MSDE certification information
General Notes
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) issues certificates for teaching in MD public schools; colleges and universities do NOT do so.
After the Intern has completed all of the SMCM approved program requirements leading to eligibility for certification through MSDE, the Department of Education will tell the Registrar’s Office to post a stamp on your transcript to this effect.
To clarify: Completing ALL of the SMCM approved program requirements is also what qualifies you to graduate from the MAT program. Until all program requirements are completed, you cannot graduate the MAT.
It is your responsibility to apply for certification to MSDE. Please read below to determine how best to do so. If you are under contract with a public school system in Maryland, usually the human resources/personnel office will help you with the process. The MSDE process involves an on-line application; the link to this site is below.
Certificates are issued with either a January or July date. Maryland does not issue a permanent certificate.
For more information please visit MSDE's website.
Types of Certificates:
Professional Eligibility Certificate (PEC)
valid for 5 years issued to an applicant who meets all certification requirements and
is not currently employed in a MD local school system.
Standard Professional Certificate I (SPC I)
valid for 5 years issued to an applicant who meets all certification requirements and
is employed by a Maryland local school system or an accredited nonpublic school.
How to obtain an MSDE certification
Steps for In-state graduate not yet employed by a public school system or accredited private school – you will receive an PEC. (In most cases, an individual who receives a contract with a public school system can use the resources of that system’s Human Resources Office to apply for an SPC I.)
Step 1.
Complete a Maryland Approved Program (MAP) outlined by the college/university you have attended.
SMCM requirements:
Complete your major requirements. (Undergraduates)
Complete all required education classes, including internships and portfolio.
Pass Praxis I (if entering with GPA below 3.0) & II (for your content area)
Maryland: Praxis Test Requirements for :
The ETS description can be found here.
Step 2.
In addition to completing a MAP, you must meet Maryland's qualifying scores on all required teacher certification tests (Praxis I and Praxis II (content) or ACTFL).
Until July 1, 2025, you also will need to submit a complete edTPA portfolio for your content area/grade band AND receive a complete score from Pearson for certification eligibility. There is no cut score requirement.
Step 3.
To request your initial Maryland certificate by mail, submit the following:
Official transcript(s) in an unopened mailer for all course work taken (community college, baccalaureate, and post-baccalaureate, if applicable). Your transcript must show the degree, date of conferral, and the Maryland Approved Program statement. Student copies in an unopened mailer are also acceptable. (Do not have the college/university send transcripts directly to this office.);
Qualifying scores for the required certification tests, Praxis I and Praxis II or ACTFL (for content) and edTPA (for pedagogy). Your test scores may be noted on a college transcript or you may send a photocopy of the original score report; and
A cover letter with your name, complete mailing address, social security number, and the area of certification you are seeking. Daytime telephone number and personal e-mail address are encouraged.
Send your complete packet to the following address:
Maryland State Department of Education
Certification Branch
200 W. Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Go here to find the on-line application process and get started:
Step 4.
MSDE will determine your eligibility for certification and notify you in writing or by email.