Mississippi Teacher Certification Requirements

Mississippi’s teacher certification system is administered by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) Office of Educator Licensure and governed by Mississippi Code § 37-3-2.

The state operates a four-class license structure — Class A through Class AAAA — built on a foundation of academic preparation, approved program completion, and standardized testing. All standard Mississippi teacher licenses are valid for five years and are renewable through continuing professional development.

Per teachercertificationdegrees.com MS (March 1, 2026): ‘The main steps for the traditional path to teacher certification in Mississippi are: Complete a bachelor’s degree with a state-approved teacher preparation component. Complete a student teaching placement. Pass the required teacher certification exams. Apply for a teaching certificate or license.’ Per praxisexam.org, MS: ‘Mississippi teacher certification requires candidates who apply for a Mississippi teaching license to first satisfy degree requirements, complete approved Mississippi teacher preparation programs requirements, satisfy student teaching requirements, and pass all Mississippi teacher certification tests.’

The MDE’s authoritative regulatory document — the Guidelines for Mississippi Educator Licensure K-12 — was last updated in August 2024. This document, available at mdek12.org, is the definitive source for all certification requirements, class definitions, alternate route guidelines, reciprocity rules, and renewal options. All candidates should verify current requirements against this document before submitting applications.

Mississippi Teacher Certification: Key Numbers at a Glance

License Class Levels

Class A through AAAA; bachelor’s to doctorate

5 yrs

Standard License Validity

All classes; renewable with PD requirements

Required Praxis Tests

Core + Subject Assessment + PLT (traditional)

2.5

Min. Overall GPA

2.75 major GPA; MDE and alleducationschools.com

ELMS

Application Portal

MDE Educator Licensure Management System

BA Min.

Class A Minimum

Bachelor’s in education or related field

$53,704

Avg. Teacher Salary (2023-24)

NEA; lowest nationally; low cost of living

NASDTEC

Reciprocity Framework

5-yr out-of-state cert available; NASDTEC member

Sources: teachercertification.com MS — Class A through AAAA definitions; alleducationschools.com MS (Feb 2026) — 5-yr valid; 2.5 GPA; ELMS; no state background check requirement; teachercertificationdegrees.com MS (March 2026) — Praxis Core + PLT + Subject Assessment; praxisexam.org MS — 4 license classes; NASDTEC reciprocity; NEA 2023-24 — $53,704.

Mississippi’s Teacher Certification System

Mississippi Teacher Certification — Complete Checklist (Traditional Route)

1. BACHELOR’S DEGREE: From an accredited institution in education or a related subject area. GPA requirements: 2.5 overall OR 2.75 in the major subject area.

2. MDE-APPROVED EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAM (EPP): Completion of a Mississippi-approved or NCATE/CAEP-accredited teacher preparation program.

3. STUDENT TEACHING: A full-time, semester-long supervised student teaching placement corresponding to the grade level and subject area sought.

4. PRAXIS CORE: Pass Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Reading, Writing, Mathematics) — OR have a qualifying ACT/SAT score OR 3.0 GPA in specific coursework.

5. PRAXIS PLT: Pass the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam for the appropriate grade level band.

6. PRAXIS SUBJECT ASSESSMENT: Pass the Praxis Subject Assessment for the specific endorsement area and grade level.

7. FOUNDATIONS OF READING (Elementary/SpEd only): Required for all elementary and special education candidates.

8. APPLY THROUGH ELMS: Submit application through the MDE Educator Licensure Management System (ELMS); include transcripts, Praxis scores, student teaching verification, and EPP recommendation.

Sources: teachercertificationdegrees.com MS (March 2026); alleducationschools.com MS (Feb 2026); MDE (mdek12.org); MDE Guidelines for MS Educator Licensure K-12 (Aug 2024).

Who Governs Certification: MDE and Mississippi Code § 37-3-2

Teacher certification in Mississippi is governed by:

Mississippi Code § 37-3-2 (2024): ‘Certification of teachers and administrators’ — the primary statutory authority for all Mississippi teacher licensure requirements. Available at law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/title-37/chapter-3/section-37-3-2/. This code establishes the substantive requirements for each grade level and subject area, the NCATE/NASDTEC/AAFCS/NAEYC accreditation standards, and the degree/experience requirements.
MDE Office of Educator Licensure: The administrative agency that implements the Code, approves programs, evaluates applications, and issues licenses. Contact: 601-359-3483 (Educator Licensure); mdek12.org/licensure/
Guidelines for Mississippi Educator Licensure K-12 (August 2024): The operational regulatory guide published by MDE. This 60+ page document is the most comprehensive single source for Mississippi certification requirements, covering all license types, alternate routes, renewal options, and special circumstances.
ELMS (Educator Licensure Management System): The online portal for all Mississippi teacher license applications, renewals, and records. Access at mdek12.org/licensure/. Paper applications can be mailed to: Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Educator Licensure, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, MS 39205-0771.
ETS Praxis Mississippi: ets.org/praxis/ms/overview — the authoritative source for all Mississippi-approved Praxis tests, passing scores, and registration information.

Sources: Mississippi Code § 37-3-2 (Justia Law — law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/title-37/chapter-3/section-37-3-2/); MDE (mdek12.org/licensure/); MDE Guidelines (Aug 2024); alleducationschools.com MS (Feb 2026) — ELMS; P.O. Box 771 mailing address.

The Four Traditional License Classes (A, AA, AAA, AAAA)

Mississippi’s traditional certification system is organized into four ‘classes’ based on educational attainment. Per teachercertification.com MS: ‘Most Mississippi teaching licenses include four separate levels or classes that represent different degrees of educational accomplishment.

Class A requires a bachelor’s degree, Class AA a master’s, Class AAA requires a specialist degree (which includes Juris Doctorate and Master of Fine Arts degrees), and Class AAAA requires a doctorate.’

