American Board › States › Montana
Montana Teacher Certification
Congratulations! You are on your way to becoming a teacher in Montana. No semesters and no campus visits — just a clear path from where you are today to a Montana classroom of your own.
Montana
$1,900Standard Program Cost
Online
Self-paced
Competency-based
1
Study
Pass the required subject-area and PTK exams provided by American Board
2
Additional Requirements
Complete remaining state requirements including Indian Education for All coursework.
3
Apply
Apply to the Montana Office of Public Instruction for your Class 2 License.
4
Teach
Begin teaching in a Montana school and complete your district-based mentor program.
Elementary (K-8)
The elementary certification program covers core subjects for our youngest learners including English language arts, history, math, and science.
Special Education (K-12)
The special education certification program covers professional skills and background knowledge, general special education practices, a strong focus on special education laws, and more.
Biology (5-12)
The biology certification program covers scientific investigation, cell biology and microbiology, molecular biology, and more.
Chemistry (5-12)
The chemistry certification program covers atomic structure, periodicity, and matter; reactions and reactivity, and more.
English Language Arts (5-12)
The English language arts certification program covers comprehension of texts, oral and written language skills, and more.
General Science (5-12)
The general science certification program covers scientific investigation, biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics.
History (5-12)
The history certification program covers both U.S. and world history including topics such as classical civilizations and the establishment and growth of a republic.
Math (5-12)
The mathematics certification program covers domains including algebra, geometry, probability and statistics, and calculus.
Physics (5-12)
The physics certification program includes classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and more.
“I decided to change my career after working in higher education for 20 years. Going back to college to get another degree did not makes sense financially or time-wise. ABCTE was a cost and time effective way to get my k-8 credentials to become a teacher.”
Derek Andrews, Montana Teacher
How to Get Your Montana Teaching License
Step 1
Enroll in American Board’s online teacher certification program.
Step 2
Prepare for and pass American Board’s required pedagogy and subject area exams.
Step 3
Receive your teaching certificate from American Board.
Step 4
Complete any additional state requirements, including coursework related to Indian Education for All.
Step 5
Apply to the Montana Office of Public Instruction for a Class 2 Standard License.
Step 6
Begin teaching in a Montana school and complete the required district-based mentor program during your first year in the classroom.
How to Upgrade to a Montana Class 1 Professional License
Your Class 2 Standard License can be continuously renewed, but you can upgrade to a Class 1 Professional License if you have earned a master’s degree in education or an endorsable teaching area from an institutionally accredited college/university.
Can I start teaching before I complete American Board’s program?
Yes! Upon enrollment in American Board’s program and completion of the Indian Education for All course, you are eligible to apply for a Class 5 Provisional License. This license allows you to begin teaching as a licensed teacher while you complete American Board’s program. This license is valid for three years, is nonrenewable, and may not be reinstated. Once you complete American Board’s program, you can upgrade your Class 5 License to a Class 2 License.
Where can I find more information about Montana teaching requirements?
For more information on state teaching requirements and how to apply for your license, visit the Montana Office of Public Instruction website.

Ready to get started?
Choose your state and subject, enroll online in minutes, and start studying the same day — or try the free one-week trial first to see how the program works.
