Minnesota Administration/Principal Certification
The Minnesota Department of Education Educator Licensing Division provides Administrator Licenses at the Superintendent and Principal level to qualified applicants.
Education Requirements
You must graduate from a state-approved administrator preparation program, with practicum and student teaching portions. You must also meet the human relations educational course component requirement.
Learn more about the graduate school process. Contact schools offering educational administration degree programs in Minnesota.
Examinations
No examinations are required for administrative licensure in Minnesota. However, you must already have passed the necessary Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE) to obtain your Minnesota teaching license.
Experience Requirements
If you wish to become a licensed superintendent or principal, you must have three years of classroom teaching experience. Student teaching and practicum experience does not apply to fulfilling this requirement.
Document and Application Requirements
You must apply online for administrative licensure in Minnesota. You must pay all application fees online. Send the following directly to the Minnesota Department of Education, Educator Licensing Division1500 Highway 36, West Roseville, MN 55113:
- Official college transcripts showing completion of a state-approved administrator preparation program and human relations component
- Completed fingerprint card (see below)
- Verification of employment
- Verification of completion of a state-approved administrator preparation program, completed and signed by an official at your college/university
Initial administrative licenses in Minnesota are valid for two years. After you work for one year in the licensure field, you may apply for a five-year license with approval of your superintendent or personnel officer.
Criminal History Background Check
If you are applying for an administrative license in Minnesota, you must undergo a full criminal history background check, including fingerprinting. Ask for a fingerprint card by contacting Educator Licensing at 651-582-8691 or by emailing [email protected]. Once you receive the card, visit your local law enforcement agency for help with the process. You must pay all fees that are imposed.
Contact Information
For more information on administrator preparation programs in Minnesota, contact the institutions that offer them directly.
For more information on administrative licensure in Minnesota, contact the Educator Licensing Division at 651-582-8691 or [email protected].
