School Teacher, Elementary & Secondary License in Michigan
Quick Answer
To become a certified teacher in Michigan, you must graduate from an approved education program, complete reading and first aid courses, and pass the MTTC exams. The certification fee is $160. The Michigan Department of Education handles certification. Estimated costs are approximately $470 (excluding degree).
- Exam
- Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC)
- Total Cost
- $470 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-5 years (including degree)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 5 years
Requirements
School Teacher, Elementary & Secondary license in Michigan
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $160
- Renewal Fee
- $160
- Total Estimated Cost
- $470
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your School Teacher, Elementary & Secondary license in Michigan. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Michigan licensing board.
School Teacher, Elementary & Secondary Salary in Michigan
Entry Level
$46,130
Median
$62,350
Experienced
$91,140
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed School Teacher, Elementary & Secondary in Michigan.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
No exam required — Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$160.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-5 years (including degree).
School Teacher, Elementary & Secondary Licensing in Michigan: What to Know
Michigan provides an explicit fee of $160 for teacher certification. School teachers must be graduates of approved education programs, complete reading courses and first aid training, and pass the basic skills examination and certification examination. The Michigan Department of Education oversees licensing. Michigan's automotive industry decline has impacted school funding in some areas, but growing sectors in healthcare and technology create evolving demands for career and technical education teachers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a School Teacher, Elementary & Secondary license cost in Michigan?
- The estimated total cost is $470, including application fees, and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a School Teacher, Elementary & Secondary license in Michigan?
- The process typically takes 4-5 years (including degree), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a School Teacher, Elementary & Secondary license in Michigan?
- You need to pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC). No exam required
Considering another state?
Compare School Teacher, Elementary & Secondary requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.