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Teaching License Reciprocity in North Dakota: Moving Your License In

Teachers moving to North Dakota may qualify for an Other State Educator License or a reciprocal plan with coursework and Praxis gaps. ESPB decides in NDTeach.

Sources checked November 2026

Sections6

• Moving into North Dakota
• Tests still required on a reciprocal plan
• Moving out of North Dakota
• NDTeach documents checklist
• Common mistakes to avoid
• Sources checked November 2026

Teaching license reciprocity in North Dakota does not mean an automatic copy of your old state credential. ESPB reviews where you trained, whether you hold a valid license elsewhere, and which Praxis or coursework gaps remain. Most interstate teachers land in either the Other State Educator License (OSEL) or the Out-of-State Reciprocal License bucket described on types of licenses.

Moving into North Dakota

Start by gathering:

• Official transcripts from every college attended (ESPB transcripts).
• A copy of your current out-of-state license (if applicable).
• Praxis PDF score reports if ESPB has not yet received them (testing information).
• Completed fingerprint packet processed by ESPB (background checks).

Create or log into NDTeach and choose the application type that matches your facts. Mari Riehl at 701-328-9645 handles many out-of-state reviews (staff contact).

Other State Educator License (OSEL)

ESPB issues OSEL when you:

• Hold a valid teaching license from an approved regular teacher education program in another state.
• Submit official transcripts, background materials, and a copy of the current license.

If you completed an approved program including student teaching, hold the other state's license, and met that state's testing requirements, ESPB's type description states there will be no additional requirements.

Applicants licensed after 2002 in the sending state who did not test there receive two years to complete North Dakota tests (types of licenses). OSEL can be issued for two or five years; fees appear in the OSEL section of licensing fees (for example $85 initial two-year, $190 initial five-year).

Out-of-State Reciprocal License

This path fits applicants who graduated from an out-of-state university but do not hold a teaching license in another state. ESPB completes a transcript analysis and issues a plan of study listing missing coursework and tests. The reciprocal license can be issued twice, giving up to five years total to finish requirements (types of licenses).

Fees include the $85 reciprocal license plus a $175 transcript review when you lack a valid out-of-state license (licensing fees). International degrees follow additional steps on applicants from outside the US, including NACES evaluations.

Tests still required on a reciprocal plan

When ESPB assigns Praxis exams, register through ETS and upload new PDF score reports during renewal. ESPB does not receive scores automatically (renewing a license reciprocal section).

Reciprocal renewals may require:

• Unofficial transcripts for coursework finished since the last plan review.
• Uploaded Praxis score reports for any newly passed tests.
• Youth mental health training certificate if it remains on your plan (ESPB points to free training through The Jason Foundation in the renewal instructions).
• A signed statement agreeing to finish remaining items within the next three years when extending a two-year reciprocal license.

Missed deadlines trigger the $100 late fee if the license expires before ESPB receives a complete renewal (renewing a license).

Moving out of North Dakota

ESPB can verify North Dakota licensure to another state when that state requests official documentation. Teachers should download Praxis score reports from ETS and keep five-year renewal transcripts because receiving states often ask for proof of six semester hours of re-education (N.D. Admin. Code 67.1-02-02-05).

Use the NDTeach public lookup to capture status screenshots before you resign. Email ESPB if you need a formal letter.

NDTeach documents checklist

Email supporting PDFs to espbinfo@nd.gov when NDTeach lists them under To Do Items.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not rely on interstate reciprocity charts from other states alone. North Dakota’s OSEL and reciprocal definitions come only from ESPB pages and N.D. Admin. Code 67.1-02-02.

Avoid opening duplicate NDTeach accounts. ESPB warns international applicants in particular to wait until staff attach a Social Security number before self-registering (applicants from outside the US).

Sources checked November 2026

• ESPB types of licenses
• ESPB renewing a license (reciprocal section)
• ESPB licensing fees
• ESPB applicants from outside the US

Quick answers

Will North Dakota accept my expired out-of-state license?

ESPB requires a valid teaching license from an approved program when you apply for OSEL. Renew the home-state license or ask ESPB whether reciprocal analysis fits your case.

Do I retake every Praxis test?

If you completed an approved program, hold another state's license, and met that state's testing rules, ESPB's OSEL description states there may be no additional tests. Otherwise reciprocal plans list specific Praxis exams.