Teacher Certification and Licensure Requirements 

Students who are formally admitted to and complete a teacher education program approved by the state of North Dakota, receive a bachelor's degree with an overall GPA of at least 2.50, and meet the legal requirements are eligible to apply for licensure to teach in North Dakota and may also apply for licensure in other states as well.

UND Teacher Certification Address:

Eric Tweton, Certification Officer
College of Education and Human Development
University of North Dakota
Education Building Room 102E
231 Centennial Drive, Stop 7189
Grand Forks, ND 58202

North Dakota Requirements

Students apply to the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) for licensure using forms that are available in the Office of Advising and Admissions (Education Building, Room 102) or online at: www.state.nd.us/espb. Application procedures should be initiated towards the end of the semester in which you plan to graduate. Forms will be handed out and the process explained during the student teaching senior seminar.

• How to apply for a first-time license in North Dakota

Minnesota Requirements

Minnesota's teacher licensure requirements are similar to North Dakota's in that you must have completed an approved teacher education program, received a bachelor's degree and meet all legal requirements to apply. First-time teacher licensure applicants will need to apply and pay online at: www.education.state.mn.us. 

Processing the licensure application takes place at the end of the semester the student graduates. The processing can begin only after the student's final grades have been recorded and the bachelor's degree is recorded. Expect this process to take three to four weeks following graduation. The time it takes a state department of education to process your request will vary widely from state to state. Expect this processing time to be between six and twelve weeks. The process will be explained during the student teaching senior seminar.

• How to apply for a first-time license in Minnesota

Other States

Every state has different requirements and processes. Students interested in teacher licensure in states other than North Dakota or Minnesota should seek information in the Office of Advising and Admissions. More information can be found here.