Licensure Requirements
On July 1, 2018, Minnesota moved to a tiered licensure structure. Information regarding current requirements can be found below. Additional information will be provided after rulemaking efforts are completed.
According to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 124D.13, subdivision 11, effective May 2008, a school board must employ licensed teachers for its Early Childhood Family Education programs. Below are lists of applicable licenses. Please note that some licenses (old rule) that are no longer available as initial licenses can be renewed by persons already holding those licenses. To teach parents in an ECFE program one of the following licenses is required:
a. 180402 Family Education/Early Childhood (old rule – renewal only), or
b. 180401 Parent and Family Education
To teach young children in an ECFE program one of the following licenses is required:
a. Nursery School (old rule – renewal only)
b. Prekindergarten Teacher (old rule – renewal only)
c. Early Childhood Special Education (can teach in an ECFE program only if licensed before 9-2001)
d. Early Childhood Family Educator (old rule – renewal only)
e. Early Childhood Education
f. Elementary Education with a pre-primary specialty (for working with children three years old and older) (8710.3200)
- holds a bachelor's degree, completed a state-approved teacher preparation program with equivalent student teaching to that of a Minnesota program (typically 12-weeks of student teaching), and three years of teaching experience in their licensure field. Consult this flow chart to determine whether licensure exams will be required.
Tier 3: An out-of-state teacher is eligible for a Tier 3 license if the teacher holds a bachelor's degree and:
- completed a state-approved teacher preparation program with equivalent student teaching to that of a Minnesota program (typically 12-weeks of student teaching). Consult this flow chart to determine whether licensure exams will be required.
- holds or held a professional teaching license from another state, the teacher's license is in good standing, the teacher has two years of teaching experience in that state in the content area, and the teacher obtained passing scores on applicable Minnesota content and pedagogy exams.
Tier 2: An out-of-state teacher is eligible for a Tier 2 license if the teacher holds a bachelor's degree and:
- completed a state-approved teacher preparation program bud did not complete a student teaching experience of at least 12 weeks or has not attempted their states' exams or the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exams (MTLEs). Note: A teacher must have a job offer from a Minnesota public school in order to be issued a Tier 2 license.
If you have questions regarding licensure for out-of-state applicants, please contact PELSB's general inbox or call 651-539-4200 during customer service hours.
