To apply for a 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 (see below). This process is typically applicable for students seeking licensure earlier 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 for 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 (University Verification of licensure program enrollment)
• District Documentation (District Verification of employment offer)
• Official St. Cloud State Transcript

Select the PDF download of the Enrollment Verification form.

Continue to steps 3 and 4 that are outlined on the main page.

Step 2: 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 Bachelor's 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, then you will follow the "For Those Seeking Licensure During Program Enrollment" section above.
• All other initial license candidates will complete the Tier 3 license process.

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 (Tier 2 license seekers only)
• Official St. Cloud State Transcript 

Select the PDF download for the Verification of Completion form.

Continue to Steps 3 and 4 that are outlined on the main page.

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.

Step 2: Download the appropriate application based on your qualifications and current tier license (Tier 3/Tier 4) from the PELSB website.

• Use the directions outlined on pages 1-5 of the application
• Note that St. Cloud State University will complete section 6 of the application

Continue to Step 3 and 4 that are outlined on the main page.

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.

Step 2: Download and complete the Application for a Minnesota Administrative License

• Use the directions outlined on pages 1-5 of the application
• Note that St. Cloud State University will complete section 6 of the application

Continue to Step 3 and 4 that are outlined on the main page.

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. 

• If you are an active student, login with StarId and password. If you are not, open a blank form
  • Either confirm that the populated information is correct, or input the information
• Select appropriate licensure verification request type: Out of State License Verification
• Complete required fields and upload your OFS verification page

Submit a Teacher Licensure Verification Request

Updated 8/2025

You must be admitted into the correct program and registered for corresponding teacher prep coursework.

PELSB starts accepting these applications on June 15 for the upcoming school year. Therefore, we will not complete these forms until June.

The university defines Meaningful Progress for those seeking Tier 2 and OFP renewal as: candidates must have been enrolled in at least one course of PELSB approved licensure coursework in the field they are seeking in at least two out of the three semesters of the SCSU academic year. PELSB is working on creating a universal definition for all institutions. Once this is moved forward, we will update our definition accordingly.

• Those seeking a degree must have the graduation form on file. Those seeking a certificate must have the certificate completion form on file.

• Pre Spring 2025: EdTPA
• Post Spring 2025: CPAST

Standards for teaching licensure change periodically and although you may qualify for a Minnesota Teaching License today, additional course work, testing, or other requirements may be required to fulfill the required teaching licensure standards in the future. 

• If you return after many years to obtain your license, we will be able to verify you based on those standards only if your degree or certificate was awarded, you completed the assessment requirement that was established at that time, and we have your student teaching/practicum records. If one of these pieces is missing, then you will have to meet today's standards.
  • On the same note, we can only recommend licensure for closed programs if you have completed all components of said program. Given that students can no longer be admitted to these programs, all inquiries need to seek those licenses elsewhere.