Per praxisexam.org, MS: ‘Traditional Mississippi teacher certification has four levels, Class A through Class AAAA. Candidates must meet education requirements, testing requirements, and subject expertise to qualify for each Class. Class advancement is determined by degree progression and subject expertise. Certification is valid for five years.’

Class	Degree Required	Certification Validity	Renewal	Notes
Class A	Bachelor’s degree in education or related field from approved program	5 years	Yes — continuing education requirements	Entry level; most new teachers; traditional route and alternate route converge here
Class AA	Master’s degree in education or in the subject area taught	5 years	Yes	Must meet all Class A requirements plus master’s degree
Class AAA	Specialist degree (includes JD and MFA) or equivalent	5 years	Yes	Must meet all Class A requirements; JD and MFA specifically recognized
Class AAAA	Doctoral degree (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) in endorsement area or Education	5 years	Yes	Must meet all Class A requirements plus doctoral degree in endorsement area or education

Sources: teachercertification.com MS — ‘Class A requires a bachelor’s; AA a master’s; AAA a specialist; AAAA a doctorate’; alleducationschools.com MS (Feb 2026) — Class AA: master’s in education or subject; education-colleges.com — all four levels; 5-yr validity for all.

✔ Class Advancement: Mississippi’s class system allows advancement without starting over. A Class A teacher who earns a master’s degree can advance to Class AA. A Class AA teacher who earns a specialist degree or JD advances to Class AAA. Advancement typically provides salary benefits on district salary schedules and signals professional achievement. Apply to MDE through ELMS for class advancement.

Class A License: Entry-Level Traditional Certification

The Class A license is the standard entry-level teaching credential for candidates who complete a traditional university-based educator preparation program. It is what most new teachers from undergraduate education programs earn upon graduation and program completion.

Class A License — Requirements

DEGREE: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Teacher Education from a state-approved or NCATE-approved program at a regionally or nationally accredited institution of higher learning. Per education-colleges.com: ‘A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Teacher Education from a state-approved or NCATE-approved program from a regionally or nationally accredited institution of higher learning.’

EPP: Completion of a state-approved or NCATE-accredited educator preparation program that includes student teaching.

PRAXIS PLT: Passage of the Praxis II Tests on the Principles of Learning and Teaching for the appropriate grade level band.

PRAXIS SUBJECT: Passage of the Praxis II Test (Subject Assessment) in the specialty area of the applicant’s degree program.

GPA: Minimum 2.5 overall OR 2.75 in the major content area (alleducationschools.com; teacher.org MS).

STUDENT TEACHING: Completion of a supervised student teaching placement corresponding to the grade level and subject area of the license sought.

PRAXIS CORE: Passing scores on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (or qualifying ACT/SAT or GPA substitute).

VALIDITY: 5 years; renewable with continuing education requirements.

Sources: education-colleges.com; alleducationschools.com MS (Feb 2026); teachercertificationdegrees.com MS (March 2026); praxisexam.org MS.

Class AA License: Master’s Degree Level

The Class AA license represents the intermediate professional credential for Mississippi teachers who have earned a master’s degree.

Requirements: Meet all Class A requirements AND hold a master’s degree in education or in the subject area taught.
Master’s degree field: Per alleducationschools.com MS (February 5, 2026): ‘To earn this certification, you must meet all Class A certification requirements. In addition, you must have a master’s degree in education or in the subject area that you teach.’ — the master’s degree can be in education generally OR in the specific content area (e.g., a master’s in mathematics for a secondary math teacher).
Validity: 5 years; renewable.
Renewal: ‘The Class AA license is valid for five years. This license can be renewed by completing specified continuing education units, courses and/or experiential job/skills hours.’ (education-colleges.com)
Salary impact: Most Mississippi district salary schedules have a separate salary lane for Class AA (master’s degree) holders — typically $2,000-$5,000+ above the Class A salary at equivalent experience levels.

Sources: alleducationschools.com MS (Feb 2026); education-colleges.com — Class AA renewal.

Class AAA License: Specialist Degree Level

The Class AAA license is the third tier of Mississippi’s traditional certification structure, recognizing specialist-level educational achievement.

Requirements: Meet all Class A requirements AND hold a specialist degree or its equivalent, including a Juris Doctorate (JD) or Master of Fine Arts (MFA). Per teachercertification.com, MS: ‘Class AAA requires a specialist degree (which includes Juris Doctorate and Master of Fine Arts degrees).’
JD and MFA recognition: Mississippi’s explicit recognition of the JD and MFA as meeting the specialist-level requirement is notable — it allows attorneys and visual/performing arts professionals with advanced degrees to access Class AAA certification without earning a traditional education specialist (Ed.S.) degree.
Validity and renewal: 5 years; renewable per education-colleges.com.

Sources: teachercertification.com MS — JD and MFA recognized; education-colleges.com — Class AAA renewal.

Class AAAA License: Doctorate Level

The Class AAAA license is Mississippi’s highest traditional certification tier, recognizing doctoral-level achievement.

Requirements: Meet all Class A requirements AND hold a doctoral degree in the endorsement area or a Doctor of Education degree. Per education-colleges.com: ‘Receive a Doctoral degree in the endorsement area in which license is requested, or a Doctor of Education Degree.’
Doctoral degree types: Both a PhD in the subject area (e.g., PhD in Chemistry for a chemistry teacher) and an Ed.D. satisfy the requirement.
Validity and renewal: 5 years; renewable with continuing education.

Sources: education-colleges.com — Class AAAA requirements and renewal.

Pre-Service and Non-Standard License Types

Beyond the four main classes, Mississippi issues several non-standard license types. Per teachercertification.com MS: Mississippi license types include ‘Pre-service licenses for active students working towards licensure’ and ‘Nontraditional standard or alternate route licenses for students who possess or are working towards a non-education bachelor’s degree.’

