The usual steps
- Map the out-of-state field to a Minnesota licensure field
- Gather degree and approved-preparation records
- Document the length and alignment of student teaching
- Submit the professional out-of-state license and aligned experience evidence
- Determine the applicable Minnesota content and pedagogy exams
- Document a Minnesota public-school job offer if using Tier 2
What can change your path
- • Tier 4 generally requires a bachelor's degree, equivalent preparation and student teaching, and three years of aligned teaching
- • The professional-license branch of Tier 3 requires good standing, two years of aligned teaching in the licensing state and applicable Minnesota content and pedagogy tests
- • Tier 2 requires a Minnesota public-school job offer
- • Field alignment and exam requirements are determined in the PELSB review
What the state says
These facts come from official sources. The state agency still makes the final licensing decision.
Tier outcome
PELSB outlines distinct out-of-state pathways to Tier 4, Tier 3 and employer-dependent Tier 2 based on preparation, student teaching, professional licensure and experience.
Testing depends on branch
A professional out-of-state license plus two years of aligned teaching can support Tier 3 when the applicant also passes the applicable Minnesota content and pedagogy exams; other preparation branches use PELSB's exam determination.
Core evidence
Core evidence includes the bachelor's degree, preparation and student-teaching records, the good-standing professional license, aligned teaching experience and any required test results or Tier 2 job offer.
Why your details matter
State websites describe the possible routes. The right one for you can depend on your license, preparation, experience, subjects, grades, tests, National Board status and compact eligibility. TeachPassport uses those details to build your checklist and keeps checking the state’s rules.
One thing to know: Three years of aligned teaching plus equivalent preparation can support Tier 4; two years with a good-standing professional out-of-state license plus Minnesota content and pedagogy tests can support Tier 3; some preparation gaps or unattempted tests can lead to employer-dependent Tier 2.