Michigan Department of Education (MDE)

Michigan SCECH Requirements

Complete guide to State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECH) requirements for Michigan teaching certificate renewal.

150
SCECHs Required
5 Years
Renewal Cycle
MOECS
Tracking Portal
Governing Body: Michigan Dept. of Education (MDE)
Portal: MOECS (Michigan Online Educator Certification System)

SCECH Requirements Overview

Michigan requires educators to complete 150 Education-Related Professional Learning hours for renewal or progression of MDE-issued certificates. This applies to Standard, Professional, and Advanced Professional Teaching Certificates.

150

SCECHs

OR 6

Semester Credits

OR

Combination

Professional learning must be appropriate to the content and grade level of your existing certificate.

Important: Renewal Window

Michigan certificates can only be renewed between January 1st and June 30th of the year they expire. If you don't have the required SCECHs by this window, you will not be able to renew your certificate.

Credit Conversion Rates

Michigan uses the following conversion:

  • 1 semester credit = 25 SCECHs
  • 6 credits = 150 SCECHs (full compliance)
  • IACET CEUs are automatically approved for SCECH conversion

Ways to Earn SCECHs

SCECH-Approved Activities

Professional development from SCECH sponsors approved by MDE. Hours are automatically uploaded to MOECS.

College Coursework

Undergraduate or graduate courses from accredited institutions. 1 semester credit = 25 SCECHs.

District Provided Professional Development (DPPD)

Professional development provided by your school district. Since July 2020, districts must enter DPPD into MOECS as SCECHs.

IACET-Approved CEUs

CEU programs from International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) providers are automatically approved. Contact your local SCECH sponsor with your certificate.

Michigan Virtual SCECHs

Online professional development courses through Michigan Virtual that are approved for SCECH credit.

Certificate Types & Requirements

Standard Teaching Certificate

150 SCECHs or 6 credits every 5 years. Must be appropriate to content and grade level.

Professional Teaching Certificate

150 SCECHs or 6 credits every 5 years. Same requirements as Standard Certificate.

Advanced Professional Teaching Certificate

150 SCECHs or 6 credits every 5 years. Progression requires additional requirements.

Using MOECS to Track Hours

The Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS) is your official portal for tracking SCECHs and managing your teaching certificate. Through MOECS, you can:

View your SCECH transcript
Check renewal eligibility
Review certificate status
Submit renewal applications

You must have a personal MOECS account and a certificate/license issued by MDE's Office of Educator Excellence to access the system.

Certificate Renewal Process

1

Complete 150 SCECHs or 6 Credits

Earn your required hours through approved activities before your renewal window opens.

2

Verify Hours in MOECS

Check your SCECH transcript to ensure all hours are properly recorded.

3

Wait for Renewal Window

Renewals open January 1st and close June 30th of the expiration year.

4

Submit Application Through MOECS

Complete and submit your renewal application online during the window.

5

Pay Renewal Fee

Pay the required fee to complete the renewal process.

Michigan SCECH Quick Summary

SCECHs Required 150 hours
Or Credits 6 semester
Renewal Cycle 5 years
1 Credit Equals 25 SCECHs
Renewal Window Jan 1 - Jun 30
Tracking Portal MOECS
Start Tracking Free

About SCECH Sponsors

SCECH sponsors are organizations approved by MDE to provide professional development that counts toward certificate renewal. Common sponsors include:

  • Intermediate School Districts (ISDs)
  • Regional Educational Service Agencies
  • Michigan Virtual
  • Universities and colleges

Michigan SCECH FAQs

How many SCECHs do Michigan teachers need for renewal?

Michigan teachers need 150 State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs), 6 semester credit hours, or a combination of both every 5 years. One semester credit equals 25 SCECHs. All professional learning must be appropriate to the content and grade level of your certificate.

What is MOECS and how do I access it?

MOECS (Michigan Online Educator Certification System) is the state's official portal for tracking SCECHs and managing your teaching certificate. You can view your SCECH transcript, check renewal eligibility, and submit applications. Access it at mdoe.state.mi.us/moecs with your educator credentials.

What is DPPD and does it count toward renewal?

DPPD (District Provided Professional Development) is professional learning provided by your school district. Since July 1, 2020, when districts allow DPPD for recertification, they must enter it into MOECS as SCECHs. This means your district PD can count toward your 150-hour requirement.

When can I renew my Michigan teaching certificate?

Michigan has a specific renewal window: you can only renew between January 1st and June 30th of the year your certificate expires. Make sure you have all required SCECHs completed before this window opens, as you cannot renew without meeting the requirements.

Does Classroom Walkthroughs track Michigan SCECH requirements?

Yes! When you select Michigan as your state, our system automatically configures the 150 SCECH requirement, 5-year cycle, credit conversions, and renewal window dates. You'll see real-time progress and get alerts as your renewal deadline approaches.

PD Requirements for Other States

Not in Michigan? Find requirements for your state.

Track Your Michigan SCECHs Automatically

Stop manually tracking hours. Classroom Walkthroughs monitors your SCECH progress, calculates credit conversions, and alerts you before the renewal window opens.