Apply for a License

Getting Your Minnesota School Administrator License:

This guide explains how to become a licensed school administrator in Minnesota. There are different requirements depending on your experience and program background.

General Requirements:

• Submit an application to the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB).

• All licenses expire on June 30th. Renewals start January 1st of the expiration year.

• Pay an annual fee to the Board of School Administrators (BOSA).

Types of Licenses:

• Initial License (2 years): Issued to new administrators. Requires no prior experience if from a Minnesota-approved program.

• Continuing License (5 years): Requires 1 year of experience and 125 hours of approved continuing education (CEUs) to renew.

How to Qualify:

Minnesota-approved program:

• For superintendent, principal, and special education director positions.

• Requires a master's degree, teaching experience, and program completion.

• Details at Minnesota Rule 3512.0200 (https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/numerical/).

Non-Minnesota approved program:

• Requires a program deemed "substantially equivalent" by BOSA. Details at Minnesota Rule 3512.2600 (https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/3512/full).

• May qualify for a Provisional License (2 years, non-renewable) if not fully equivalent.

Out-of-State License:

• May qualify for a Provisional License if you meet certain requirements.

Renewal:

• Complete 125 hours of BOSA-approved CEUs during your license period.

• College coursework can count towards CEUs (1 semester credit = 20 hours).

• Submit renewal application to PELSB.

Lapsed Licenses:

• Variances available for continuing licenses that lapsed within 60 days of employment.

• Renewals for lapsed licenses may require additional CEUs.

Alternative Pathway:

• An alternative path exists for superintendent licenses with extensive experience (Minnesota Rule 3512.0800: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/3512/full).