Mississippi Teacher License Renewal
Mississippi teacher license renewal happens on a five-year cycle, before the license expires on June 30. Renewal requires 10 CEUs in your content area, 3 semester hours of coursework plus 5 CEUs, or National Board Certification. Renewal applications are submitted online through the Educator Licensure Management System (ELMS).
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Standard five-year educator licenses expire on June 30 of their expiration year. Whether you’re renewing an active license or reinstating one that’s already lapsed, the Mississippi Department of Education’s Office of Educator Licensure spells out exactly what counts toward each option. If you’re starting instead, see our guide to Mississippi teaching certification.
Renewing Your Mississippi Teaching License
Mississippi teacher license renewal follows a five-year cycle: your standard license expires on June 30 of that final year. Before it expires, you need to complete Continuing Education Units (CEUs – listed at the bottom of this webpage), college coursework, or earn National Board Certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) to keep your license active.
If you hold a standard Class A teaching license, you must complete:
- 10 CEUs in your content area, OR
- 3 semester hours of college coursework in your content area plus 5 CEUs in your content area, OR
- 6 semester hours of college coursework in your content area, OR
- Become certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
If your teaching license is Class AA, AAA, or AAAA, you must complete:
- 3 semester hours of college coursework in your content area, OR
- 5 CEUs in your content area, OR
- Become certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
You may renew your teaching license online through the Educator Licensure Management System (ELMS).
Mississippi Teaching License Reinstatement
If your five-year teaching license has expired, you may reinstate it by completing one of the following options:
- 6 semester hours of college coursework in your content area, OR
- Hold a valid out-of-state teaching license or certificate, OR
- Show documentation from PERS if you are a retired teacher, OR
- Complete the correct number of CEUs for your licensure class
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to renew my Mississippi teaching license?
Every five years. Your license expires on June 30 of that year, so plan to finish your CEUs or coursework early enough to submit before the deadline.
How many CEUs do I need for Mississippi teacher renewal?
A standard Class A license needs 10 CEUs in your content area, or 3 semester hours of coursework plus 5 CEUs, or 6 semester hours alone. Class AA, AAA, and AAAA licenses need fewer: 3 semester hours, 5 CEUs, or National Board certification.
What happens if my Mississippi teaching license expires?
An expired license can still be reinstated. You’ll need 6 semester hours of coursework, a valid out-of-state license, PERS retirement documentation, or the correct number of CEUs for your license class.
Can I renew my Mississippi teaching license online?
Yes. Renewal is completed through the Educator Licensure Management System (ELMS) on the Mississippi Department of Education’s website.
Does National Board certification count toward renewal?
Yes. Earning National Board Certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) satisfies the renewal requirement for both Class A and Class AA, AAA, and AAAA licenses.
- Five-year cycle: Mississippi teaching licenses expire on June 30 every five years and must be renewed before that date.
- CEU options vary by class: Class A needs 10 CEUs, while Class AA, AAA, and AAAA need fewer.
- Expired licenses can be reinstated: six semester hours, an out-of-state license, retirement documentation, or completed CEUs all work.
- ELMS is the application portal: renewal and reinstatement applications are submitted through ELMS, though supporting documentation, such as CEUs and transcripts, still has to accompany them.
Select your state below to find accredited teacher certification programs, application links, and licensing requirements for your jurisdiction.
