Application for Missouri Teachers Certificate for Non-Missouri Graduates

These instructions are for individuals who have graduated from a teacher education program in a state other than Missouri and now wish to obtain a teaching certificate in Missouri. This process should be followed whether or not the individual currently holds a valid and active certificate in another state. Detailed instructions regarding options to apply will be described below.

Step 1

  • Establish a DESE online Profile
    • When finished with this step, return to this page and complete step 2.

Step 2: Complete the DESE online Application for Non-MO Graduates

  • Please begin by going to the following website: https://dese.mo.gov/

    • Click "Educator Certification" in the center of the page.
    • From this page, click on "Educator Certification System" in the center of the page. You can also click on "Web Application" on the lower right. Both will take you to the login screen.
    • Enter your DESE User Name and Password and click "login"
    • Under the Heading "DESE Web Applications", click on "Educator Certification System".
  • On the left side, click the arrow next to "New Applications" to expand the list.
  • Select "Non-MO Graduates".
    • There will be a pop-up window with additional instructions. Make sure to print or save those instructions. They will be needed once you complete the application.
    • Make sure your profile information is correct. If not, you can edit and save it right on the application.
    • Answer all Professional Conduct questions. If you mark "yes" to any, you will be required to add a comment.
    • Choose the purpose of the application. This is a VERY important step:

Step 3: Choose the purpose of the application

  • Individuals who currently hold a valid and active certificate in another state: Select "Applying with a valid Out of State Educator Certificate". You will then continue the application form and will need to mail DESE a photocopy of your valid and active teaching certificate in order to complete the process.
    • Missouri Area of Certification Requested: Click "add" and then select the subject area and grade level that most closely matches the certification you hold in another state. Make sure to hit "save" when finished with this section.
    • List all States: Click "add" and then list all states where you currently hold a valid and active teaching certificate. Type in the subject and grade level and the valid dates of the certificate. If you are certified in more than one state, you will need to hit "save" after each certificate and then "add" to add another one. Make sure to hit "save" when finished with this section.
    • Praxis II or other State Required Tests: If you have taken a test required by your home state as part of your certification process, click "add" then "edit" and then enter the test name, subject area, grade level and score of the test you completed. Hit save. If you have taken more than one test, click "add" and continue the process again with the next test. Make sure to hit "save" when finished with this section.
    • Teaching Experience: If you have teaching experience, click "add" then "Edit" and complete the information for each teaching job you have had. You do not need to include non-teaching employment. Make sure to click "save" once you are finished entering this information.
    • Release of Information: You must click the "I accept" button.
    • Required Fees: There is a $100.00 fee for this application. You will pay the fee when you hit "submit and pay" at the end.
    • Submit to DESE: Click the "Submit and Pay" Button. You will then make your payment and see your completed application. You can now print that screen if you wish, and exit the system.
  • Individuals who do not currently hold a valid and active certificate in another state: Select "Applying with an Out of State Institution Recommendation(s)". You will then need to carefully follow the steps below to complete the process.
    • State and Institution Information: Complete the name of the State, Institution and phone number where you earned your certification. Click "save and continue".
    • Missouri Area of Certification Requested: Click "add" and then select the subject area and grade level that most closely matches the certification you hold in another state. Make sure to hit "save" when finished with this section.
    • Praxis II or other State Required Tests: If you have taken a test required by your home state as part of your certification process, click "add" then "edit" and then enter the test name, subject area, grade level and score of the test you completed. Hit save. If you have taken more than one test, click "add" and continue the process again with the next test. Make sure to hit "save" when finished with this section.
    • Teaching Experience: If you have teaching experience, click "add" then "Edit" and complete the information for each teaching job you have had. You do not need to include non-teaching employment. Make sure to click "save" once you are finished entering this information.
    • Release of Information: You must click the "I accept" button.
    • Required Fees: If you have less than 4 years of teaching experience, select the payment method for the $50.00 fee. If you have 4 or more years of teaching experience, select that box and the dollar amounts will change. You will then indicate how you will be submitting the $85.00 fee.
    • Submit to DESE: Click the "Submit to DESE" Button. YOU ARE NOT FINISHED YET - DO NOT EXIT THE SYSTEM.
    • Print your Out of State Verification Form: After hitting "submit to DESE", you will get a confirmation and then will see a "print" button on the bottom of the page. Click "Print". This will bring up a PDF file of your "Out of State Verification Form" that will need to be printed and mailed to the institution where you completed your certification program.

Step 4: Finish the application process

  • Once you have submitted your application, please refer to the Application Checklist you printed out at the beginning of the application to complete the rest of the steps in the process.