Teacher Licensure

Unlock your path to obtaining a teaching license.

Important Information

Candidates seeking licensure in Mississippi must submit documentation of “lawful presence” and a valid social security number to the Mississippi Department of Education. These requirements also apply to the Pre-Service Teaching License that undergraduate students must apply for during their junior year admittance to Phase II: Teacher Education.

Recommendation for Licensure

In order to qualify for licensure endorsement from the University of Mississippi, students are required to successfully fulfill the requirements of an approved certification program offered at the School of Education.

This entails completing the specified coursework, meeting program standards, and demonstrating proficiency in the designated areas of study. The successful completion of the approved certification program is a crucial step for students aspiring to receive the university's endorsement for licensure.

Licensing/Certification Information

Certification Information

ELEMENTARY K-6 / Required Licensure Tests:

Praxis II Tests (TWO TESTS):

  • Elementary Education (K-6) [Test Code 5017]
  • Principles of Learning & Teaching/ PLT K-6 [Test Code 5622]
  • Go to Educational Testing Service and register

Foundations of Reading Exam (ONE TEST):

All three tests listed above are required for a standard, renewable license in Elementary Education.

 SECONDARY EDUCATION 7-12 / Required Licensure Tests:

Praxis II Tests (TWO TESTS):

  • Principles of Learning & Teaching/ PLT 7-12 [Test Code 5624]
  • Take the Praxis II exam in your degree program area. The different content area tests
    are listed below:
    • Biology [Test Code 5236]
    • Chemistry [Test Code 5246]
    • English Language and Literature [Test Code 5038]
    • Mathematics [Test Code 5165]
    • Physics [Test Code [5266]
    • Social Studies [Test Code 5081]
  • Go to Educational Testing Service and register

 Early Childhood Education / Required Licensure Tests:

Praxis II Tests (TWO TESTS):

  • Child Development [Test Code 5024]
  • Principles of Learning and Teaching/ PLT Pre-K/K [Test Code 5621]
  • Go to Educational Testing Service and register

Both the PLT & content area test listed above are required for a standard, renewable license in Early Childhood Education.

 Health and Physical Education / Required Licensure Tests:
[Note: UM HPE graduates qualify for both Physical Education and Health Education]

Praxis II Tests (TWO TESTS):

  • Physical Education (K-12) [Test Code 5091]
  • Principles of Learning & Teaching/ PLT
    • Select only ONE of the grade levels - Grades K-6 [Test Code 5622]; or Grades 4-6 [Test Code 5623]; or Grades 7-12 [Test Code 5624]
  • Go to Educational Testing Service and register

Both the PLT & content area test listed above are required for a standard, renewable license in Health and Physical Education.

 

 SPECIAL EDUCATION K-12/ Required Licensure Tests:
[Note: UM SPED graduates qualify for Mild/Moderate & Severe/Profound Disabilities]

Praxis II Tests (TWO TEST):

  • Special Education [Test code 5355] – new test code effective 9/1/2023
  • Principles of Learning & Teaching/ PLT
    • Select only ONE of the grade levels - Grades K-6 [Test Code 5622]; or Grades 4-6 [Test Code 5623]; or Grades 7-12 [Test Code 5624]
  • Go to Educational Testing Service and register

Foundations of Reading Exam (ONE TEST):

The PLT, SPED content area tests & Foundations of Reading Exam listed above are required for a
standard, renewable license in Special Education.

Praxis II Test – HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:

  • Special Education Fundamental Subject HQ [Test code 5511]
  • Go to Educational Testing Service and register
    • The Fundamental Subject Test allows SPED teachers to be licensed to teach in a
      broader range of classroom settings - self-contained, inclusion, etc. This test is not required to receive an initial license but maximizes your job opportunities.

 

Explore graduate programs at the University of Mississippi School of Education leading to teacher licensure in various areas such as:

  • Teacher Education
  • Educational Leadership/ Administration
  • Counselor Education (School Counseling)

Candidates should refer to their individual degree program requirements and licensure guidelines through the Mississippi Department of Education.

  • Seeking Initial Licensure

    To qualify for initial licensure in Mississippi, candidates must pass the necessary standardized tests. For information on accessing testing websites and registration, refer to "Certification Assessments" on the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) website.

    Educator Licensure FAQ
  • Additional Licensure Guidelines

    The Guidelines for Licensure K-12 is a handbook of all licensure requirements approved by the Mississippi State Board of Education for all types of teacher and administrator licensure and certification required by law.

    MDE Guidelines for Licensure K-12

Out-of-State Licensure

Teacher candidates wishing to teach in other states will declare intent prior to admission to Phase II during registration for classes. Our goal is to provide candidates with accurate initial licensure information related to that state.

We encourage all students to contact those state departments of education as well to review licensure requirements. We strongly encourage our teacher candidates to seek Mississippi licensure; our degree programs in education are nationally accredited. Reciprocity of a Mississippi teaching license is determined by individual states and entities.

  • Approved Add-On Endorsement Programs

    The University of Mississippi School of Education offers both UM certificates and programs that lead to additional endorsements by Mississippi Department of Education. The endorsements are additional areas of teaching endorsement that are added to an initial teaching license.

    Certificate & Endorsement Programs