Get Licensed
How to Become a Teacher in North Dakota
Earn a degree from an approved program, pass required Praxis tests, complete ESPB fingerprinting, and apply for the two-year initial license in NDTeach.
| First license term | Two years (Initial In-State) |
|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $85 plus $30 application |
| Fingerprint fee | $44.50 per ESPB fee schedule |
Sources checked November 2026
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Becoming a classroom teacher in North Dakota means earning credentials from the Education Standards and Practices Board, not only a degree from a university. Most new graduates follow the Initial In-State License (Two-Year) path after they finish a state-approved teacher preparation program, pass required Praxis tests, and clear ESPB’s fingerprint background check.
Overview timeline
A common in-state timeline looks like this:
- Years 1-4: Bachelor’s degree plus professional education coursework through an approved program listed on ND state-approved teacher preparation programs.
- Student teaching semester: Supervised field experience documented on transcripts.
- Testing window: Register for Core Academic Skills for Educators and content Praxis exams required for your endorsement (testing information).
- Application semester: Submit NDTeach application, transcripts, Praxis PDFs, and fingerprint packet; pay ESPB fees.
- First contract: Teach on the two-year initial license, then work toward 18 months full-time equivalent North Dakota experience for a five-year license.
Candidates using alternate access, American Board, or reciprocal routes follow different license names but still end up in NDTeach. See alternative route or reciprocity if you are not a traditional undergraduate.
Education and approved program
North Dakota expects a bachelor’s degree and completion of a regional or state-approved teacher education program (67.1-02-05-04 in N.D. Admin. Code). Your university’s school of education documents pedagogical coursework, special education exposure, and multicultural requirements referenced in N.D.C.C. 15.1-13.
Statutes also name youth mental health competencies for candidates (15.1-13-35) and science of reading expectations for early childhood and elementary candidates (15.1-13-35.1). Your program should map those statutory topics into required courses before you graduate.
If you graduated out of state, ESPB may issue a reciprocal or OSEL license instead of an initial in-state license. Do not assume the in-state checklist below applies without reading types of licenses.
Student teaching and field experience
Student teaching is embedded in approved programs. ESPB reviews the university’s recommendation and transcript notations rather than a separate state student-teaching license for most graduates. Keep copies of final evaluations in case NDTeach requests clarification.
Exams and endorsements
Register for Praxis through ETS with North Dakota as a score recipient. ESPB’s testing information lists Core qualifying scores, for example Reading test 5713 at 156, Writing 5723 at 160, and Math 5733 at 150, plus composite rules.
Subject tests depend on your endorsement. Use the site Praxis requirements finder and the ETS North Dakota licensure requirements page before paying for exams. Score reports arrive in your ETS account roughly 2-3 weeks after testing; ESPB asks applicants to save PDFs and email them to espbinfo@nd.gov when applying.
Background check and mandated reporter training
Initial applicants must complete a background check processed by ESPB (background checks). Print the fingerprint forms, submit them with payment, and mail to the Bismarck office. Processing averages three weeks after ESPB receives the packet.
Effective August 1, 2025, mandated reporter training is required for first-time applicants (mandated reporter training). Complete the training and include the certificate with your application materials.
Apply through NDTeach and pay fees
Log into NDTeach and start a new educator application. Upload or email supporting documents listed in your To Do Items.
Current fees on licensing fees:
| Fee item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial application | $30 |
| Fingerprinting | $44.50 |
| Initial In-State 2 Year License | $85 |
| Maintenance charge (new applications since June 2019) | $5 |
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When ESPB approves the packet, you receive an Initial In-State License (Two-Year) valid for entry into a contracted teaching position. After 18 months full-time equivalent successful teaching in North Dakota, plan for transition to the First Five Year License described on types of licenses.
For staff help, contact Amy Bigelow (initial licensure) at 701-328-9643 or the general inbox espbinfo@nd.gov (staff list).
ESPB lists separate application steps for initial licensure forms on its forms index. Those PDFs mirror the NDTeach screens for first-time in-state, reciprocal, and out-of-state candidates. Download the packet that matches your pathway before you pay so you know which transcripts and recommendation pages your college must complete.
After the initial two-year license
Plan early for the First Five Year License. Besides contracted teaching time, you will eventually document thirty contracted days during each five-year cycle and six semester hours of re-education on a college transcript when you renew (renewing a license). The Renew section on this site explains those rules in depth.
Sources checked November 2026
- ESPB types of licenses
- ESPB testing information
- ESPB licensing fees
- ESPB background checks
- N.D.C.C. ch. 15.1-13
Quick answers
When do I move from the two-year license to a five-year license?
ESPB issues a First Five Year License after 18 months full-time equivalent contracted teaching in North Dakota, once other requirements are met.
Do I send Praxis scores myself?
ESPB asks you to save PDF score reports from ETS and email them to espbinfo@nd.gov when you apply; ETS does not automatically forward every score.