Frequently Asked Questions (6 total)

1. What do I need to do in order to get a license to teach?

Please click here and print out this checklist. It provides a series of steps that need to be followed in order to apply for a license to teach in Minnesota.

2. How do I register for the Praxis I test?

You may take the Praxis I test in one of two ways; in writing or by computer.

Written Praxis I test: You must register either on the Educational Testing Services (ETS) website with a credit card or on the registration form that is printed in the Praxis registration bulletin. Reminder: Written registration must reach ETS by the listed due date.

Computerized Praxis I test: You can register to take the Praxis I tests at either Minnesota State University Moorhead or the Sylvan Learning Center in Fargo. The contact information is printed below. Plan at least 2 - 4 weeks in advance for reservations.

Computer Testing at MSUM ($120) (218) 477-2118 | Must have a valid credit card to register by phone. To register with a check, go in person to Ballard Hall on the Minnesota State University Moorhead campus.

Computer Testing at Sylvan Learning Center ($120) (701) 293-1238 | Must have a valid credit card to register by phone. To register with a check, go in person to 2710 - 32nd Avenue SW; Fargo.

3. What happens if I don't pass part of the Praxis I or II tests?

In order to be accepted into the Teacher Education program at Concordia College, you must take the Praxis I test.

If you do not pass a section of the Praxis I or II tests, you must only re-take that portion of the test and pay the registration fee again.

State law requires that you must pass all portions of the Praxis I and II tests in order to eligible for licensure.

There is no limit to the number of times you can re-take a Praxis test to pass.

4. What tests do I take for the Praxis II exam?

The state of Minnesota currently requires that you take and receive passing scores on the following Praxis II tests in order to be considered for a teaching license:

• Principles of Learning and Teaching (pedagogy test) in one of the following three grade level areas:
  • K-6 (elementary education or K-12 majors)*
  • 5-9 (may be selected by secondary education/K-12 majors)*
  • 7-12 (selected by most secondary education/K-12 majors)*
• Content area tests:
  • Elementary Education: Elementary content test AND the 5-8 or K-8 specialty area content test.
  • Secondary Education: Secondary area in which you wish to be licensed in Minnesota.

Click here to be linked to the page on the Educational Testing Services website that will show you the specific number of the tests that are required by the state of Minnesota.

* If your license will be 5-12, the state of Minnesota states that you may choose the Principles of Learning and Teaching test you wish to be tested in; therefore you can choose either the 5-9 or 7-12 tests.

* If your license will be K-12, you may choose the K-6, 5-9 or 7-12 Principles of Learning and Teaching test.

5. What do I do if I get placed on a waiting list at registration?

From time to time, courses in the teacher education program reach their capacity prior to registration closing. You will receive a pink card that is to be filled out with the following information and brought to the Department of Education office:

• Name and id number
• Course name, number and section
• Reason that you need to be in the specific course for that semester/block
• Email address that you can be contacted.

You will be placed on the official waiting list for that course/those courses if you meet GPA and other admission and retention policies for the teacher education program. Be patient. We are not able to officially work on courses until registration is closed.

Once registration closes the Department of Education will do the following:

• Assure that all registered students are eligible to register for education courses (GPA and other retention policies have been met).
• Remove students that are registered for courses and are not eligible after they have been notified by phone or in writing
• The chair of the department will review the waiting lists and will place students with the most essential scheduling issues in the courses, space permitting.
• If you are unable to be enrolled in an education course due to capacity enrollment, you will meet with the chair of the department to go over your four-year plan to ensure your ability to complete education requirements in a timely manner.

6. What if I want to teach in a state other than Minnesota?

Concordia College prepares students for licensure in Minnesota upon graduation. It is highly recommended that you apply for a license in Minnesota even if you do not plan to teach here for a couple of reasons:

• Other states may grant you a reciprocal license or temporary license due to your MN license.
• If given a temporary or provisional license, you will be given a time period to complete additional requirements that particular state may have.
• You may want to substitute teach and earn money while looking for another position.

Each state has it's own requirements for licensure. Click here to go to the Council of Chief State School Officers web site, which has links to all state licensing agencies.