Certification Process Frequently Asked Questions
- I would like to become a certified teacher. How do I do this?
- I lost my teaching certificate! How can I get another copy?
- Where can I mail my correspondence?
- Once I have applied online or made a written inquiry, how long should I wait for a response?
- How, then, may I check on the status of my file?
- What do I tell my school district if my file is still in process?
- I am a certified teacher from another state. How do I apply for a Missouri license?
- Does a teacher who is certified to teach in another state need to take the Praxis test in order to obtain a Missouri certificate?
I would like to become a certified teacher. How do I do this?
Traditionally, initial teacher certification in the state of Missouri requires the completion of a state-approved teacher education program. You will need to be evaluated by an official at an approved institution and complete the requirements of their approved program. Once you do this, the institution will send a recommendation for certification to our office, and we will issue the initial certificate based on that recommendation. You may access Missouri's minimum certification requirements, a listing of approved colleges/universities and programs, or the different routes to licensure on the DESE website.
I lost my teaching certificate! How can I get another copy?
You may go to Web Applications, log in and view print your certificate. If you haven't be in Web Applications before and created a profile, please go to the Help Guide.
Where can I mail my correspondence?
Send all correspondence to Educator Certification, PO Box 480, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102. With any correspondence to this office, please be sure to include your name, social security number, home mailing address, and home phone number. Responses will be mailed to your home address.
Once I have applied online or made a written inquiry, how long should I wait for a response?
Due to fluctuations in the volume of online applications and inquiries received, it is often difficult to estimate processing time. During the months of April to October, processing time may be as long as six (6) weeks from the date of receipt. Processing time from October to April should be less than four (4) weeks. You may check the status of your application on our website anytime. If you have not been into Web Applications before, please check out the Help Guide.
How, then, may I check on the status of my file?
You may check on the status of your application or file on our website. If you have not been into Web Applications before, please check out the Help Guide. Please follow the instructions provided. Information displayed online is updated as soon as changes are made in the certification office. Our general processing time is 4-6 weeks from the date your application/request was received.
What do I tell my school district if my file is still in process?
Missouri school districts understand the peak workloads of the certification office. It has always been our policy to expedite a file at the request of a superintendent or human resources director. The district should call or e-mail our office if the situation warrants an expeditious response. A school district can also check the status of your application on our website.
I am a certified teacher from another state. How do I apply for a Missouri license?
Missouri offers reciprocity to anyone who holds a valid teaching certificate from another state. There is an checklist on our website for certified teachers from another state this check list: MO500-1587.
Does a teacher who is certified to teach in another state need to take the Praxis test in order to obtain a Missouri certificate?
No. After August 28, 2003, a valid teaching certificate issued by another state will be recognized by Missouri. The application form requests the Praxis test score if it was required by the original certifying state. If available, that information should be included. Upon receipt of the application packet, processing fee, and background clearance, an appropriate Missouri certificate of license to teach will be issued. The checklist for certified teachers from another state is located on our website.
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