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Teacher Licensure

Unlock your path to obtaining a teaching license.

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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.
MDE Forms

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.

Contact Us

Have questions for the School of Education Safe Office? Get in touch with us and we will be happy to assist you.

Licensing/Certification Information

Resource: Mississippi Department of Education/ Office of Educator Licensure
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

Applying for Licensure

Teacher Candidates are responsible for following appropriate steps to apply for licensure in Mississippi through the Mississippi Career Continuum Archive (MECCA) System.

Mississippi Career Continuum Archive

Mississippi Career Continuum Archive System (MECCA), serves as an archive and repository, systematically collecting and organizing information related to career pathways, workforce development, and educational resources.

MECCA

MDE Document Submission

Detailed information and guidelines regarding the submission of necessary documents related to educational licensure applications. This may include documents such as transcripts, certifications, or other materials required for the evaluation and processing of licensure requests.

Document Submission Guidelines

Electronic Transcript Submission

Please follow steps outlined in the UM Transcript Guide linked below for electronic transcript submission. Official transcripts must be submitted electronically to ensure compliance with MDE guidelines.

Your transcript must have you degree posted.

UM Transcript Guide

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 are encouraged 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.

Institutional Recommendation

Should a graduate decide to apply for licensure in another state and need an “institutional recommendation” form completed for that state application, you may contact the SAFE Office.

  • 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