Pre-service license: For students actively enrolled in an approved Mississippi educator preparation program who need to complete field experiences or student teaching. This is a temporary credential for students in training, not a standard teaching license.
Alternate route provisional license: Issued to alternate route candidates who have completed the first component of an approved alternate route program (e.g., TMI 1) and passed required tests. Valid 1-3 years depending on program; non-renewable; Mississippi-only; not portable.
Special/emergency certificates: Mississippi Code § 37-3-2 references limited circumstances for individuals without standard degrees — for CTE areas specifically, individuals with industry experience may qualify without a four-year degree under specific provisions of the Code.

Sources: teachercertification.com MS — license type categories; Mississippi Code § 37-3-2 (Justia — ‘minimum of five years relevant experience but not required to hold associate or bachelor’s degree’ for certain CTE); MDE Guidelines Aug 2024.

Step 1: Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree and EPP

The first major step in Mississippi teacher certification is satisfying the education requirements: holding a qualifying bachelor’s degree AND completing a Mississippi-approved or nationally accredited educator preparation program (EPP).

Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

Degree type: A bachelor’s degree in education or a related subject area from an accredited institution. The major pursued will depend on the grade level and subject to be taught (see Section 10).
Accreditation: The institution must be regionally or nationally accredited. The EPP itself must be approved by MDE, NCATE, CAEP, or the appropriate specialized accreditor (AAFCS for family and consumer science/early childhood; NAEYC for PreK-K).
GPA: Minimum 2.5 overall GPA OR 2.75 GPA in the major content area (see Section 17).

Approved Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs)

Candidates must complete a Mississippi-approved EPP. Per teachercertificationdegrees.com MS (March 2026): ‘To be eligible for certification in the state, aspiring teachers must hold a bachelor’s degree and complete a Mississippi teacher preparation program.

The bachelor’s degree major pursued will depend on the grade level and subject to be taught. A list of approved educator preparation providers (EPPs) can be found on the MDE website.’

Key Mississippi EPP institutions include:

Mississippi State University: Accredited by CAEP and SACSCOC; offers Elementary, Secondary, and Special Education (B.S.) and graduate programs. Per teachercertification.com MS: ‘Mississippi State University is accredited by CAEP and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).’
University of Mississippi: Major state university with comprehensive teacher education programs at undergraduate and graduate levels; home of the Teach Mississippi Institute (TMI).
University of Southern Mississippi: Offers teacher education programs across multiple content areas.
Jackson State University: Historically Black University with education programs serving diverse student populations.
Alcorn State University, Delta State University, Mississippi Valley State University, and others: MDE-approved EPPs across the state.

For the complete, current list of MDE-approved EPPs, visit mdek12.org. Upon completing an EPP, the institution will issue ‘Institutional Program Verification (IPV) using the form established by the MDE Division of Educator Licensure’ — per the MDE Guidelines August 2024.

Sources: teachercertificationdegrees.com MS (March 2026) — EPP list at MDE website; teachercertification.com MS — Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Southern Miss programs; MDE Guidelines Aug 2024 — IPV form.

Step 2: Grade Level and Subject Area Alignment (Mississippi Code)

Mississippi Code § 37-3-2 specifies the educational preparation required for each grade level band. This is one of the most detailed and important provisions for understanding what specific degree content is required for different certification areas.

Per Mississippi Code § 37-3-2 (Justia Law, 2024):

Mississippi Code § 37-3-2 — Grade Level Certification Requirements

PRE-K THROUGH KINDERGARTEN: ‘Licensure to teach in Mississippi prekindergarten through kindergarten classrooms shall require completion of a teacher education program OR a Bachelor of Science degree with child development emphasis from a program accredited by AAFCS (American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences) or NAEYC (National Association for Education of Young Children) or NCATE.’

KINDERGARTEN AND GRADES 1-4: ‘Licensure to teach in Mississippi kindergarten (for those who have completed a teacher education program) and in Grade 1 through Grade 4 shall require the completion of an interdisciplinary program of studies.’

GRADES 4-8: ‘Licenses for Grades 4 through 8 shall require the completion of an interdisciplinary program of studies with two (2) or more areas of concentration.’

GRADES 7-12 (SECONDARY): ‘Licensure to teach in Mississippi Grades 7 through 12 shall require a major in an academic field other than education, or a combination of disciplines other than education. Students preparing to teach a subject shall complete a major in the respective subject discipline.’

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT: ‘All applicants for standard licensure shall demonstrate that such person’s college preparation in those fields was in accordance with the standards set forth by NCATE or NASDTEC or, for those applicants who have a BS with child development emphasis, AAFCS.’

CTE EXCEPTION: ‘Such person shall be required to [have work experience] and a minimum of five years of relevant experience but shall not be required to hold an associate or bachelor’s degree, provided that he or she possesses the minimum qualifications required…’ — a narrow provision for specific CTE content areas.

Source: Mississippi Code § 37-3-2 (law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/title-37/chapter-3/section-37-3-2/) — 2024 version.

The secondary (7-12) requirement is particularly noteworthy: Mississippi requires a major in the academic subject (NOT education) for secondary certification. A secondary biology teacher must have a biology major; a secondary English teacher must have an English major. This aligns with Mississippi’s general philosophy that secondary teachers must have deep content knowledge in the field they teach.

Source: Mississippi Code § 37-3-2 (Justia Law 2024) — all grade level provisions quoted directly.

Step 3: Student Teaching / Internship Requirement

All traditional route candidates must complete a supervised student teaching placement as part of their EPP. Per teachercertificationdegrees.com MS (March 2026): ‘As part of your preparation program, you will also complete a student teaching placement, sometimes called an internship. This is typically a full-time, semester-long placement during which you will [teach] under the supervision of an experienced cooperating teacher.’

