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    Renewal

    How do I renew my active Maryland certificate?

    An applicant who receives a certificate is responsible for initiating the renewal of that certificate.  To be eligible for a renewal, you must have an active Maryland certificate. If you have an expired certificate, you may apply for a Reinstatement.  

    Requirements for renewal differ based on your employment status and the type of certificate you hold.

    I am employed in a Maryland public school

    Those certificate holders who are under contract with a Maryland local school system, a non-public school providing services to special education students, or a State institution, should work directly with their employer to discuss the requirements to renew.  Each local school district is responsible for its employees' certification while employed.

    I am not employed in a Maryland public school

    If you are not under contract with a Maryland local school ​ system, non-public school providing services to special education students, or a State institution, you will need to submit a renewal application through The Educator Application and Certification Hub (TEACH). 

    Be prepared to submit six semester hours of credit that is:

    • Earned or taught at a regionally accredited college/university or through Maryland approved Continuing Professional Development    (CPD) credits*​; and
    • Related to a PK-12 public school assignment; and
    • Earned within the 5-year validity period of the expiring certificate​​; and
    • Earned in required reading coursework** if not already completed (teaching areas only).

    *Educators who hold a license from another Maryland agency or national organization, or a professional educator certificate from another state, may submit the credits used to renew that credential, along with a copy of said credential, toward the renewal of their Maryland Educator Certificate.  

    **Required reading coursework must be earned at a regionally accredited college/university or through Maryland-approved CPDs. 

    ​​​Renewal requirements are outlined in
     COMAR 13A.12.01.11​​​​

    Renewal Requirements- PDF



    ​Attention School Counselors:

    On October 6, 2016, regulations were adopted that established additional renewal/reinstatement requirements for school counselors.

    Upon renewal/reinstatement of a certificate in school counseling, an individual must present 6 acceptable credits, which shall include:

    • One semester hour of coursework; or
    • One CPD; or
    • An equivalent number of CEUs that addresses the following:
    1. The need for intervention or referral in response to indicators of mental illness and behavioral distress, including, but not limited to:
      • Depression;
      • Trauma;
      • Violence;
      • Youth Suicide; and
      • Substance Abuse.
    2. The identification of professional resources and best practices for distributing resources to parents or guardians to help students in crisis.

    Policy allows school counselors who currently hold a valid certificate one full renewal cycle prior to having to meet this requirement. Those who were issued a certificate on or after January 1, 2017 and choose to accelerate the renewal of their certificate to the next professional level must present the requirements outlined above.

    Visit our School Counselor Renewal Requirements page for more information.

    Attention Teachers of the Blind/Visually Impaired:

    If you hold a certification in the area of Blind/Visually Impaired, credit toward renewal must include maintenance of knowledge of Braille code.