The Montana OPI has installed a new Upload feature to our Montana Educator Information System (MSEIS). This feature applies to new applications and to existing applications. Watch a brief instructional video at this link: MSEIS Upload Feature

How this affects you

You are now required to upload your supplemental documents to your online application. This eliminates the need for you to either US mail or email any supplemental document into the OPI to complete your license application. All licensure applications require one or more supplemental documents to complete the application.

Applications that cannot be submitted online through MSEIS

  • Adding an Endorsement to your current license
  • Reinstatement of a Lapsed License
  • Upgrading (e.g., Class 2 to Class 1 or Class 5 Provisional to a full license)

For all three instances, you will need to mail the application and supplemental documents to the following address:

OPI Educator Licensure

PO Box 202501

Helena, MT 59620-2501

Adding an Endorsement to your current license

Your college or university must complete a University Recommendation form verifying you have completed the requirements for the additional endorsement. You will also need to submit official transcripts or have the college/university send them directly to cert@mt.gov. For additional information see the License Endorsements section of our website.

Reinstatement of a Lapsed License

If you have completed the required professional development, you can apply to reinstate your license. To apply, complete the Reinstatement Application, a new fingerprint background check (follow the 2 sets of instructions in the link), and include your original supporting documents when you mail your application. For additional information see the Lapsed License section of our website.

If you have not completed the required professional development and you have not held a Class 5 license in the past, you may qualify for the Class 5 Reinstatement. For additional information see the Lapsed License section of our website.

Upgrading your current license

Complete the correct Upgrade Application following the checklist within the application.

Upgrade from Class 2 to Class 1

Upgrade from Class 5 to Full Licensure: Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 and Class 6

For additional information see the License Upgrade section of our website.
 

Preparing to upload documents

  1. Determine which educator license application you will be submitting
  2. Review the documentation checklist provided for your application (see all license class application checklists below)
  3. Print out and complete all supplemental documents for your application and have them ready to upload*
  4. Log into MSEIS to submit/update your application. After you submit your application, follow the system prompts to upload your supplemental documents and to remove the license deficiencies created from your application.

*MSEIS will accept files uploaded in Portable Document Format (PDF) under 4,000 KB.

Class 1 Professional Teaching License Application Checklist

Documents you need to send out to be completed by an entity other than the OPI:

  • Fingerprint background check: submit fingerprint cards and fee to the Montana Department of Justice
  • Verification of Teaching Experience form: Complete top section and send to your employer(s) for completion. You will need to upload this once it is returned to you
  • Out-of-State License History: complete the top section and send to the licensure official in the state(s) that you have previously been licensed in. You will need to upload this once it is returned to you
  • University Recommendation form: complete the top section and send to the Institution where you finished your educator preparation program for completion. You will need to upload this once it is returned to you

Documents you need to complete and have ready for upload:

  • Official transcripts: request your official transcripts for your bachelor's and master's and from all Institutions you have attended
  • Notary Page: recite the oath in the presence of a licensed notary and sign the notary page
  • Complete the Fingerprint Background Check Supplement
  • Your signed renewal unit certificate of completion for “An Introduction to Indian Education for All in Montana” (link goes to the Learning Hub)
  • Copy of your Praxis test results
  • Copy of your valid out-of-state teaching and/or administrative license(s) (if applicable)
  • Copy of your valid National Board Certificate (if applicable)

Class 2 Standard Teaching License Application Checklist

Documents you need to send to be completed by an entity other than the OPI:

  • Fingerprint background check: submit fingerprint cards and fee to the Montana Department of Justice
  • Out-of-State License History: complete the top section and send to the licensure official in the state(s) that you have previously been licensed in. You will need to upload this once it is returned to you
  • University Recommendation form: complete the top section and send to the Institution where you finished your educator preparation program for completion. You will need to upload this once it is returned to you
  • If you completed an Alternative Route (not through a University) for licensure:
    • Verification of Teaching Experience: complete the top section and send to your previous employer(s) for completion (you will need to provide 5 years of teaching experience)

Documents you need to complete and have ready for upload:

  • Official transcripts: request your official transcripts for your bachelor's and master's (if applicable) and from all Institutions you have attended
  • Notary Page: recite the oath in the presence of a licensed notary and sign the notary page
  • Complete the Fingerprint Background Check Supplement
  • Your signed renewal unit certificate of completion for “An Introduction to Indian Education for All in Montana” (link goes to the Learning Hub)
  • Copy of your Praxis test results
  • Copy of your valid out-of-state teaching and/or administrative license(s) (if applicable)
  • Copy of your valid National Board Certificate (if applicable)

Class 5 Provisional License Application Checklist

Documents you need to send to be completed by an entity other than the OPI:

  • Fingerprint background check: submit fingerprint cards and fee to the Montana Department of Justice
  • Plan of Study: complete top section and send to the Institution where you are enrolled for your educator preparation program for completion. You will need to upload this once it is returned to you

Documents you need to complete and have ready for upload:

Class 6 Specialist School Counselor Application Checklist

Documents you need to send to be completed by an entity other than the OPI:

  • Fingerprint background check: submit fingerprint cards and fee to the Montana Department of Justice
  • University Recommendation form: complete the top section and send to the Institution where you finished your school counseling preparation program for completion. You will need to upload this once it is returned to you

Documents you need to complete and have ready for upload:

  • Official transcripts: request your official transcripts for your bachelor's and master's and from all Institutions you have attended
  • Notary Page: recite the oath in the presence of a licensed notary and sign the notary page
  • Complete the Fingerprint Background Check Supplement
  • Your signed renewal unit certificate of completion for “An Introduction to Indian Education for All in Montana” (link goes to Learning Hub)
  • Copy of your Praxis test results
  • Copy of your valid out-of-state school counselor license(s) (if applicable)

Class 6 Specialist School Psychologist Application Checklist

Documents you need to send to be completed by an entity other than the OPI:

  • Fingerprint background check: submit fingerprint cards and fee to the Montana Department of Justice
  • University Recommendation form: complete the top section and send to the Institution where you finished your school counseling preparation program for completion. You will need to upload this once it is returned to you

Documents you need to complete and have ready for upload:

  • Official transcripts: request your official transcripts for your bachelor's and master's and from all Institutions you have attended
  • Notary Page: recite the oath in the presence of a licensed notary and sign the notary page
  • Complete the Fingerprint Background Check Supplement
  • Your signed renewal unit certificate of completion for “An Introduction to Indian Education for All in Montana” (link goes to Learning Hub)
  • Copy of your Praxis test results
  • Copy of your valid out-of-state school counselor license(s) (if applicable)

Class 7 Native American Language and Culture Application Checklist

Documents you need to send to be completed by an entity other than the OPI:

Documents you need to complete and have ready for upload:

Class 8 Dual Credit Only Post-Secondary Faculty Application Checklist

Documents you need to send to be completed by an entity other than the OPI:

Documents you need to complete and have ready for upload:

  • Official transcripts: request your official transcripts for your bachelor's and master's and from all Institutions you have attended
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Teaching Philosophy
  • Syllabi
  • Course examples of assignments/projects
  • Notary Page: recite the oath in the presence of a licensed notary and sign the notary page
  • Complete the Fingerprint Background Check Supplement