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How to become a certified teacher in North Dakota. Bachelor's degree required. Primary exam: Praxis II - Content Knowledge. Government fees: $366–$416. Substitute requirements: Bachelor's degree for a Substitute Teaching License; districts may hire non-licensed substitutes for short-term needs. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Teacher / Substitute Teacher · North Dakota
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in North Dakota. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB).
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Degree Required
Bachelor's degree
Primary Exam
Praxis II - Content Knowledge
Total Gov Fees
$366–$416
Initial Cert
2 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 | 2.75 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. |
content knowledge
Passing score: Varies by subject area
Subject-specific Praxis II exam required for each endorsement area; North Dakota sets its own passing score thresholds
pedagogical knowledge
Passing score: Varies by grade level
Required for initial licensure; tests knowledge of educational psychology, pedagogy, and classroom management for the appropriate grade level
Issued to beginning teachers who have completed an approved teacher preparation program and passed required Praxis exams. Valid for 2 years.
Issued after completing 2 years of successful teaching experience under the Initial License. Valid for 5 years and renewable with continuing education.
Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree for a Substitute Teaching License; districts may hire non-licensed substitutes for short-term needs
Certificate Required
Substitute Teaching License
Background Check
Required
Permit Fee
$55
Validity
5 years
North Dakota issues a Substitute Teaching License that requires a bachelor's degree. The license allows substitute teaching in any subject area for up to 30 consecutive days per assignment. Licensed teachers with an active Professional License may also serve as substitutes. Background check and fingerprinting are required.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application FeeInitial license application fee | $55 |
| Fingerprint FeeFingerprinting and background check processing fee | $45 |
| Exam Fees (Total)Praxis II content exam ($120–$170) + PLT ($146) | $266–$316 |
| Initial CertificateIncluded in application fee | $55 |
| Renewal FeeLicense renewal fee | $55 |
| Substitute PermitSubstitute teaching license fee | $55 |
| Total Government FeesApplication ($55), fingerprinting ($45), and exams ($266–$316) | $366–$416 |
Graduate from an approved teacher preparation program with a bachelor's degree
Pass the Praxis II content knowledge exam and Praxis PLT for your certification area
Fee: $266–$316
Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal background check
Fee: $45
Apply through the ESPB online licensure system with required documents and official transcripts
Fee: $55
Upon approval, receive the Initial License valid for 2 years
Must complete 2 years of teaching to advance to Professional License
North Dakota offers an Alternative Access License for individuals with a bachelor's degree who have not completed a traditional teacher preparation program. This pathway is designed to address teacher shortages, particularly in rural areas. Candidates must complete an approved alternative certification program while teaching under supervision.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
90
Renewal Cycle
5 years
North Dakota requires teachers to earn 90 clock hours (or equivalent) of professional development during each 5-year renewal cycle for the Professional License. Credits can include college coursework, workshops, conferences, and approved professional development activities.
Reciprocity Type
Interstate agreement with review
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
North Dakota participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement and accepts credentials from other states, but may require additional Praxis exams if the applicant has not taken North Dakota's required tests. Out-of-state applicants with 3+ years of experience may qualify for a Professional License directly.
Additional requirements: May need to pass North Dakota-specific Praxis exams; background check required
Unique to North Dakota: North Dakota is one of the few states with a separate, independent Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) that handles teacher licensure independently from the state Department of Public Instruction. The Initial License has a relatively short 2-year validity period compared to most states.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in North Dakota.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#37 of 51
Cost
#15 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
$48,630
25th percentile
Median
$57,820
-7% vs. national avg ($62,340)Experienced
$63,410
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
4,360 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.
Estimated total: 216–234 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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North Dakota 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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