To apply for your license, you must first:  

Complete Your Degree or Certificate 

Records and Registration will begin processing applications for graduation and certificates at the end of each semester. Degrees/certificates are awarded approximately 2-4 weeks after student teaching grades are posted. To see if your degree/certificate has been awarded, please visit e-Services > Academic Records > Unofficial Transcripts. Your degree/certificate, major, and the date awarded will show on the top left of the page.

You must complete an intent to graduate or certificate completion form and have the degree/certificate be awarded, before you apply for Teacher Licensure. 

Graduate Students should pay close attention to Graduation Deadlines .  

Once the above items are complete you are ready to apply: 

Step 1: Create an application via the Online Application. 

Follow the prompts, selecting the application tier and type that is applicable to you: 

• If you have a previous bachelors degree and are seeking licensure during license program enrollment, you must have a job offer from a school district who will apply jointly with you for a Tier 2 license.
• All other initial license candidates will complete the Tier 3 license process. 

Step 2: Once your application and payment have been submitted online, you will be issued a "checklist" of additional items to submit via mail to PELSB

• Completed & signed Fingerprint Card (If this is your first licensure) Do not bend.
• Verification of Completion of a Preparation Program (downloadable PDF will link will display) 
• District Documentation (if applicable-Tier 2 license seekers only)
• Official St. Cloud State Transcript

Step 3: Select the PDF download of the Verification of Completion form and email the PDF to  registrar@stcloudstate.edu. 

Please use "Teacher Verification" as your subject, then include what license you are seeking (ex: elementary education, social studies, etc.) and your student ID (StarID works as well) in the main portion of the email. Once the Certifying Official is able to review your courses and student teaching information, they will reply with the completed verification document, copy of your transcript, and any additional instructions.

Step 4: Once all additional documents have been completed and returned to you, secure the items with a paper clip in the order they appear on your checklist, place them in a flat envelope, and mail to: 

Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board 
1021 Bandana Blvd. E Suite 222 
St. Paul, MN 55108-5111 

Step 5: PELSB will process your application and send you an email with license updates. Make sure your email address is correct on your application. It is highly recommended to refrain from using St. Cloud State email address as this email account will be deactivated six months after you graduate. PELSB processing times vary, but they estimate 30 days once a background check has been completed.

If you have questions, please contact Records and Registration at (320) 308-2111 or registrar@stcloudstate.edu and ask to speak with someone about Teacher Licensure.  

Updated: 7/2023 

To apply for this Tier 2 license, you must meet all three of the following requirements:  

1. Have a Bachelor's degree on record (Associates Degree for CTE programs), 
2. be currently enrolled in a teacher preparation program, AND
3. have a job offer from a district to teach in the field of your preparation program.

Students nearing the end of their preparation program will likely follow the initial or additional license seeker process. This process is typically applicable for students seeking licensure earlier on in their preparation program.

Step 1: Create an application via the Online Application. Follow the prompts, selecting the Tier 2 application.  

If you have a license currently, please work with your district to apply of out of field permission or complete the Tier 2 paper application and skip step 2.

Step 2: Once your application and payment have been submitted online, you will be issued a checklist of additional items to submit via mail to PELSB. 

• Completed & signed Fingerprint Card (If this is your first licensure) Do not bend.
• Enrollment Verification- letter from SCSU confirming licensure program enrollment
• District Documentation-District Verification of Employment Offer
• Official St. Cloud State Transcript

Step 3:  Email your request of enrollment verification to registrar@stcloudstate.edu. 

Use "Teacher Enrollment Verification" as your subject. In the body text, include what license you are seeking (ex: SPED: ABS, CTE: Manufacturing, Etc. ) and your student ID (StarID works, as well).  Once the Certification Official can review your courses, they will reply with the completed enrollment verification form, copy of your transcript, and any additional instructions. 

Step 4: Once all additional documents have been completed and returned to you, secure the items with a paper clip in the order they appear on your checklist, place them in a flat envelope, and mail to: 

Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board 
1021 Bandana Blvd. E Suite 222 
St. Paul, MN 55108-5111 

Step 5: PELSB will process your application and send you an email with license updates. Make sure your email address is correct on your application. It is highly recommended to refrain from using St. Cloud State email address. PELSB processing times vary, but they estimate 30 days once a background check has been completed.

If you have questions, please contact Records and Registration at (320) 308-2111 or registrar@stcloudstate.edu and ask to speak with someone about Teacher Licensure.  

Updated: 7/2023 

Records and Registration will begin processing applications for graduation and certificates at the end of each semester. Degrees/certificates are awarded approximately 2-4 weeks after student teaching grades are posted. To see if your degree/certificate has been awarded, please visit e-Services > Academic Records > Unofficial Transcripts. Your degree/certificate, major, and the date awarded will show on the top left of the page.

You must complete an intent to graduate or certificate completion form and have the degree/certificate be awarded, before you apply for Teacher Licensure.

