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Portfolio-Based Assessments

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Effective July 1, 2025, teacher candidates must present the edTPA or PPAT to fulfill the pedagogy assessment requirement. The Praxis PLT will not be accepted after July 1, 2025.


The timeline below is intended for a gradual progression to full implementation.

​July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2025
A pedagogy assessment is required for certain teaching areas for those candidates enrolled in a Maryland teacher preparation program. During this period, applicants may present the edTPA, PPAT, or the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) to meet the pedagogy assessment requirement.

Those areas that do not require a Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching assessment are not required to submit a pedagogy assessment during this period. Those areas are American Sign Language, Art, Blind/Visually Impaired, Dance, ESOL, Environmental Education, Health, Music, Physical Education, World Languages, and Special Education.

No passing score is required for the edTPA and PPAT but it must be nationally scored. If submitting the Praxis PLT as the pedagogy assessment, the established passing score must be submitted.

Please note that dual major candidates do not have to take more than one performance assessment. The Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) must work with a candidate to determine which assessment is most appropriate for the candidate based on the internship.
July 1, 2025
​The following teacher candidates applying for initial professional licensure are required to submit a passing score on the edTPA or PPAT:
  • Individuals who complete a Maryland-approved educator preparation program
  • Individuals who apply for licensure through the Experienced Nonpublic School Teacher pathway
  • Individuals who graduate from an educator preparation program in another state
  • Individuals who hold an out-of-state professional certificate/license

Passing scores will be established in 2024.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a performance-based assessment?

A performance-based assessment is a test in which the test taker demonstrates the skills and knowledge the test is intended to measure by doing real-world tasks. Scoring is based on a rubric and requires a portfolio of artifacts be submitted.

Who needs to take the assessment?

Those teacher applicants who must present Maryland licensure assessments are required to submit the assessments based on the timeline above. Please review the Pathways to Initial Licensure to determine if you need to take a performance assessment.


What performance assessments are accepted in Maryland?

The edTPA and PPAT are both acceptable.


What is the difference between the edTPA and PPAT?

Both assessments are rubric-based portfolio assessments. If completing the edTPA, you must select the appropriate content handbook. The PPAT uses the same rubric for all content areas.


What are the passing scores?

Passing scores have not yet been established for either the edTPA or PPAT. Currently, the submission of a nationally scored edTPA or PPAT is required. Once a passing score is established, it will be posted on our website.




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