Applying for Certification in Other States

Once you have completed one of our DESE and NCATE approved teacher education programs and have earned your Missouri teaching certificate, you may begin the process of applying for certification in other states. Some states will accept a valid Missouri teaching certificate without any additional coursework or tests, while other states may require additional coursework and/or tests.

The certification process varies from state to state. You will want to contact the Department of Education regarding state specific requirements leading to certification. Most states require an Institutional Verification and transcripts as part of their application packet. If you need the Institutional Verification and transcripts, please send this state specific form to:

Zach Ragan
Teacher Certification
Northwest Missouri State University
800 University Drive
Maryville, MO 64468

Please include the following information if it is not included on the form:

• Your name, address, email address, and phone number
• Instructions on where you want the form sent. Some states require that you collect all of the information and forward it to them in one packet. Other states require that the institution submit the form directly to their Department of Education.

If you have questions regarding the certification process, you may contact our office at 660.562.1671 or zragan@nwmissouri.edu or edcert@nwmissouri.edu.

States are continually revising their teacher certification rules and requirements, and the certification process differs from state to state. You may research teaching positions, certification/licensure requirements and processes in different states from the list below.