Traditional

The Traditional Pathway is for candidates who complete a teacher preparation program at a Mississippi college or university. If you’re earning a degree in education through a licensure-track program, this is the path for you.

This is the most direct path into teaching in Mississippi.

License Details

Requirements

You’re eligible if you:

Are completing or have completed a four-year education degree from a Mississippi institution that leads to licensure.
Completed student teaching
Meet one of the following:
- 21 ACT score (or SAT equivalent)
- Passing score on the Praxis Core
- 3.0 GPA on your last 60 hours of coursework
Pass:
- The Praxis Subject Test for your chosen licensure area
- The Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT)
- The Foundations of Reading (required for Elementary and Special Education)

Approved Subjects

This pathway covers all PreK–12 grade levels, as long as the subject:

Is part of your licensure program
Is listed among Mississippi’s approved licensure endorsement areasAre completing or have completed a four-year education degree from a Mississippi institution that leads to licensure.

License Duration

You’ll earn a standard five-year teaching license
It is renewable and can be upgraded to a higher class level with additional education or credentials
You can also add endorsements by completing approved coursework or passing additional subject assessments
The license is transferable between public districts and eligible nonpublic schools in Mississippi

Restrictions

Only Mississippi State Board-approved licensure assessments are accepted

To secure an educator’s license in Mississippi, candidates must meet specific criteria. This includes achieving the minimum qualifying passing score on the state’s required licensing tests.

Keep in mind these tests serve as just one component of the comprehensive licensing process. Applicants must also fulfill other requirements detailed in the current version of the Guidelines for Mississippi Educator Licensure K-12. Prospective educators are advised to thoroughly review the guidelines to ensure compliance with all necessary criteria for their desired licensure area.

Praxis FAQs

What do the Praxis tests measure?

The Praxis Core test measures academic skills in reading, writing and mathematics. These comprehensive assessments measure the skills and content knowledge of candidates entering teacher preparation programs.

Praxis Subject tests measure general and subject-specific content knowledge needed when beginning teaching.

The Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test measures different aspects of pedagogy, including learning theory and classroom management.

Who administers the Praxis?

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) administers the Praxis Core, Praxis Subject Assessments, and Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching assessments.

What are the required tests and passing scores for Mississippi?

A complete list of Mississippi’s required tests and passing scores can be viewed here.

Next Steps

Check out the Approved Programs list for pathways that lead to licensure. You can also reach out directly to a Mississippi college or university to learn more about costs, timelines, and next steps.

Explore approved programs