Out-of-State Certificate

Welcome to Michigan

Out-of-State Applicants

Out-of-state certification programs and credentials may differ from Michigan programs and credentials; however we are here to help! We attempt to match certificates, grade levels, and content endorsements issued by other states, countries, or federally recognized Indian tribes as closely as possible.

What is the difference between

Michigan Certificate Types

Standard Teaching Certificate

The standard teaching certificate is the initial certificate issued to teachers who have completed an approved preparation program in another state, country, or federally recognized Indian tribe. A standard teaching certificate is valid for five years and may be renewed.

To be issued a standard teaching certificate in Michigan, you must have:

  • Completed a state-approved college or university program including student teaching OR completed a state-approved alternative route program and hold a valid, standard teaching certificate based on the completion of that program.
  • Passed the appropriate Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification (MTTC) or had three years of successful experience teaching in your endorsement area(s). 

It is very important that you do not register for any MTTCs until you receive an evaluation letter informing you of what tests to take, if any.

Apply now

Professional Teaching Certificate

The professional teaching certificate is issued to educators who have demonstrated successful teaching experience and successfully completed coursework specific to teaching literacy. A professional teaching certificate is valid for five years and may be renewed.

To be issued a professional teaching certificate in Michigan, you must have:

  • A valid or expired standard-level teaching certificate issued by another state.
  • Successfully completed six semester credit hours of reading methods if elementary certified or three semester credit hours of reading methods if secondary certified.
  • Documentation of three years of successful teaching experience matching the validity of your out-of-state teaching certificate since it was initially issued.

If you qualify for the professional teaching certificate as your initial teaching certificate, you are not required to test.

Apply now

Need more time?

Temporary Teaching Certificate

If you hold a valid, standard-level teaching certificate from another state, but need more time to complete the requirements for the standard or professional teaching certificate in Michigan, you may be eligible for a temporary teaching certificate.  The temporary teaching certificate is nonrenewable and authorizes employment as a teacher in a Michigan school for one year while you work to pass the required tests or complete the required literacy courses. Apply for the standard or professional teaching certificate and our evaluators will let you know if you qualify.

Certificate Endorsement Icon

Certificate Endorsements

Your subject area and grade level endorsement will allow you to teach in a variety of classes in Michigan schools. 

What can I teach with my endorsement?

Have Questions?

Visit our Michigan Department of Education Educator Services website or reach out to a certification specialist.

 

 

 

 

MDE Logo