Licensing

Do you hold a license with the Minnesota Professional Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB)? Are you looking to renew, relicense, move or obtain a state PELSB license to work in teaching or related services in schools?

If you are then take a look at the various resources below to support you in navigating the licensure pathway you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB)?
The Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board ensures that teachers and school leaders are qualified, follow professional standards, and provide safe, effective education for students.

Why are there different tiered Licenses?
The Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) uses tiered licenses reflect the level of experiences, preparation, and professional growth of educators.

How do I know what tiered license I hold?
You can view your tiered license on the PELSB website: Go to "License Lookup", enter your name or file folder number, select, "Detail," and check the "Scope" box to see your tier.

How do I know when to renew?
You can view your tiered license on the PELSB website: Go to "License Lookup", enter your name or file folder number, select, "Detail," and check the "Expiration Date" box to see when your license expires.

Where can I learn more about the four different tiered licenses with MN PELSB?
Visit the PELSB website to view an infographic detailing each tiered license.

Process & Procedure

Renewing a Tier 1 or Tier 2 License

Tier 1 and Tier 2 license holders that are renewing it is contingent on a job offer with your school/district. You may be required to complete various professional development areas as well, see your PELSB license for details.

The chart below provides the PELSB Renewal document and checklist for how to renew a Tier 1 or a Tier 2 license.

Tier 1

Tier 1-PELSB Renewal Information

SPPS Checklist for

Tier 1 Renewal

Tier 2

Tier 2-PELSB Renewal Information

SPPS Checklist for Tier 2 Renewal

Relicensing a Tier 3 or Tier 4 Licnse

Moving Tier Licenses

The MN Professional Educator Licensing Standards Board has FOUR TIERS for a teaching license and it depends on if you are eligible according to the specific criteria listed on their application. See below the state's infographic on their four tiers.

There are checklists and applications below if you are seeking on how to move from one tier to another:

Tier 1 moving to Tier 2	Checklist to move to Tier 2	Tier 2 Application
Tier 2 moving to Tier 3	Checklist to move to Tier 3	Tier 3 Application
Tier 3 moving to Tier 4 (Obtained Tier 3 license BEFORE July 1, 2023)	Checklist to move to Tier 4	Tier 4 Application
Tier 3 moving to Tier 4 (Obtained Tier 3 license AFTER July 1, 2023)	Checklist to move to Tier 4	Tier 4 Application

*REMINDER: Moving tiers will support you if you desire to be tenure eligible. You can only be eligible for tenure when you are on a Tier 3 or Tier 4 license. Tenure is obtained when you have *3 consecutive years with the district on specific tiered license. See below graphic on how tenure eligibility is affected by the tiered license you hold.

Further support with navigating moving tiers may be directed to district License Coordinator, Mary Yang, mary.yang@spps.org