Teacher and Administrator Certification

Standard Certificate

Office of Teacher and Administrator Certification
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5260 USA
(269) 387-3473

The Standard Teaching Certificate, previously called the Provisional Certificate, is the first teaching certificate available to Michigan teacher candidates.  This certificate allows teachers to provide instruction in the subject(s) and grade level(s) indicated on the certificate. Eligibility requirements for the Standard Certificate vary slightly by teacher education program and are detailed below. The Office of Teacher and Administrator Certification at Western Michigan University provides information to and assists new WMU graduates in obtaining their initial Standard Teaching Certificate.  The Standard Certificate is valid for five years from the date of issue and can be renewed indefinitely.

Initial standard certification requirements

Initial certification must be obtained within five years of program completion and testing

Completion of the steps below is required for obtaining your standard certificate: 

A bachelor's degree is required for initial teacher certification in Michigan.

Must be approved by the Michigan Department of Education.

Michigan Test for Teacher Certification subject area exam must be passed before applying. Please visit the following link for test dates and study guides: www.mttc.nesinc.com/.

If you are unsure about which test to take, please contact our office.

  • Elementary majors—must pass the elementary education test #103.
  • Early childhood majors—must pass the elementary education test #103; must also pass the early childhood test #106 to add the optional ZS endorsement.
  • Special education majors—must pass the elementary education test #103 and one special education endorsement area subject test.
  • Secondary or K12 majors—must pass the MTTC in the major or minor in which they are seeking certification.

A recent (within the last two years) background check must be on file in the certification office before we can recommend you for certification. A Michigan iChat  will meet this requirement. If you have any convictions, a Judgment of Sentence, Register of Action, or Case History must also be on file in the certification office prior to a certification recommendation.

If you are seeking a CTE endorsement—visit the CTE website for additional requirements.

If you are seeking a World Language endorsement—in addition to a passing score on the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification subject area test in their language, candidates in Spanish, French, German and Russian must achieve a minimum score of Advanced Low and candidates in Arabic, Chinese and Japanese must achieve a minimum score of Intermediate High on the Oral Proficiency Interview prior to internship and certification

Set up your Michigan educator accounts and apply for certification—see detailed instructions on setting up your Michigan educator accounts.

One you have completed all requirements outlined above, apply for the Standard Teaching Certificate in the Michigan Online Educator Certification System. If eligible for a CTE endorsement, be sure to apply for this endorsement, too.

Honestly report any conviction or civil infraction, excluding speeding tickets.

  • Must report conviction information on all of your applications for current certification and all future certifications.
  • Provide the Judgment of Sentence, Register of Actions or Case History for each offense to our office.

After application, your identified university will review and recommend the application. Please allow five to seven business days for this process; a conviction may delay this process.

The Michigan Department of Education charges a $160 fee for your Standard Teaching Certificate. 

Once the fee is paid, you will need to print your certificate and obtain notarization. The Standard Teaching Certificate is valid for five years.