Certificate Evaluation Fees

Michigan Compiled Law (MCL 380.1538) authorizes the Michigan Department of Education to collect fees for the applications listed below. The fees do not cover the issuance of a certificate, certificate printing, endorsement or authorization, but rather support the staff who evaluate applications, process paperwork, and provide guidance, technical assistance and support to educators daily. The legislated fees also provide for technological support and regular maintenance to the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS).

A certificate application with unpaid application fees will be placed in “Pending Payment” status until the fees are paid. Educators can review the status of their applications in MOECS.

Application fees are valid for two years from the date of payment. After two years, if a certificate has not been issued, the application will be archived in the system and the applicant will be required to submit a new application and pay the application fee again. In some cases, refunds can be issued for an application for which no documents have been processed and/or no evaluation has been completed. A refund may also be issued for the difference in fees if an applicant does not qualify to progress to a Professional Certificate but qualifies for the renewal of the Standard Teaching Certificate. Fees are not refunded for denied applications. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) also offers refunds to members of all branches of the United States armed forces, members of reserve components and spouses of active members of all branches of the United States Armed Forces.