Starting point
Does Minnesota accept out-of-state teaching licenses?
An out-of-state license can open a path to Minnesota certification, but it does not transfer automatically. The state decides which certificate, endorsements, tests or additional requirements apply.
Your exact route can still depend on your license type, preparation, experience, subjects, grade levels and testing history.
How teacher license reciprocity works · Look up your current license
Keep your place
Your Minnesota application checklist
Check off steps as you go. Your progress stays in this browser and is not sent to us.
0/6
complete
0% of the checklist complete
Need a more specific list? Add your current state, subject, grades and experience.
Personalize this checklistState review still applies
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
1 official source
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.
State certification help
2 guides
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 work out your path and handle the steps it can do for you.
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.
Plan the whole move
Questions to answer before you apply
The application is only one part of the move. Check the costs, timing and records that can hold up an otherwise complete file.
Official sources
State agency material