Graduate Students should pay close attention to Graduation Deadlines  

Once the above items are complete, you're ready to apply:

Step 1: Download the appropriate application based on your qualifications and current tier license from the PELSB website.

Step 2: Request Verification of Program Completion (Section 6) by email to registrar@stcloudstate.edu 

Please use "Teacher Verification" as your subject, then include the license you seeking and your student ID (StarID works as well) in the main portion of the email. Once the Certifying Official is able to review your courses and student teaching information, they will reply with the completed section 6 document, copy of your transcript, and any additional instructions.

Step 3: Once all additional documents have been completed and returned to you, secure items with a paper clip, place in a flat envelope, and mail to:

Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board
1021 Bandana Blvd. E Suite 222
St. Paul, MN 55108-5111

Step 4: PELSB will process your application and send you an email with license updates. Make sure your email address is correct on your application. It is highly recommended to refrain from using St. Cloud State email address as this email account will be deactivated six months after you graduate. PELSB processing times vary, but they estimate 30 days once upon receipt of complete application.

If you have questions, please contact Records and Registration at (320) 308-2111 or registrar@stcloudstate.edu and ask to speak with someone about Teacher Licensure. 

Updated: 7/2023

Instructions for Application for an Administrative License

Note: The directions outlined below are for candidates already holding a Minnesota teaching license. 

IMPORTANT: The Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) requires a single packet submission for a license application. Therefore, it is crucial to obtain all documents prior to sending to PELSB. Any partial or incomplete submission may be returned to the applicant.

Applying for Licensure:

1. Download and complete the Application for a Minnesota Administrative License
   
   • Use the directions outlined on pages 1-3 of the document
   • Note that St. Cloud State University will complete section 6 of the application
     
     
2. Request Verification of Program Completion (section 6) 
   • Email registrar@stcloudstate.edu and include the following information:
     • Name (include other names used while attending)
     • StarID or TechID (if you have it)
     • License you are seeking
     • attach completion letter from your advisor and field supervisor
     • Include "Administrative License" in the subject
3. St. Cloud State University will email your verification and St. Cloud State transcript back to you
   
   
4. Gather items, secure documents in order with a paperclip, and mail to PELSB:
   • Personal check, money order, or cashier’s check for $57.00 made payable to “PELSB”
   • Completed application (adding in the completed section 6)
   • St. Cloud State emailed transcript
   • Email included with verification and transcript
   • Original letter from your St. Cloud State Field Experience Supervision the Department of Educational Leadership verifying completion of the program(s) for which you are applying
   • If applying via pathway, please include the original letter noting you have met all requirements
   • If you have a master's degree from a different university, please include an official (sealed) transcript along with your application packet

Send your application packet to:

Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board
1021 Bandana Blvd E
Suite 222
St. Paul, MN 55108

If you have any questions regarding the processing of your administrative license, please contact (320) 308-2111 or registrar@stcloudstate.edu.

Updated: 7/2023

Tier 2 License Requirements: 

• Hold a bachelor's degree
• In progress of completing an St. Cloud State Professional Education Program, bachelor's or master's level
• Job offer from a school district who will apply jointly with you for your Tier 2 license
• License is good for two years and can be renewed up to three times. To renew, you must be making meaningful progress toward degree completion, if program is not complete.

Find the Tier 2 application for first-time license applicants and current license holders on the PELSB website. 

Updated 7/2023

Tier 4 License Requirements: 

• Completion of a St. Cloud State Professional Education Program, including a bachelor’s or master's degree 
• Currently holding a Tier 4 license OR three or more years of teaching experience in Minnesota 
• Most recent summative evaluation did not result in an improvement plan 

This license is good for five years and can be renewed indefinitely by following Minnesota’s continuing education process. Find the application for a Tier 4 license on the PELSB website. 

Updated 7/2023

Programs at St. Cloud State University that lead to a professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare a student for potential licensure or certification in Minnesota. While the St. Cloud State programs meet the relevant academic requirements set by the licensure or certification board/agency in Minnesota, they may or may not meet the educational requirements for a licensure or certification in another state. If you are planning to seek professional licensure or certification outside Minnesota it is important for you to know the specific requirements of the state in which you intend to apply for licensure or certification. If you are considering a program that leads to professional licensure or certification, it is important that you contact the personnel with direct oversight of the academic program you are interested in for licensure and certification requirements.

The following links may be used to explore licensure requirements in other states. St. Cloud State makes every effort to ensure information about educational requirements for licensure or certification is current; however, state requirements may change. Separate from educational requirements, state licensure boards may require applicants to complete professional examinations, background checks, years of professional experience, jurisprudence exams, training, etc. If you are planning to pursue professional licensure or certification in a state other than Minnesota, it is strongly recommended that you contact the appropriate licensing entity in that state to seek information and guidance regarding licensure or certification requirements before beginning an academic program.

We also invite students and alumni to email registrar@stcloudstate.edu for help contacting out-of-state licensure boards or verifying that licensure requirements have been met. 

Updated 7/2023