Duration: Typically a full semester (approximately 14-16 weeks) of full-time student teaching
Grade level and subject match: Must correspond to the grade level and subject area of the license being sought — a candidate seeking secondary mathematics certification must student teach secondary mathematics
Supervising teacher: Student teaching must be supervised by an experienced cooperating teacher and the EPP program supervisor
Traditional vs. alternate route: For alternate route candidates, the one-year teaching internship (see alternate route guide) serves as the equivalent of student teaching. The traditional student teaching and the alternate route internship are structurally different but serve the same certification purpose.
IPV documentation: Upon completion of student teaching and the full EPP, the institution issues the Institutional Program Verification (IPV) form to the candidate for submission to MDE.

Sources: teachercertificationdegrees.com MS (March 2026) — student teaching description; MDE Guidelines Aug 2024 — IPV form; MDE (mdek12.org).

Step 4: Required Praxis Assessments — All Three Tests

Mississippi teacher certification requires passing three categories of Praxis assessments for traditional route candidates. Per teachercertificationdegrees.com MS (March 2026): ‘Those seeking Mississippi educator certification must first pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators basic skills test (or have a qualifying ACT or SAT score or 3.0 GPA in specific coursework), which is needed for entry into an EPP.

After completing a Mississippi teacher preparation program, teacher candidates must pass the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam and the Praxis Subject Assessments corresponding to the grade level and subject to be taught.’

All three tests are administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS). Per MDE: ‘Test preparation materials, test registration and additional information regarding current Mississippi State Board of Education approved Praxis assessments are available at: https://www.ets.org/praxis/ms/overview.’

Test	Purpose	When Required	Alternatives
Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators	Basic skills in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics	Required for EPP entry (before student teaching)	Qualifying ACT or SAT score; OR 3.0 GPA in specific coursework per MDE guidelines
Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT)	Knowledge of pedagogical principles; grade-level specific (K-6, 5-9, 7-12)	Required after EPP completion; before license issuance	None — must pass PLT for traditional route
Praxis Subject Assessment (content-specific)	Deep content knowledge in the specific teaching endorsement area	Required for license application	None — must pass appropriate subject assessment
Foundations of Reading	Reading instruction competency	Required for Elementary (all grade bands) and Special Education candidates	PPR alternative (for alternate route elementary only per teachms.org)

Sources: teachercertificationdegrees.com MS (March 2026) — Praxis Core + PLT + Subject Assessment sequence; ‘qualifying ACT or SAT or 3.0 GPA’ alternative for Core; ets.org/praxis/ms/overview; teacher.org MS.

The Praxis Core: Basic Skills Requirement

The Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators is the basic skills assessment required for entry into Mississippi educator preparation programs. It must be passed before completing the EPP (and thus before a standard license can be issued).

Three subtests: Praxis Core Reading (5713), Writing (5723), and Mathematics (5733). Mississippi requires passing scores on all three.
ACT alternative: Mississippi accepts a qualifying ACT composite or sub-score as an alternative to the Praxis Core. Check the MDE Guidelines for Mississippi Educator Licensure K-12 (Aug 2024) for current minimum ACT score requirements.
SAT alternative: A qualifying SAT score may also substitute. Verify current minimum SAT score requirements in the MDE Guidelines.
GPA alternative: Per teachercertificationdegrees.com MS: candidates with a ‘3.0 GPA in specific coursework’ may be exempt from the Praxis Core. Verify which specific coursework qualifies with MDE (mdek12.org) and your EPP institution.
Pre-EPP requirement: The Praxis Core (or its alternative) is required for entry into an EPP, not just for final licensure. This means candidates must demonstrate basic skills before beginning substantive teacher preparation coursework.
Registration: Register at ets.org/praxis — select the appropriate Praxis Core subtests for Mississippi.

Sources: teachercertificationdegrees.com MS (March 2026) — Praxis Core for EPP entry; ACT/SAT/3.0 GPA alternatives; teacher.org MS — ‘basic skills exam — Praxis CORE Academic Skills for Educators Test. Reading, writing, and math.’

The Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT)

The Praxis PLT is the pedagogy assessment required for traditional route teacher certification in Mississippi. Unlike the Praxis Core (basic skills) and the Praxis Subject Assessment (content knowledge), the PLT assesses knowledge of pedagogical principles — how to teach effectively.

Grade-level versions: Mississippi requires the PLT for the specific grade level band of the license sought: PLT: K-6 (5622) for elementary; PLT: 5-9 (5623) for middle grades; PLT: 7-12 (5624) for secondary.
When required: After EPP completion — the PLT is taken toward the end of or after the teacher preparation program, not at entry.
Content: Students as Learners; Instructional Process; Assessment; Professional Development, Leadership, and Community — the four broad domains of the PLT.
Traditional route only: The PLT is a traditional route requirement. Alternate route candidates use a different assessment framework (the alternate route program’s own performance assessment system).
Registration: ets.org/praxis — select PLT for the appropriate grade band.

Sources: teachercertificationdegrees.com MS (March 2026) — ‘PLT exam’; research.com MS (March 2026) — ‘Praxis Core, Subject Assessments, and PLT’; education-colleges.com — ‘Passage of the mandatory Praxis II Tests on the Principles of Learning and Teaching.’

The Praxis Subject Assessments (Content Knowledge)

The Praxis Subject Assessment (also called the Praxis II Subject Area Test or Specialty Area Test) assesses deep knowledge of the specific content area to be taught. Per teacher.org MS: ‘It is also required to take the subject area competence exam, which can be fulfilled by taking the Praxis II.

This test will measure a candidate’s knowledge in the area they wish to become licensed in. The Praxis II needs to be taken in the area in which certification is desired.’

