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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
| Requirement | Value | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's or master's degree from an institutionally accredited college or university | 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. 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.
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 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 | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Application FeeStandard license application fee | $55 | Verified |
| Fingerprint FeeMontana DOJ and FBI fingerprint background check | $48 | Verified |
| Exam Fees (Total)Praxis Core ($90 x 3 = $270) plus Praxis Subject Assessment ($120–$170) | $270–$440 | Verified |
| Initial CertificateIncluded in application fee | $55 | Verified |
| Renewal FeePer 5-year renewal cycle | $55 | Verified |
| Substitute PermitSubstitute teaching permit fee | $25 | Verified |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, and exam fees. Does not include teacher preparation program tuition. | $373–$543 | Verified |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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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.
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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
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Montana with other states →
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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.
Teacher requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana (you) | $373–$543 | 216–234 wks | |
| Idaho | $235–$285 | 216–234 wks | → |
| North Dakota | $366–$416 | 216–234 wks | → |
| South Dakota | $363.25–$513.25 | 216–234 wks | → |
| Wyoming | $370–$420 | 216–234 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Montana
See how Montana compares: Teacher License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Official Sources
Teacher requirements in Montana verified against Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) - Educator Licensure, March 2026.
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Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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