Licensing Process

The licensing process is the final step in becoming a licensed teacher. The Professional Educator Standards and Licensing Board has a tiered system of licensure. Candidates who complete their licensure program at Augsburg and successfully pass the required MTLE tests are eligible for a MN Teaching License.

MTLE Testing

Prior to applying for licensure, candidates must complete the MTLE tests required for their specific licensure. When registering for the MTLE tests, candidates need to select Augsburg University as an institution to receive score reports. The Augsburg Education Department must have documentation of passing MTLE scores in order to recommend candidates for licensure.

The Education Department recommends that candidates take the exams after methods courses and before student teaching. These exams are the responsibility of the licensure candidate. They are completed outside of Augsburg classroom time, and each exam has a cost. The MTLE site provides further information on registration, fees, and preparation for the exams.

Study guides for many of the exams are available at the Lindell Library and local public libraries.

Click here or scroll down for step-by-step details on applying for a Minnesota Teaching License. For questions about licensing, connect with licensing team members during virtual office hours, or contact a member of the licensing team by email:

Asma Ibrabim – Undergraduate Coordinator – ibrahima@augsburg.edu

Tiffany Moore – Clinical Experience and Partnerships Coordinator – mooret2@augsburg.edu

Erin Moore – Unit Leader – mooree2@augsburg.edu

Initial Licensure

Initial licensure candidates who have fulfilled requirements will apply for a Tier 3 license. Candidates who hold a current or expired license will follow the process for an additional license. Initial licensure candidates will complete the following steps to apply for licensure:

- Obtain fingerprints
  - - Request a fingerprint card from PELSB (or pick one up at their offices) – Email at pelsb@state.mn.us or call 651-539-4200 (option 1) – include your full name and mailing address in your request. If using a fingerprint card from a local police station, the card must have a sky blue border.
    - Other fingerprinting options are available through local police stations, or Mobile Electronic Fingerprinting in Bloomington
- Complete the online application (Graduate students will mark they are completing a Masters Program and use the last day of student teaching on the application.)
  - - The initial license application fee of $91.95 is due at the time of submitting the application. Candidates are responsible for fees associated with licensure.
- Print the application
- Sign the application
- Deliver or mail the application packet (fingerprint card and signed application) to the Augsburg University Education Department
  - - Place in the drop box outside of Sverdrup Suite 3
    - Mail to Augsburg University – Licensing Committee Education Department – 2211 Riverside Ave. – Minneapolis, MN 55454

The Augsburg Education Department Licensing team must verify completion of all licensing requirements before signing the application and sending it to PELSB. Candidates will receive an email confirming receipt of the application and confirming the date the application is sent to PELSB.

Candidates have 60 days from the day the submit the application to complete the entire process. Teaching licenses are usually awarded 6 – 7 weeks after PELSB receives the completed documentation. Candidates can check the status of their licensure application in the License Lookup feature on the PELSB webpage.

Additional Licensure

Candidates who hold a short-call substitute, Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, or Tier 4 license will apply for a Tier 3 or Tier 4 license depending on their number of years of teaching experience and previously held license(s). Additional licensure candidates will complete the following steps to apply for licensure:

- - - Locate and print the appropriate licensure application from the PELSB site. Please contact a member of the Licensing Team if uncertain which license to apply for.
    - Complete the sections outlined in the directions
    - Sign the licensure application
      - The additional license application fee of $57 is due at the time of submitting the application. Candidates are responsible for fees associated with licensure.
    - Deliver or mail the application packet (signed application and check or money order made to PELSB for $57) to the Augsburg University Education Department
      - Place in the drop box outside of Sverdrup Suite 3
        
        Mail to Augsburg University – Licensing Committee Education Department – 2211 Riverside Ave. – Minneapolis, MN 55454