Alternative Teaching Certification in Michigan
Michigan’s alternative route to teacher certification lets candidates with a bachelor’s degree teach full-time under an Interim Teaching Certificate while completing a state-approved preparation program. Programs must include at least 12 semester credit hours of training under Michigan Compiled Laws 380.1531i. Current MDE-approved providers include the University of Michigan’s M-ARC program, Schoolcraft College’s ARC program, and New Paradigm For Education.
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Michigan’s alternative route to teacher certification runs through the Interim Teaching Certificate, a credential created under state law that lets candidates teach full-time while finishing their preparation requirements. It’s built for people who already hold a bachelor’s degree but didn’t complete a traditional teacher education program, and it’s become one of the fastest-growing paths into Michigan classrooms as the state works through a teacher shortage.
Michigan’s Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification, known as MARTC, have been in place since 1993.
Interested in learning about the traditional approach? See Michigan’s traditional teacher certification requirements.
How Michigan’s Alternative Certification System Works
Under Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 380.1531i, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and the state Superintendent of Public Instruction approve MARTC providers whose programs include at least 12 semester credit hours of coursework and training. Candidates who meet the state’s eligibility criteria and enroll in an approved program can apply for an Interim Teaching Certificate (ITC) once they pass the required Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) subject-area test for their endorsement area. The ITC lets candidates serve as the teacher of record while they complete the remaining coursework and field-based requirements that the program requires for a standard certificate.
Because MDE approves and removes alternative route providers on an ongoing basis, the current, authoritative list always lives on MDE’s own Approved Alternative Route Providers page and searchable program database, rather than any fixed list. The providers below are examples of programs MDE has approved. If you already hold a valid teaching certificate from another state, Michigan’s teacher reciprocity process may be a faster path than starting a new alternative route program.
Alternative Certification Requirements
Education Requirements
Every MARTC provider requires a bachelor’s degree for admission, though the major, minimum GPA, and subject-area focus vary by program. Some providers, like the University of Michigan’s M-ARC program, accept candidates with a bachelor’s degree in any field who haven’t completed a traditional educator preparation program. Others, like Schoolcraft College’s Alternative Route to Interim Teacher Certification (ARC) program, set their own specific admission requirements that applicants should confirm directly with the college.
Examinations
Michigan eliminated its separate basic skills examination requirement in 2018 under Senate Bill 889, so candidates no longer take a general basic skills test. Instead, MARTC candidates must pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) subject-area test corresponding to the endorsement area they wish to teach before they can be recommended for an Interim Teaching Certificate. Effective January 2026, candidates pursuing initial certification in most endorsement areas must also pass a Professional Knowledge and Skills test. Preparation programs and MDE direct candidates to the specific tests required for their endorsement, so confirm the current requirements with your program advisor before registering.
Experience
Experience requirements vary by provider. Because MARTC candidates teach as the teacher of record under their ITC while completing the program, most providers don’t require prior classroom experience for admission, but each program sets its own criteria, so confirm directly with the provider you’re applying to.
Criminal History Background Check
Before you can work in any Michigan school district, you must pass a criminal history background check. This will be conducted through the Michigan State Police (MSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). You must go to one of the state’s LiveScan fingerprinting locations, pay the fees, and have your fingerprints taken. The Michigan Department of Education will receive the results of your background check and notify the school district of whether or not you should be hired.
Contact Information
For current MARTC program details and provider contacts, use MDE’s Approved Alternative Route Providers directory, which lists every currently approved program and its contact information. For general questions about Michigan educator certification, MDE’s Office of Educator Certification page has current contact information for certification staff.
Examples of Michigan-Approved Alternative Route Providers
The University of Michigan’s Marsal Family School of Education runs the Michigan Alternate Route to Certification (M-ARC) program for candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree but haven’t completed a teacher prep program. Schoolcraft College offers its own Alternative Route to Interim Teacher Certification (ARC) program for college graduates who meet its admission requirements. MDE has also approved New Paradigm for Education (NPFE) to offer a residency-based alternative route program. All three lead to an Interim Teaching Certificate and let candidates teach while finishing state-required coursework.
| Program | Who It’s For | Credential Issued |
|---|---|---|
| M-ARC (University of Michigan) | Bachelor’s degree holders without a completed teacher prep program | Interim Teaching Certificate |
| Schoolcraft College ARC | College graduates meeting Schoolcraft’s admission requirements | Interim Teaching Certificate |
| New Paradigm For Education (NPFE) | Candidates in a residency-based alternative route program | Interim Teaching Certificate |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Michigan’s alternative teaching certification route?
It’s a state-approved path, known as MARTC, that lets candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree begin teaching under an Interim Teaching Certificate while completing required coursework and testing through an MDE-approved provider.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree for alternative certification in Michigan?
Yes. Every MARTC provider requires a bachelor’s degree before you can enroll, though the specific major and admission requirements vary by program.
What is an Interim Teaching Certificate (ITC)?
The ITC is a Michigan teaching certificate issued under MCL 380.1531i to candidates enrolled in an approved alternative route program. It allows you to serve as the teacher of record while finishing your remaining certification requirements. Once you earn a standard certificate, you’ll eventually need to handle Michigan teacher certification renewal.
Do I still need to take the MTTC Basic Skills Test?
No. Michigan eliminated the basic skills test requirement in 2018. MARTC candidates now take the MTTC subject-area test for their endorsement area, and starting January 2026, most candidates pursuing initial certification also take a Professional Knowledge and Skills test.
Is Troops to Teachers still available in Michigan?
The federal Troops to Teachers program has been repeatedly shut down and reauthorized at the federal level over the past several years and now operates with limited staffing and funding. Because its availability has been inconsistent, veterans interested in this path should confirm current status and eligibility directly with the program before relying on it, and should also consider Michigan’s other MARTC providers.
- The Interim Teaching Certificate is central to Michigan’s alternative route. It lets candidates teach full-time while finishing coursework, rather than requiring completion before entering the classroom.
- A bachelor’s degree is required for every MARTC provider. Alternative certification shortens the path to the classroom, but it doesn’t remove the degree requirement.
- The basic skills test no longer applies. Michigan eliminated it in 2018. Candidates now take the MTTC subject-area test for their endorsement, plus a Professional Knowledge and Skills test starting January 2026.
- MDE’s approved provider list changes over time. Confirm current MARTC providers and requirements directly on MDE’s Approved Alternative Route Providers page before applying.
Find accredited teacher certification programs in Michigan, including alternative route options, application requirements, and licensing timelines for your certification path.
