ND Licensure

Apply For a First-Time License

*Note: Subject to change at any time. For complete information on obtaining a first-time teaching license in North Dakota, visit the ND Teacher Licensure Website

Step 1: Take and Pass the Required Tests

Before applying, you must complete and pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators tests. The Praxis II exams should be taken immediately following student teaching.

Required Tests:

  • Core Academic Skills For Educators (3 separate tests)
  • Praxis II: K-6 Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT)
  • Praxis II: Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

Testing Requirements: nd.gov

Note: If you have not passed the required PRAXIS II tests, you may be granted a provisional license so you can teach until you take and pass the tests. There is a timeline for the provisional license (it expires), so don’t delay studying and taking your tests!

Step 2: Fingerprinting

Fingerprinting is done at:

ID Metryx
303 S Airport Road.
Bismarck, North Dakota 58504
Phone: 701.250.2191
Website: idmetryx.net

Fingerprinting forms and instructions are available at NDESPB. There is a fee that must accompany the forms when you submit them ($44.50 money order).

Processing fingerprints can take up to 30 days, so allow yourself enough time. You will receive an email when NDESPB receives the results of the fingerprinting, so watch your email.

Step 3: Complete Application Forms

The third step is to complete the following two (2) application forms:

Licensing Forms (found on the NDESPB website)

  • SFN 9019 Application for ND Educator’s Professional License
    This form needs to be filled out completely and signed by all parties. If you have any questions, please ask, as you do not want to submit an incomplete application. See our Contact Page to contact a member of the UTTC Teacher Education Department.
  • SFN 5817 Record of Education
    Fill out your name and personal information at the top of the form and then give the form to the UTTC Registrar’s Office. They will complete the form and submit it to NDESPB for you.

Application Fee
Credit card, personal check, or money order for the full amount made payable to NDESPB.

Timeline: The application will not be complete until after grades and your degree are posted for the semester. Once NDESPB has your license application, and all materials and your background investigation are cleared, it can take anywhere from 1-6 weeks to get your license.