Secondary School Teacher / Michigan
2026 data Michigan board official source

Michigan Secondary School Teacher License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Instructs students in grades 7-12. Requires state teaching certificate.

What the Michigan data shows for Secondary School Teachers

Michigan's path to secondary school teacher licensure runs through board-approved instruction and a passing score on State Subject Area Exam (Praxis II or equivalent), plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Michigan folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Bachelors Degree plus Subject Certification".

Budget $137 to get started, plus $89 at each renewal on a 5-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 150-hour continuing-education requirement per 5-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

On reciprocity, secondary school teachers should know: State-specific — NASDTEC agreements between some states.

Licensing Requirements in Michigan

Education / Training Hours
Bachelors Degree plus Subject Certification
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State Subject Area Exam (Praxis II or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$137
Renewal Fee
$89
Renewal Cycle
Every 5 years
Continuing Education
150 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

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Compare all states for Secondary School Teacher All Michigan licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Michigan licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Secondary School Teacher in Michigan? ▼
Michigan's requirements cover, the State Subject Area Exam (Praxis II or equivalent) exam, and an initial fee of $137. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Secondary School Teacher in Michigan? ▼
Michigan licenses secondary school teachers who complete its requirements and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Michigan licensing board.
Can I transfer my Secondary School Teacher license to Michigan from another state? ▼
Secondary School Teacher licenses generally reciprocate as follows: State-specific — NASDTEC agreements between some states. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Michigan licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Michigan require a background check for Secondary School Teacher licensing? ▼
Yes, Michigan requires a criminal background check as part of the secondary school teacher licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Secondary School Teacher in Michigan? ▼
To stay licensed as a secondary school teacher in Michigan, plan on 150 hours of continuing education per 5-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $89.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.