Teacher Certification

Certification advances the professionalism of our field. For the individual teacher, it represents a level of competence and accountability within the field. People looking for a teacher are more likely to be drawn to, and willing to pay appropriately, one who is certified than one who is not. For the organization, certification of a healthy percentage of our members represents a commitment to excellence and professionalism.

MMTA State Certification

1. MMTA Master Certified (MC)

Minimum of a master's degree in music. The certificate will be issued in the specific music area of the master's or doctoral degree.

2. MMTA Certified (C)

Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in music, an artist diploma in music, a pedagogy certificate, OR completion of the following courses for college credit:

  • Applied Music: 6 semesters or 9 quarters on the instrument for which you wish to be certified
  • Music Theory: 2 semesters or 3 quarters
  • Music History/Literature: 2 semesters or 3 quarters
  • Pedagogy: 1 semester or 2 quarters on the instrument for which you wish to be certified

Official college transcripts must be submitted with your application. The certificate will be issued in the specific music area of the degree, diploma, or certificate.

MMTA Certification Form 07.pdf(27.11 KB)

MTNA National Certification (NCTM)

Certification is also offered through the testing programs given by Music Teachers National Association. 

What are the differences between state and national certification?

  • For candidates submitting college coursework towards certification, MTNA is slightly more stringent than individual states regarding numbers of college credits required in music history/literature, music theory and pedagogy. However, it is possible to become nationally certified without a college degree, artist diploma, or pedagogy certificate in music.
  • National certification is valid in any state.
  • State paperwork is slightly less involved than National.

Recertification

All certified members must recertify every five years. State-certified members recertify through the state; Nationally-certified members recertify through MTNA. Contact MTNA, or MMTA's Membership Certification Chair for more information on recertification requirements.

For MMTA recertification, documentation of 10 points is required. A minimum of 2 points must be in continuing education, and a minimum of 2 points must be in volunteer service to MTNA, MMTA, or a MMTA Local Association. A point represents a minimum of 6 hours of contact time.

POINT SYSTEM for REcertification.pdf(12.2 KB)

For More Information

For National Certification information, visit http://www.mtnacertification.org/.

For MMTA State Certification information, contact:
Sue Freeman Dopp Haugen
Membership Certification Chair
763-493-5152
sue.dopp@schmittmusic.com