In Michigan, there are two types of teaching certificates that are currently being issued:

1. Provisional Certificate (Initial)

The initial teaching certificate issued in Michigan upon successful completion of an approved Michigan teacher preparation program. Valid for up to 6 years during which the holder is expected to gain experience as a successful practicing professional, and to acquire additional professional development through advanced study (completion of at least 18 semester hours in a planned course of study) as a prerequisite for the next level of certification. Can be renewed for up to 3 years with the completion of 10 semester credit hours in a planned program at an approved teacher preparation institution. A second 3-year renewal requires completion of 18 semester hours in a planned program at an approved teacher preparation institution.

2. Professional Education Certificate (Advanced)

Michigan's advanced teaching certificate. Requires completion of 18 semester hours in a planned course of study after the issuance of the Provisional certificate, completion of Michigan's reading requirement (6 semester hours of teaching reading for elementary teachers or 3 semester hours for secondary teachers and 3 years of successful teaching experience. 

Valid for up to 5 years.

Michigan Teacher Certification for Out-of-State Candidates

For those candidates who hold a valid out-of-state teaching certificate and wish to become Michigan teacher certificated, there are several options:

1. A Temporary Teacher Employment Authorization, in accordance with Section 1531, will be issued if individuals possess a valid out-of-state teaching certificate and have met all requirements for the Michigan Provisional certificate, except passing the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC), and have completed the following:

1. "Application for Michigan Provisional/Professional Education Certificate for Candidates Who Completed An Out-of-State/Out-of-Country Teacher Preparation Program."

2. Submission of all required documents; i.e., copies of out-of-state certificate(s), college transcript(s)/foreign evaluation and experience reports (if applicable). These documents must be submitted with the application.

3. Payment of appropriate fee.

2. A Michigan Professional Education certificate will be issued to an applicant who:

   1. Holds a valid out-of-state teaching certificate (and has never held a Michigan teaching certificate).

   2. Holds a master's or higher degree earned at any time or has completed at least 18 semester credit hours in a planned program following the issuance of their initial teaching certificate or license.

   3. Has, following the issuance of their initial teaching certificate or license, completed 3 years of successful teaching experience within the validity of their out-of-state certificate. Documentation using the experience report form, provided with the application, is required.

   4. Has completed Michigan's reading credit requirement of 3 semester hours of teaching reading for the secondary level certificate, or 6 semester hours of teaching reading for the elementary level certificate.

If all the requirements above are met, a Michigan Professional Education certificate may be issued, and the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification will not be required.

Out-of-State Special Educators

Some out-of-state candidates are prepared strictly for Special Education with no preparation for the regular classroom. If the applicant meets Michigan's requirements for specific special education, a Secondary certificate with specific special education endorsement(s) will be issued based on the equivalency option. If the applicant does not meet Michigan's requirements for specific special education, a regular certificate cannot be issued, and he/she would be referred to a Michigan teacher preparation institution.

The difference between a special education certificate with a specific endorsement in one or more of the special needs areas and a generic special education endorsement is the emphasis on preparation in a specific special need as opposed to general preparation across many special needs areas. The person with a generic endorsement may be qualified to have a specific special education endorsement in Michigan, but would need to meet the requirements listed below.

1.       Evaluation Process for Out-of-State Special Educators:

A.      Out-of-State Certificate with Specific Special Education Endorsement

A Michigan certificate may be issued in a specific area of special education if, in addition to the nonacademic requirements, the candidate has completed a 24-hour program in special education (a total of 24 hours in any kind of special education coursework) and a minimum number of semester hours in one or more of the following special need areas:

Mentally Impaired (9 semester credit hours)

Emotionally Impaired (6 semester credit hours)

Learning Disabled (6 semester credit hours)

Visually Impaired (12 semester credit hours)

Hearing Impaired (12 semester credit hours)

Orthopedically Handicapped (12 semester credit hours)

B.      Out-of-State Special Education Generic Certificate

If, in addition to the nonacademic requirements, the transcript shows completion of 24 semester hours of coursework in special education from an approved college(s) with the required amount of hours in one or more special needs areas as stated above, a certificate with an endorsement in that area can be granted.

NOTE: The transcript must denote what special education endorsement areas the coursework is in. Otherwise, the applicant must have a written statement from the dean of the college of education at the university stating that the minimum number of credit hours in the specific area were completed. If the requirements for a Michigan special education certificate are not met, the candidate may then be directed to an approved Michigan teacher preparation institution to complete an approved special education program.

School Counselor Endorsements, Authorizations, Certification/License

School Guidance Counselor License

I s issued to an instate or out-of-state candidate under the provisions of 1233(2)(b)(i) of the Revised School Code.  Eligible candidates must:

• Hold a master's or higher degree awarded after completion of an approved School Counselor Education program that includes at least all skills and content areas or their equivalent required by Michigan  law.
• Has successfully completed the Michigan Department of Education's Michigan Test for Teacher Certification Guidance Counselor examination; AND is recommended by an approved School Counselor Education program.

Preliminary Employment Authorization for School Guidance Counselor

Is available to a candidate of a Michigan teacher preparation institution who has completed 34 semester hours of course work in an approved school guidance counseling program and has passed the Guidance Counselor subject area exam on the MTTC.  This authorization is valid for three years and is nonrenewable.  During the three-year validity period, a person is expected to complete the remainder of any outstanding courses/practicum in order to be recommended for the school counselor endorsement or School Counselor License.

Temporary  School Counselor Authorization

Is issued to out-of-state candidates who meet either the educational or experience requirement, but have yet to take and pass the required examination.  This authorization is valid for one year only and is nonrenewable.  Application is made directly to the Michigan Department of Education.

For additional information regarding School Counselor Authorizations, School Counselor License, or for out-of-state School Counseling endorsements on  Michigan  Teaching certificates, contact Beatrice  M.  Harrison, Higher Education Consultant at either HarrisonB@Mi.gov or (517) 241-0046 in the Office of Professional Preparation Services, Michigan Department of Education.