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Certification Requirements

Teacher Certification

Once a teacher candidate has completed all program requirements and passed the state teacher certification test, they will qualify for a teaching certificate from the State of Michigan. Although teaching requirements vary among states, the Michigan certificate, through reciprocal certification agreements, is valid in many other states.

If you plan to teach outside of Michigan, talk to our director of certification, Dr. Sara Hoeve (hoeve@hope.edu or 616.395.7740), for specified information on reciprocity and out-of-state licensure, postgraduate teaching certification, additional endorsements or state testing requirements.

TO QUALIFY FOR AN ELEMENTARY OR SECONDARY TEACHING CERTIFICATE*, YOU MUST:

1. Complete all general education requirements for the B.S., B.A. or B.M. degree at ÐÜèÔÚÏßÊÓƵ.
2. Complete the Teacher Education Program coursework and field/clinical experiences, including student teaching.
3. Complete the requirements for a major and minor for Secondary Teaching Certificate and Elementary Teaching Certificate before admittance in Fall of 2021, approved by the Education Department and affirmed by the Michigan Department of Education.
4. Complete the requirements for primary and secondary grade bands for Elementary Certificates for Fall 2021 and after.
5. Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale in:
   1. Overall coursework at ÐÜèÔÚÏßÊÓƵ
   2. Coursework in major area of study
   3. Coursework in minor area of study
   4. Coursework in the Teacher Education Program
6. Pass the required Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification (MTTC) in appropriate areas.

* are subject to periodic change. Students must meet all requirements in effect at the time of application.

MICHIGAN TESTS FOR TEACHER CERTIFICATION (MTTC)

In order to meet Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) requirements mandated by the State of Michigan for teacher education candidates,

all elementary track students:

• Must pass the .
• Students are encouraged to take relevant exams in their major and minor subject areas. These are optional but are strongly recommended for marketability purposes and needed to earn certification to teach at the middle school level (grades 6–8).

all secondary track students:

• Must pass exams in Professional Knowledge and Skills (5–9), Professional Knowledge and Skills (7–12), and their content area major.
  View the .

Attempt these exams only after you’ve completed 90% of the coursework in your content area. Most students take the test immediately preceding or during student teaching. The test registration, objectives and study guides are on the . 

The ÐÜèÔÚÏßÊÓƵ certification officer will offer licensure advice based on their knowledge and prior experiences.

For information on MTTC Waivers, including the department’s policy on granting waivers, please refer to the .

For information on reciprocity and out-of-state licensure, postgraduate teaching certification, additional endorsements or state testing requirements, please contact: 

Dr. Sara Hoeve
hoeve@hope.edu
616.395.7740

The ÐÜèÔÚÏßÊÓƵ certification officer will offer licensure advice based on their knowledge and prior experiences. However, it is the responsibility of the ÐÜèÔÚÏßÊÓƵ teacher candidate to double-check specific state websites for current testing information and certification requirements, as state policies are subject to ongoing changes.