Subject Area	Praxis Subject Assessment (Examples)	Grade Level	Notes
Early Childhood	Praxis Early Childhood Education (5025)	PreK-K	Plus program-specific requirements
Elementary Education	Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5001 series)	K-6 and 4-6	Also requires Foundations of Reading
Secondary Mathematics	Praxis Mathematics: Content Knowledge (5161)	7-12	Major in mathematics required
Secondary Biology	Praxis Biology: Content Knowledge (5235)	7-12	Major in biology required
Secondary Chemistry	Praxis Chemistry: Content Knowledge (5245)	7-12	Major in chemistry required
Secondary Physics	Praxis Physics: Content Knowledge (5265)	7-12	Major in physics required
Secondary English Language Arts	Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038)	7-12	Major in English required
Secondary Social Studies	Praxis Social Studies: Content Knowledge (5081)	7-12	Major in social studies/history required
Special Education	Praxis Special Education: Core Knowledge (5354) + Foundations of Reading	K-12	Foundations of Reading also required
CTE subjects	Varies by specific CTE area	7-12	Contact MDE for CTE-specific assessment requirements

Sources: MDE Guidelines for Mississippi Educator Licensure K-12 (Aug 2024); ets.org/praxis/ms/overview; Jackson PS Alternate Route — elementary subject area test numbers; research.com MS (March 2026).

The complete, current list of required Praxis Subject Assessments for each Mississippi certification area is maintained on the ETS Mississippi Praxis page (ets.org/praxis/ms/overview). Always verify the current required test and passing score for your specific endorsement area before registering — test requirements and passing scores can change.

The Foundations of Reading Requirement (Elementary/SpEd)

Mississippi requires a separate Foundations of Reading assessment for all candidates seeking elementary education or special education certification. This requirement reflects Mississippi’s science-of-reading policy commitment — addressing historically challenging literacy outcomes by ensuring all elementary and SpEd teachers can demonstrate reading instruction competency.

Who must pass: All candidates seeking certification in elementary education (K-6, 4-6, grades 1-4) and Special Education. Per Jackson PS Alternate Route: ‘Foundations of Reading (for Alternate Route Elementary Education Candidates Only; also requires 5018 Elementary Education Praxis).’ The requirement extends to traditional route candidates as well.
Standard option: Pass the Mississippi Foundations of Reading Assessment with a qualifying score (refer to MDE Guidelines for current passing score).
Alternative option (Alternate Route): Per teachms.org (November 2025): ‘Option 2: Attempt the Foundations of Reading and complete Pathways to Proficient Reading (PPR) with a minimum score of 80%.’ This alternative is available for alternate route candidates.
Registration: Check MDE’s current Foundations of Reading information at mdek12.org — Mississippi may use a state-specific assessment rather than a nationally administered test.
In addition to Praxis: The Foundations of Reading is required IN ADDITION to the standard Praxis Subject Assessment for elementary education — not instead of it.

Sources: Jackson PS Alternate Route (jackson.k12.ms.us) — ‘Foundations of Reading for elementary candidates; also requires Praxis 5018’; teachms.org (Nov 2025) — two options; PPR 80% alternative for alternate route; MDE Guidelines Aug 2024.

GPA Requirements for Mississippi Teacher Certification

Mississippi requires minimum GPA thresholds for teacher certification. These GPA requirements serve as an academic quality standard separate from (though related to) the Praxis testing requirements.

Overall GPA: Minimum 2.5 overall undergraduate GPA. Per alleducationschools.com MS: ‘Class A: This level is considered the entry-level for teacher certification. Additional requirements include completing a bachelor’s degree and passing certain educator exams — with the 2.5 GPA referenced as a standard requirement.
Major GPA: Minimum 2.75 GPA in the major content area. Per teacher.org MS: ‘Candidates must also have a minimum of 2.5 overall or 2.75 major GPA.’
Praxis Core substitute: A 3.0 GPA in specific coursework may substitute for the Praxis Core in some circumstances per the MDE Guidelines. Verify specific coursework requirements with MDE.
EPP admission: Many EPPs have their own GPA requirements for admission, which may be higher than the MDE minimum. For example, TMI requires a 2.75 major GPA for alternate route admission.

Sources: teacher.org MS — ‘2.5 overall or 2.75 major GPA’; alleducationschools.com MS (Feb 2026) — GPA context; teachercertificationdegrees.com MS (March 2026) — ‘3.0 GPA in specific coursework’ as Praxis Core substitute.

Background Check: What Mississippi Requires

Mississippi’s background check requirements for teacher certification are notably different from most other states. Per alleducationschools.com MS (February 5, 2026): ‘While most states require teachers to complete a background check prior to earning certification, Mississippi does not.

Although it is not a state requirement, many school districts will require that you complete a background check before you can teach.’

This is an important distinction: there is NO state-mandated background check as part of the Mississippi MDE certification application. The certification itself does not require a background check submission to MDE.

District-level requirements: However, most Mississippi school districts DO require background checks as a condition of employment — this is a hiring requirement, not a certification requirement. Before accepting a teaching position, expect your employing school district to require a criminal background check.
Private schools: Many private schools also require background checks as a condition of employment, even though they are not subject to all MDE requirements.
Criminal history questions: While MDE does not require a formal background check for certification, the ELMS application may include questions about criminal history. Applicants with criminal histories should answer honestly and contact MDE for guidance.

⚠ Practical Reality: Even though Mississippi does not require a state-level background check for certification, virtually every Mississippi school system will require one before employment. Budget time and fees for a background check as part of your employment process, even if it’s not part of the MDE certification application.

Sources: alleducationschools.com MS (Feb 2026) — ‘Mississippi does not require background check for certification; many districts require before teaching.’

Applying Through ELMS: The Application Process

All Mississippi teacher license applications are submitted through the MDE Educator Licensure Management System (ELMS). Per alleducationschools.com MS: ‘All teacher certification applications are reviewed by the MDE Office of Educator Licensure.

