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How to become a certified teacher in Montana. Bachelor's degree required. Primary exam: Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators. Government fees: $373–$543. Substitute requirements: Bachelor's degree or substitute teaching permit with district sponsorship. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Montana
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Montana. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) - Educator Licensure.
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Degree Required
Bachelor's degree
Primary Exam
Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators
Total Gov Fees
$373–$543
Initial Cert
5 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: Reading: 156, Writing: 162, Math: 150
Three subtests: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. All three must be passed. Required for initial licensure.
content knowledge
Passing score: Varies by subject
Subject-specific Praxis test required for each endorsement area. Passing scores set by Montana.
Issued to teachers who have completed an approved preparation program with a bachelor's degree and passed all required Praxis exams. Valid for 5 years.
Issued to teachers with a master's degree and 3 years of teaching experience. Valid for 5 years and renewable.
Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree or substitute teaching permit with district sponsorship
Certificate Required
Substitute Teaching Permit or valid teaching license
Background Check
Required
Permit Fee
$25
Validity
1 year
Montana issues substitute teaching permits for individuals without a full teaching license. Applicants need a district sponsor and must pass a background check. Teachers with a valid Montana teaching license can substitute without a separate permit. Emergency authorizations may be issued in shortage areas.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application FeeStandard license application fee | $55 |
| Fingerprint FeeMontana DOJ and FBI fingerprint background check | $48 |
| Exam Fees (Total)Praxis Core ($90 x 3 = $270) plus Praxis Subject Assessment ($120–$170) | $270–$440 |
| Initial CertificateIncluded in application fee | $55 |
| Renewal FeePer 5-year renewal cycle | $55 |
| Substitute PermitSubstitute teaching permit fee | $25 |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, and exam fees. Does not include teacher preparation program tuition. | $373–$543 |
Graduate from a Montana-approved or CAEP/NCATE-accredited teacher preparation program with a bachelor's degree.
Must include student teaching
Pass Praxis Core (Reading, Writing, Math) and the Praxis Subject Assessment for your endorsement area.
Fee: $270–$440
Register at ets.org/praxis
Submit fingerprints for Montana DOJ and FBI criminal background checks.
Fee: $48
Required for all license applicants
Submit application through the Montana OPI Educator Licensure online system.
Fee: $55
Upload transcripts, test scores, and program endorsement
Upon approval, receive your Class 2 license valid for 5 years.
Montana offers alternative licensure for individuals with a bachelor's degree who have not completed a traditional teacher preparation program. The Class 5 emergency authorization allows individuals to teach in shortage areas while completing requirements. Districts must sponsor the application and demonstrate that no licensed teacher is available.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
60
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Montana requires 60 renewal units per 5-year cycle. One renewal unit equals one contact hour. Units can be earned through college coursework, professional development workshops, conferences, mentoring, and other approved activities.
Reciprocity Type
Case-by-case review with NASDTEC participation
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Montana participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Out-of-state teachers with a valid license may apply for a Montana license. They must hold a comparable license, meet Montana endorsement requirements, and complete a background check. Praxis exams may be required.
Additional requirements: Must meet Montana endorsement requirements; background check required; Praxis exams may be needed
Unique to Montana: Montana's rural character significantly impacts its teacher licensing landscape. Many small, remote school districts rely heavily on emergency authorizations and multi-subject endorsements. The state's Class 5 emergency authorization is used more frequently than in more urban states to address persistent rural teacher shortages.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Montana.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#38 of 51
Cost
#19 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
$45,850
25th percentile
Median
$56,200
-10% vs. national avg ($62,340)Experienced
$67,820
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
4,510 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: Montana OPI - Educator Licensure
Estimated total: 216–234 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Montana OPI - Educator Licensure
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Montana OPI - Educator Licensure
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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Montana 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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