An individual who has earned a doctoral degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., M.D., etc.) from an accredited institution may apply for Missouri certification based on the major area of post-graduate study.  The certification areas offered are limited to the post graduate major area and must be a subject area for which there is a Missouri teaching certificate.  For a list of the available certification areas, click here and choose either "Middle School" or "Subject Area Certificates."

You will also be required to complete the Praxis II exam appropriate for the grade level you will be teaching.  The following Praxis II exam must be completed as part of this process:

Middle School (5-9) certification:  Praxis II, Test #30523
Secondary Education (9-12) certification:  Praxis II, Test # 30524

To register for the appropriate Praxis II exam, click here.  It is highly recommended that you contact the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) before registering for a test to make sure your degree qualifies you for the rule. 

If you have any questions about qualifying for certification through the doctoral route contact DESE at (573) 751-0051 or (573) 751-3579.

If you do qualify for certification through the doctoral route fill out this form and send it to DESE at:

Educator Certification
P.O. Box 480
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480

Once DESE has received your completed form, you may check your status here.