Skip to main content
Out-of-State Applicants

Out-of-State Applicants

On this page:

Welcome to Michigan

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 Your Situation?

Answer these simple questions to be guided to what you need to do next. 
Question 1: Did you complete a teacher certification prep program with student teaching?

Yes:

Start by creating an account in the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS). Once you have a MOECS account, you will be able to submit a teaching certificate application for review.  Your application will then be assigned to a specialist who will contact you directly via email requesting additional documentation, such as official transcripts, out-of-state certificates or work experience forms.

No:

Visit our Becoming a Teacher webpage for more information on selecting an approved teacher preparation program.
Question 2: Do you have 3+ years of successful teaching experience aligned with your out-of-state certificate since it was issued?

 

Yes:

You may qualify for the Professional Teaching Certificate, and you may not need to pass the Michigan certification test(s).

No:

You can still get your Michigan certification, but you may need to pass one or more certification tests to get your Standard Teaching Certificate. PLEASE NOTE: Do not register for a Michigan certification test until you are advised to do so by an application specialist after your credential evaluation is complete. If you qualify for a Michigan teaching certificate and only need to pass the certification test, you will be issued a 1-year Temporary Teaching Certificate. This will allow you to serve as a fully qualified teacher in the State of Michigan for one calendar year, providing time to pass the certification test(s).

Question 3: Did you complete 3 semester Credit hours of reading instruction?

Yes:

If you also have at least 3 years of successful teaching experience matching the validity of your out-of-state teaching certificate since it was initially issued, you may receive a Michigan Professional Teaching Certificate after your application has been evaluated.

No:

You may qualify for the Standard Teaching Certificate. If you would like to progress to the Professional Teaching Certificate later, you will need to have at least 3 years of successful teaching experience and complete one of the Approved Reading Diagnosis and Remediation courses.

Michigan Teaching Certificates

A female teacher stands in front of a class of elementary students wearing uniforms

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 via MOECS
A male teacher works with a group of young students on a robotics project

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 via MOECS
A male teacher works with two elementary students at a desktop computer

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.
 

Questions?

Visit our Michigan Department of Education Educator Services website or reach out to a Certification Specialist.