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Routes to Initial Certification

​Teachers

There are multiple routes to initial teacher certification in Maryland:

  1. Complete a Maryland-approved educator preparation program (traditional or alternative) and Maryland certification assessments.
  2. Complete an educator preparation program at a regionally accredited institution leading to certification in that state, and submit one of the following options:
    •  Maryland certification assessments; or 
    • The active professional certificate earned from the out-of-state program along with the assessments taken to achieve the certificate; or
    • The active or expired professional certificate earned from the out-of-state program and verification of two years of satisfactory experience 
  3. Present a valid professional certificate and verification of 27 months of satisfactory experience in the past 7 years in an area of certification comparable to a Maryland teaching certificate. 
  4. Present a National Board Certificate from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in an area of certification comparable to a Maryland teaching certificate.
  5. Present verification of satisfactory completion of the coursework and experience requirements of a specific area under Code of Maryland Regulations 13A.12.02 and Maryland certification assessments. (Note- middle school areas may not be earned via this route)

Montessori Teachers

Applicants who present the following are eligible for a Montessori teaching certificate:


Please note that this certificate may only be used to teach students in a public school that uses Montessori instruction as the primary mode of instruction, or a Montessori private school that is approved by the MSDE.


Specialists

In Maryland, each specialist area has individual qualifications. Please click on the area below to view the requirements for initial certification.


Administrators/Supervisors

In Maryland, each administrator and supervisor area has individual qualifications. Please click on the area below to view the requirements for initial certification.