You can use the Educator Licensure Management System (ELMS) to complete all online applications. Paper applications can be mailed to the Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Educator Licensure, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, MS 39205-0771.’

Create an ELMS account. Access ELMS through mdek12.org/licensure/. Create your account and review the application guidelines before beginning.
Obtain Institutional Program Verification (IPV). Per MDE Guidelines Aug 2024: ‘Upon obtaining Institutional Program Verification (IPV) using the form established by the MDE Division of Educator Licensure, the candidate shall submit an application with required supporting documentation.’ The IPV form is completed by your EPP institution confirming your program completion.
Complete the online application. Select the appropriate license class (A, AA, AAA, AAAA) and endorsement area(s). Complete all required fields.
Gather and submit required documentation. See Section 20 for the complete document list.
Submit through ELMS or by mail. Submit the application with all supporting documents through ELMS. Paper applications with supporting documents may be mailed to P.O. Box 771, Jackson, MS 39205-0771.
Pay the application fee. Check the current fee schedule through ELMS.
Track application status. Monitor ELMS for updates. MDE will contact you if additional documentation is needed.
Receive license. Upon approval, the license is issued electronically through ELMS.

Sources: alleducationschools.com MS (Feb 2026) — ELMS; mailing address P.O. Box 771; MDE Guidelines Aug 2024 — IPV form.

What to Submit With Your Application

Per teachercertificationdegrees.com MS (March 2026): ‘Once candidates have completed all of these steps, they should apply for a Standard (Initial) Teaching License and submit:’ [the following documentation]:

Official transcripts: From all colleges and universities attended; showing degree conferral and all coursework. Transcripts must be official — sent directly from the institution or through an official electronic service.
Praxis Core scores (or ACT/SAT documentation): Official score reports showing passing scores on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (or documentation of qualifying ACT/SAT scores or qualifying GPA).
Praxis PLT scores: Official score reports showing passing scores on the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching for the appropriate grade band.
Praxis Subject Assessment scores: Official score reports showing passing scores on the Praxis Subject Assessment for the specific endorsement area.
Foundations of Reading scores (elementary/SpEd): If applicable, official documentation of passing the Foundations of Reading assessment.
Institutional Program Verification (IPV): Completed by the EPP institution; confirms program completion.
Student teaching verification: Documentation from the cooperating school confirming satisfactory completion of the student teaching placement.
Application fee: Check current fee schedule through ELMS.

All Praxis scores are available through the ETS score reporting system. ETS sends scores directly to MDE when Mississippi is designated as a score recipient. Use MDE’s institutional code (1734 for MDE) when registering for Praxis tests.

Sources: teachercertificationdegrees.com MS (March 2026) — application document list; MDE Guidelines Aug 2024 — IPV; ets.org/praxis — score reporting.

License Renewal Requirements by Class

All Mississippi standard teaching licenses are valid for five years and must be renewed with professional development evidence. Renewal requirements vary slightly by class level. Per the MDE Licensure Renewal/Reinstatement Options page (mdek12.org/licensure/licensure-renewal-reinstatement-options/): ‘The college credit courses may be completed on the undergraduate or graduate level with a grade of C or higher at regionally/nationally accredited senior colleges, universities, or community colleges.’

Class	Renewal Standard Requirement	Additional Options	Notes
Class A	Three (3) semester hours in content or job/skill related area AND Five (5) CEUs in content or job/skill related area; OR Six (6) semester hours in content or job/skill related area	Multiple renewal pathway options (see Section 22)	‘References to job/skill related area include pedagogy and skills for effective teaching and leadership’ (renewateachinglicense.com)
Class AA	Three (3) semester hours in content or job/skill related area; OR Five (5) CEUs in content or job/skill related area	Fewer required options than Class A; graduate work encouraged	Per renewateachinglicense.com, MS — Class AA, AAA, or AAAA can choose from either option
Class AAA	Three (3) semester hours in content or job/skill related area; OR Five (5) CEUs in content or job/skill related area	Same as Class AA options	Same as Class AA
Class AAAA	Three (3) semester hours in content or job/skill related area; OR Five (5) CEUs in content or job/skill related area	Same as Class AA options	Same as Class AA

Sources: renewateachinglicense.com MS (June 2025) — renewal requirements per class; Class A requires 3 hrs + 5 CEUs or 6 hrs; Class AA/AAA/AAAA choose from 3 hrs or 5 CEUs; ‘per Guidelines for Mississippi Educator Licensure K-12’; MDE (mdek12.org/licensure/licensure-renewal-reinstatement-options/).

License Renewal Options: The Six Pathways

Mississippi’s renewal framework offers multiple pathways to satisfy the renewal requirement. Per the MDE Educator Licensure Renewal page and praxisexam.org MS: Mississippi standard licenses can be renewed through several options. The following are documented renewal options:

Option 1 — College coursework: Per renewateachinglicense.com: ‘Three (3) semester hours in content or job/skill related area AND Five (5) continuing education units (CEU’s) in content or job/skill related area’ OR ‘Six (6) semester hours in content or job/skill related area.’ Courses must be completed at regionally/nationally accredited institutions with a grade of C or higher.
Option 2 — CEUs only (Class AA+): ‘Five (5) continuing education units (CEU’s) in content or job/skill related area’ — available as a standalone option for Class AA, AAA, and AAAA holders.
Option 3 — National Board Certification: Per praxisexam.org MS: Mississippi licenses can be renewed through ‘five-year certification — one-year teaching/mentoring internship by National Board-Certified teacher or MDE-trained mentor, completion of MS Public Broadcasting (MPB) E-Learning online professional development course, or six hours graduate university courses by approved Mississippi alternate program.’ National Board Certification is specifically recognized.
Option 4 — MPB E-Learning: Completion of the Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) E-Learning online professional development course — a Mississippi-specific renewal option.
Option 5 — Retirement documentation: Per MDE Renewal page: ‘Official documentation of retirement from service in Mississippi public schools (Official letter shall be obtained from the Public Employees’ Retirement System of Mississippi by calling 1-800-444-7377). Documentation for use of this option shall only be submitted for renewal during the final year of the valid license.’
Only within-cycle credits: ‘Only credits earned within the renewal cycle indicated on the educator’s official Mississippi educator license may be used for licensure renewal.’ — credits from before the current license period do not count toward renewal.

