In 867, Michizane was selected to be one of the two Monjo Tokugosho (honor student among the monjo-sho), was appointed to the Shorokuinoge (Senior Sixth Rank, Lower Grade), and became the Gonnoshojo (Deputy Junior Secretary) of Shimotsuke Province.
貞観9年（867年）には文章生のうち二名が選ばれる文章得業生となり、正六位下に叙せられ、下野権少掾となる。