Adult Basic Education Licensure (ABE)

Frequently Asked Questions

If I want to teach in an ABE program must I have a teaching license?
Yes. However, the regulations state that a valid teaching license is needed to teach. This means that a current elementary or secondary license is all you need in some instances. Districts vary in their requirements.

Do I have to have the ABE license in addition to my elementary or secondary license before I can teach adults?
This depends on where you intend to teach. Some adult education programs, such as St. Paul, require the ABE license. It is up to the local adult education programs to decide whether or not to require it. If you have a current license, you only have to take the credits needed for the ABE specialization standard. Some credit can also be given if you can prove you have met some of these competencies already. There are currently plans in Minnesota to make it mandatory for all teachers to be licensed in ABE.

If I decide to get the current 12 credit additional licensure (endorsement) what is required?
This is a 12 credit program for those who have an elementary or secondary license. Those who have taught for more than 180 hours can be licensed with 8 credits since they are excused the field experience component.

Comparison between licensure and additional licensure (endorsement) requirements

Can I get an ABE license to teach adults without first getting and elementary or secondary license?
Yes. The Board of Teaching has approved a 24 semester credit option for people wishing to teach adults who do not hold a valid teaching license.

Can these credits count towards a master's degree?
Yes, since they are all graduate level credits, they can count towards a master's degree in adult education. If you want to get a master's degree you must apply through the regular University program. Do this before you take 9 credits as there are limits to the number of credits taken before admission you can apply to a master's program.

Can I count credits from institutions other than the University of Minnesota?
Yes. Courses taken at other universities will count if they are taken for graduate credit. They must also cover the subject areas listed in the licensure rules.

If I only want an adult license do I have to take the human relations and drug and alcohol course requirements for all teachers?
For the current license you do have to have these courses. After 2001 the human relations course and the drug and alcohol requirement are included in the set of nine standards in addition to the specialization standard that new teachers must meet. Note these classes are now available online.

Do I have to take the Pre Professional Skills Test?
All new teachers in Minnesota must take the PPST as a condition of getting license. Teachers in K-12 may have to take additional tests, but there are no additional tests in adult basic education.

Do I have to be in a University of Minnesota program to sign up for classes?
No. You can take classes as a non-degree-seeking student. Contact the WHRE Student Information Office at 612-624-1221 or whre@umn.edu.

Are courses offered via the Internet or distance education
You can take an Internet option or two-way interactive TV where this is available. You can register for adult literacy classes and arrange to complete all the assignments via the Internet. Contact Rosemarie Park at parkx002@umn.edu or 612-625-6267 for complete details.