Montana Educator Licensure Frequently Asked Questions

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LICENSURE QUESTIONS:

• What license should I apply for?
• How much does a license cost?
• How do I get a copy of my license certificate?
• I have a license in another state. How do I transfer my license to Montana?
• I completed an alternative teacher preparation program in another state. Do I qualify for licensure in Montana?
• I just completed a teaching program, but I would like to become a teacher in Montana. What steps do I have to take to become a teacher?
• I haven’t completed a teaching program but I would like to become a teacher in Montana. What steps do I have to take to become a teacher?
• I completed a teacher preparation program from outside the United States. What do I need to provide to apply for licensure in Montana?

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PROBLEMS WITH THE MONTANA EDUCATOR INFORMATION SYSTEM (MSEIS) ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESS

• How do I make a payment if I applied online but didn’t finish the payment portion of the process?
• I don’t remember my user name or password and my email has changed since the last time I used the system.
• I am trying to set up my account in the MSEIS system and it says that my name and social security number do not match.
• How do I update my personal or contact information in the MSEIS system?

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RENEWAL QUESTIONS

• I need more renewal units. Where can I find information on professional development opportunities to earn renewal units?
• When my current teaching license expires, what are the renewal requirements?
• What is the deadline for completing my renewal requirements?
• How do I know college credits will be accepted for renewal from the online program I have found?
• I found an activity/online class/conference I would like to complete/attend but it isn’t approved for OPI renewal units.
• I don’t live in Montana. How do I earn renewal units?
• I am not going to be able to complete my renewal requirements before August 31. What are my options now?

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UPGRADE QUESTIONS

• How do I upgrade my Class 2 license to a Class 1 license?
• What type of experience do I need to qualify for a Class 1 license and how do I provide proof of my experience?
• How do I upgrade my Class 5 license?

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ENDORSEMENT QUESTIONS

• How do I add an endorsement?
• How do I know if I qualify for the endorsement I am interested in?
• I am a working as a teacher and I want to add a new endorsement. Is there any way I can teach in the area of my new endorsement while completing the coursework I need for my program?

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BECOMING AN ADMINISTRATOR IN MONTANA

• I am a licensed Montana teacher and am interested in getting my principal's license in Montana. What do I need to do?
• I have a principal’s license in another state and want to come to Montana. I don’t have the Montana School Law class. Will I qualify for licensure?
• Can I work as a Principal or Superintendent while I earn my administrative license with the endorsement?

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LAPSED LICENSES

• My license is lapsed and I would like to teach again. How do I get licensed?

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