Fees
$376–$546
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 | |
| 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: Reading: 156, Writing: 162, Math: 150
Three subtests: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. All three must be passed. ACT composite of 21+ may be accepted as an alternative.
content knowledge
Passing score: Varies by subject
Subject-specific Praxis test required for each endorsement area. Passing scores set by Mississippi.
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
Practice with realistic exam questions
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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Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators
Passing Score
Reading: 156, Writing: 162, Math: 150
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $270–$440Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators.
Matched study materials
Study Materials & Exam Prep — Praxis Core Academic Skills
Prepare for your Praxis Core Academic Skills with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, and practice tests.
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Issued to teachers who have completed an approved teacher preparation program with a bachelor's degree, passed all required Praxis exams, and met all licensure requirements. Valid for 5 years.
Issued to teachers who hold a master's degree in their certification area. Valid for 5 years and renewable.
Issued to teachers with a Specialist degree (Ed.S.). Valid for 5 years.
Issued to teachers with a doctoral degree (Ed.D. or Ph.D.). Valid for 5 years.
Minimum Education
Associate's degree or 48 semester hours of college credit
Certificate Required
Substitute Teaching Permit
Background Check
Required
Permit Fee
$25
Validity
1 year
Mississippi requires substitute teachers to hold a substitute teaching permit from MDE. Day-to-day substitutes must have at least an associate's degree or 48 semester hours. Long-term substitutes (more than 30 consecutive days) must hold a valid teaching license. Background check and fingerprinting are required.
| Fee | Amount | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Application FeeStandard license application fee | $25 | Verified |
| Fingerprint FeeMississippi Department of Public Safety and FBI fingerprint check | $56 | Verified |
| Exam Fees (Total)Praxis Core ($90 per subtest x 3 = $270) plus Praxis Subject ($120–$170) | $270–$440 | Verified |
| Initial CertificateIncluded in application fee | $25 | Verified |
| Renewal FeePer 5-year renewal | $25 | Verified |
| Substitute PermitSubstitute teaching permit fee | $25 | Verified |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, and exam fees. Does not include teacher preparation program tuition. | $376–$546 | Verified |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Graduate from a state-approved teacher preparation program with at least a bachelor's degree.
Program must include student teaching
Pass Praxis Core (Reading, Writing, Math) and the Praxis Subject Assessment for your teaching field.
Fee: $270–$440
Register at ets.org/praxis
Submit fingerprints for state and FBI criminal background checks.
Fee: $56
Required for all license applicants
Submit application through the Educator Licensure Management System (ELMS).
Fee: $25
Upload transcripts, test scores, and program verification
Upon approval, receive your Class A Standard License valid for 5 years.
Mississippi offers the Mississippi Alternate Path to Quality Teachers (MAPQT) program for career changers with a bachelor's degree and a 2.5 GPA. Candidates must pass Praxis exams and complete an intensive training program before beginning teaching. The Mississippi Teacher Corps at the University of Mississippi is another popular alternative route.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
10
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Mississippi requires 10 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) or equivalent (e.g., college credit hours) per 5-year renewal cycle. Teachers may fulfill requirements through professional development, graduate coursework, or National Board Certification. Some districts may have additional requirements.
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Reciprocity Type
Case-by-case review with NASDTEC participation
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Mississippi participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Out-of-state licensed teachers may be eligible for a Mississippi license if they hold a valid license in good standing and meet Mississippi requirements. Praxis exams may be required if not previously passed with Mississippi-qualifying scores.
Additional requirements: Must pass Praxis exams with Mississippi-qualifying scores if not previously passed; background check required
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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Unique to Mississippi: Mississippi's license classification system (A, AA, AAA, AAAA) is unique and directly tied to the educator's highest degree level, providing automatic upgrades as teachers earn higher degrees. The state also has some of the lowest licensure fees in the country.
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See how Mississippi compares: Teacher License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Teacher requirements in Mississippi verified against Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) - Office of Educator Licensure, March 2026.
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Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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