Alternative Teaching Certification in Montana
Montana’s alternative route to teaching runs through the Class 5 Alternative License, issued by the Montana Office of Public Instruction to bachelor’s degree holders who haven’t finished a traditional preparation program. Candidates sign a Plan of Professional Intent and teach for up to three years while completing required educator preparation coursework and meeting Montana’s content competency requirements for their endorsement, which may include a Praxis assessment depending on the pathway.
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Montana lets career changers start teaching before finishing every requirement for a standard license. The Class 5 Alternative License is the state’s main path for this, and it includes specific coursework, testing, and background check steps you must follow within a set timeline.
Alternative Certification Requirements
Education Requirements
To enter into an alternative licensure program, you must have a bachelor’s degree in an area for which Montana offers an endorsement. Applicants must enroll in an approved educator preparation program at an institutionally accredited college or university before applying for Class 5 licensure.
When you apply for a Class 5 license, you must sign a Plan of Professional Intent that states your commitment to completing the requirements for full teacher licensure within three years.
Examinations
No exam is required to obtain a Class 5 provisional license. Before upgrading to a standard license, candidates must satisfy Montana’s content knowledge requirements for their endorsement, which may be met through Praxis or another state-approved option, depending on the pathway.
Experience
No experience is necessary to receive a Class 5 license. You will gain experience as you teach under the Class 5 license while completing educational requirements for full teacher licensure.
Criminal History Background Check
All new teachers must undergo a criminal history background check, including fingerprinting. Complete the fingerprint-based background check using the current process outlined by the Montana Office of Public Instruction.
You will be notified if there is a problem with your background check that will prevent you from obtaining a Class 5 license.
Alternative Pathway Options
The Class 5 Alternative License is the entry point, but you have program options for completing the required coursework. One example is Montana State University-Bozeman‘s Northern Plains Transition to Teaching program, an online alternative certification track built for career changers with a bachelor’s degree and prior work experience. Coursework runs alongside your teaching under the Class 5 license, so you’re earning a paycheck while you finish requirements instead of stepping away from work to go back to school full time. Confirm current availability and enrollment details directly with the program before applying.
Contact Information
For more information on alternative teaching licensure in Montana, call OPI at 406-444-3150. If you’re moving to Montana with a license from another state, see our guide to Montana teacher reciprocity instead. Once you’ve completed your Class 5 requirements, you’ll also want to know how Montana teacher certification renewal works down the road.
Interested in learning about the traditional approach? Contact schools offering teaching certification programs in Montana.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Class 5 Alternative License in Montana?
The Class 5 Alternative License is a provisional teaching license issued by the Montana Office of Public Instruction for candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree but haven’t completed a full traditional preparation program. It’s valid for three years and lets you teach while you finish the remaining coursework and testing requirements.
Do I need to take Praxis exams for a Class 5 license?
You don’t need to pass exams to enter the alternative licensure program or receive the initial Class 5 license. Before you can upgrade to a standard license, you’ll need to satisfy Montana’s content knowledge requirements for your endorsement area, which may be met through Praxis or another state-approved option depending on your pathway.
How long does Montana’s alternative certification take?
Most candidates complete the process within the three-year window tied to their Plan of Professional Intent, though the exact timeline depends on how much coursework you still need and which program you enroll in. Programs such as Montana State University Bozeman’s Northern Plains Transition to Teaching are designed to be completed while you’re already teaching under your Class 5 license.
What background check does Montana require for a Class 5 license?
All new teachers must complete a criminal history background check that includes fingerprinting. You’ll follow the current fingerprinting and submission process outlined by the Montana Office of Public Instruction. OPI will contact you if anything in the results affects your license.
Can I skip alternative certification and go the traditional route instead?
Yes. If you’d rather complete a full teacher preparation program before you start teaching, Montana’s traditional certification path is a separate option with its own timeline and requirements.
- The Class 5 Alternative License is Montana’s main alternative route. The state Office of Public Instruction issues it for bachelor’s degree holders who haven’t finished a traditional preparation program.
- You sign a Plan of Professional Intent. It’s a three-year commitment to complete required coursework and meet Montana’s content competency requirements for full licensure.
- No exams are required to start. Testing only applies before full licensure, if your endorsement area requires it.
- Programs must be state-approved. Enroll in an approved educator preparation program at an institutionally accredited college or university.
- A background check with fingerprinting is mandatory. Follow OPI’s current process for submitting your fingerprints and background check materials.
Find accredited teacher certification programs in Montana, including alternative licensure options and application requirements for your Class 5 pathway.