Contact MDE at 601-359-3483 or through ELMS for complete, current renewal documentation requirements and any updated options not listed here.

Sources: renewateachinglicense.com MS (June 2025) — all Class A and AA renewal options; praxisexam.org MS — National Board/MPB/six graduate hours renewal options; MDE Renewal page (mdek12.org) — Option 5 retirement documentation.

Endorsements: Adding Subject Areas to Your License

Mississippi teachers can add endorsements to their existing license to gain authorization to teach additional subject areas or grade levels. Per teachms.org (November 2025): ‘Endorsements can be added by coursework, an approved program, or passing a subject test.’

Coursework: Complete the required coursework in the endorsement area and submit transcripts to MDE through ELMS.
Approved program: Complete an MDE-approved program specifically designed for that endorsement area.
Subject test: In some cases, passing the appropriate Praxis Subject Assessment for the new endorsement area is sufficient to add the endorsement. Contact MDE to verify whether the specific endorsement you seek allows test-only addition.
ESL endorsement example: Per alleducationschools.com MS: ‘Once you have earned this certification, you will then be able to add an endorsement in ESL. To add an ESL endorsement, you will need to complete coursework specific to ESL.’ — demonstrating that the coursework route is the primary pathway for some specialized endorsements.
National Board Certification as endorsement: National Board Certification from NBPTS is recognized by Mississippi and may provide endorsement-level benefits. Contact MDE for current NBPTS recognition policies.

Sources: teachms.org (Nov 2025) — ‘endorsements can be added by coursework, approved program, or subject test’; alleducationschools.com MS (Feb 2026) — ESL endorsement coursework requirement.

Alternative Certification Pathways: Overview

For candidates without a traditional education degree, Mississippi’s alternate route programs provide a separate path to the same standard license. While this guide focuses on the traditional certification requirements, it is important to understand the relationship between traditional and alternate routes.

Per MDE (mdek12.org/licensure/alternate/): ‘Currently, there are three methods to obtain certification through the Alternate Route’: TMI (Teach Mississippi Institute), MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching), and ABCTE (American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence). Additional approved programs include iteach Mississippi and Teach for America.

The key difference: alternate route candidates follow a different testing sequence (Praxis Core + Subject Assessment — no PLT typically), complete program training instead of traditional student teaching, serve a paid one-year internship, and receive a provisional license before transitioning to the Five-Year Standard License. The final standard license earned is identical to the one earned through the traditional route.

For complete alternate route requirements, see the companion guide ‘How to Become a Teacher in Mississippi Without a Teaching Degree.’

Sources: MDE (mdek12.org/licensure/alternate/); research.com MS (March 2026) — MAT/TMI/ABCTE.

Certification by Grade Level and Subject

Certification Area	Grade Level	Key Requirements	Notes
Early Childhood Education	PreK-Kindergarten	Teacher education program OR BS with child development emphasis (AAFCS or NAEYC or NCATE accredited); Praxis Early Childhood	AAFCS or NAEYC accreditation alternative per MS Code § 37-3-2
Elementary Education	Grades 1-4; Grades K-6; Grades 4-6	Interdisciplinary program of studies; Praxis Elementary Education; Foundations of Reading	3 overlapping grade bands; interdisciplinary preparation required
Middle School / Grades 4-8	Grades 4-8	Interdisciplinary program with 2+ areas of concentration; Praxis for applicable subjects; PLT (5-9)	Two or more concentration areas required by MS Code
Secondary — Academic Subjects	Grades 7-12	Major in the academic subject (not education); PLT (7-12); Praxis Subject Assessment	MS Code requires non-education major for secondary; most rigorous content requirement
Special Education	K-12 (various endorsements)	SpEd preparation program; Praxis SpEd Core Knowledge; Foundations of Reading; PLT (K-6 or 7-12)	Foundations of Reading required; multiple SpEd endorsement types
CTE / Career and Technical Education	Grades 7-12 (secondary)	Industry credential or experience; CTE-specific certifications; may not require bachelor’s in some areas	MS Code exception allows no degree for some CTE areas with 5 yrs experience
School Counselor / Administrator	Varies	Graduate degree; specialized Praxis tests; relevant experience	Not covered in this guide — specialist/graduate-level requirements

Sources: Mississippi Code § 37-3-2 (Justia 2024) — grade level requirements; Jackson PS — Foundations of Reading for elementary; MDE Guidelines Aug 2024 — all certification areas.

Mississippi Teacher Salary and Job Outlook

Salary

Metric	Amount	National Context	Source
Average teacher salary (2023-24)	$53,704	Last (50th) nationally	NEA 2023-24
Average teacher salary (2024-25 est.)	$54,975	Last nationally	NEA 2026
National average (2024-25)	$74,495	—	NEA 2026
Cost of living context	~83% of national avg	MS low cost of living offsets lower wages	MERIC 2021

Sources: NEA 2023-24 Rankings — ‘$53,704; 50th nationally’; NEA 2026 — ‘$54,975’; MERIC 2021 cost of living.

Mississippi’s teacher salaries are the lowest in the nation in nominal terms. However, Mississippi has one of the lowest costs of living in the United States — approximately 83% of the national average — which partially offsets the nominal salary gap.

Per alleducationschools.com MS: ‘While teachers in many other states may make more than teachers in Mississippi, the cost of living is often higher in those states. Mississippi has a relatively low cost of living.’ Per alleducationschools.com: ‘You should also consider that your salary as a teacher will vary depending on the school district you teach in.’

Job Outlook

Mississippi faces persistent teacher shortages across multiple subject areas. Per the U.S. Department of Education Teacher Shortage Areas report for 2023-24, Mississippi has designated shortage areas including Special Education, Mathematics, Science, and ESL/ESOL.

Teachers in these areas qualify for Teacher Loan Forgiveness ($17,500 for SpEd, Math, and Science at Title I schools after 5 years; $5,000 for other shortage areas).

All Mississippi public school teachers are employed by school districts (government employers), qualifying for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) after 120 qualifying monthly payments. Enroll at studentaid.gov/pslf on Day 1 of employment.

Sources: U.S. DOE TSA database (tsa.ed.gov); alleducationschools.com MS (Feb 2026) — cost of living; studentaid.gov.

Mississippi Teacher Certification Requirements: FAQs

What are the requirements to become a certified teacher in Mississippi?

To earn a Class A teaching license (the entry-level standard certification) in Mississippi, you need: (1) a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in education or a related subject area; (2) completion of a Mississippi-approved or NCATE/CAEP-accredited educator preparation program (EPP); (3) a supervised student teaching placement at the appropriate grade level and subject; (4) passing scores on three Praxis tests — Praxis Core (basic skills), Praxis PLT (pedagogy), and Praxis Subject Assessment (content knowledge); (5) Foundations of Reading if seeking elementary or SpEd certification; (6) application through ELMS. Background check is not required for the MDE application but is typically required by hiring school districts.

What is the Class A license and how does it differ from Class AA, AAA, and AAAA?

Mississippi’s Class A license is the entry-level professional teaching credential, requiring a bachelor’s degree. Class AA requires a master’s degree (in education or the teaching subject). Class AAA requires a specialist degree, Juris Doctorate, or Master of Fine Arts. Class AAAA requires a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.). All four classes are valid for 5 years and renewable. Higher classes typically provide salary benefits on district salary schedules. Teachers advance from Class A to higher classes by earning additional degrees — there is no need to retake Praxis tests when advancing classes, only the degree documentation is required.

What Praxis tests do I need for Mississippi teacher certification?

Traditional route candidates need three Praxis tests: (1) Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Reading, Writing, Mathematics) — OR qualifying ACT/SAT scores OR 3.0 GPA in specific coursework; (2) Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) — grade-level specific (K-6, 5-9, or 7-12); and (3) Praxis Subject Assessment for the specific endorsement area. Elementary and Special Education candidates also need the Foundations of Reading assessment. Register for all Praxis tests at ets.org/praxis — select Mississippi-specific tests and use MDE’s code when designating score recipients.

Does Mississippi require a background check for teacher certification?

No — unlike most states, Mississippi does not require a state criminal background check as part of the MDE certification application. Per alleducationschools.com MS: ‘While most states require teachers to complete a background check prior to earning certification, Mississippi does not.’ However, virtually every Mississippi school district will require a background check before employment. Plan to complete a background check when you receive a job offer, even though it is not part of the ELMS certification application.

How do I renew my Mississippi teaching license?

All Mississippi standard teaching licenses (Class A through AAAA) are valid for 5 years and must be renewed before expiration. Renewal options vary by class: Class A holders can renew by completing 3 semester hours in content/job-related areas AND 5 CEUs in content/job-related areas — OR 6 semester hours total. Class AA, AAA, and AAAA holders can renew by completing 3 semester hours OR 5 CEUs in content or job-related areas. Additional renewal options include National Board Certification, MPB E-Learning completion, and retirement documentation. Only credits earned during the current license validity period count toward renewal. Apply for renewal through ELMS.

Can I add endorsements to my Mississippi teaching license?

Yes. Per teachms.org: ‘Endorsements can be added by coursework, an approved program, or passing a subject test.’ To add a new endorsement, you can complete required coursework in the endorsement area and submit transcripts through ELMS, complete an MDE-approved program for the endorsement area, or (in some cases) pass the appropriate Praxis Subject Assessment for the new area. Contact MDE Educator Licensure (601-359-3483) to confirm which addition method is accepted for your specific desired endorsement.

Mississippi Teacher Certification Requirements: Conclusion

Mississippi teacher certification follows a clear, four-step framework — degree, EPP, student teaching, and Praxis testing — built on four class levels (A through AAAA) that reward advanced education.

The system is governed by Mississippi Code § 37-3-2 and administered by the MDE Office of Educator Licensure, with all applications processed through ELMS. The Guidelines for Mississippi Educator Licensure K-12 (August 2024) is the definitive regulatory document every candidate should review before applying.

The three Praxis tests required for traditional certification — Praxis Core, PLT, and Subject Assessment — are administered by ETS and available through ets.org/praxis/ms/overview. The Foundations of Reading requirement for elementary and Special Education candidates reflects Mississippi’s serious commitment to evidence-based reading instruction.

Background checks are district-level employment requirements rather than state certification requirements — plan for them but don’t confuse them with the ELMS application process.

For candidates without traditional education degrees, Mississippi’s robust alternate route framework (TMI, MAT, ABCTE, iteach, TFA) provides pathways that ultimately lead to the same Class A Five-Year Standard License. For career changers, the alternate route guide is the recommended companion to this overview.

Begin your Mississippi certification journey at mdek12.org/licensure/. Download the MDE Guidelines for Mississippi Educator Licensure K-12. Register for Praxis tests at ets.org/praxis/ms/overview. Apply through ELMS. Contact MDE at 601-359-3483 for guidance specific to your credentials and desired endorsement area.