2026 Certification Guide
How to Become a Teacher in Maryland
Everything you need to know to earn a Maryland teaching certificate — from degree requirements and required exams to alternative routes and reciprocity.
Step-by-Step: Getting Certified in Maryland
- 1
Complete Your Education
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. This typically includes completing an approved teacher preparation program that includes coursework in pedagogy, child development, and your subject area.
- 2
Complete Student Teaching
Complete a supervised student teaching experience (clinical practice) in an approved school setting. Most programs require a full semester of student teaching under a cooperating teacher.
- 3
Pass Required Assessments
Maryland requires passing state-approved assessments before certification is issued:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying SAT/ACT/GRE scores)Basic reading, writing, and mathematics
- Praxis Subject AssessmentsContent knowledge for your certification area
- edTPAPerformance assessment during student teaching
- 4
Apply for Your Certificate
Submit your application to Maryland State Department of Education, including transcripts, test scores, proof of student teaching completion, and any applicable fees. Most applications are processed through an online portal.
- 5
Start Teaching & Advance Your License
Your Standard Professional I Certificate (valid 2 years) allows you to begin teaching. Advance to a Standard Professional II Certificate (5 years, renewable) by meeting additional requirements such as completing a mentorship program or additional coursework.
Pass the Praxis exam
Mometrix study guide & practice tests for the Praxis — prep with confidence.
Alternative Paths to Certification in Maryland
If you have a bachelor's degree in another field or relevant professional experience, these routes may let you enter the classroom sooner while completing certification requirements.
- Resident Teacher Certificate (RTC): Teach while completing an approved preparation program
- Teach For America (active in Baltimore City and Prince George's County)
- Career and Technical Education certification for industry professionals
Out-of-State Certification & Reciprocity
Maryland participates in the NASDTEC compact. Out-of-state educators with valid certificates may receive reciprocal licensure; content exams may be required.
Tip: If you hold a valid teaching license from another state, contact Maryland State Department of Education directly about your reciprocity options before re-taking any exams. Many states streamline the process for experienced educators.
What Will You Earn in Maryland?
Now that you know how to get certified, find out what to expect to earn. Maryland teachers start around $47,000 and average $73,444 per year statewide.
Maryland Teacher Salary Guide →Ready to apply?
Browse current teaching positions in Maryland — apply directly on district sites.
Data sources: Maryland State Department of Education. Certification requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Maryland State Department of Education before beginning a preparation program. EduJobsBoard is not affiliated with any state education department.
Frequently asked questions about teaching in Maryland
- How do I become a teacher in Maryland?
- Maryland certification is administered by Maryland State Department of Education. The standard path is a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution from an approved teacher-prep program, completion of state-required exams (Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying SAT/ACT/GRE scores), Praxis Subject Assessments, edTPA), and a background check. Total timeline is approximately 12–18 months traditional; RTC pathway allows immediate classroom entry with completion over 2 years.
- What exams are required to teach in Maryland?
- Maryland requires the following exams: Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying SAT/ACT/GRE scores) (Basic reading, writing, and mathematics); Praxis Subject Assessments (Content knowledge for your certification area); edTPA (Performance assessment during student teaching). Most are computer-based and offered year-round at testing centers.
- How long is a Maryland teaching license valid?
- The initial Standard Professional I Certificate is valid for 2 years. After meeting professional development and experience requirements, you can advance to the Standard Professional II Certificate which is valid for 5 years, renewable.
- Can I teach in Maryland with a license from another state?
- Maryland participates in the NASDTEC compact. Out-of-state educators with valid certificates may receive reciprocal licensure; content exams may be required.
- Are there alternative routes to teaching in Maryland?
- Resident Teacher Certificate (RTC): Teach while completing an approved preparation program; Teach For America (active in Baltimore City and Prince George's County); Career and Technical Education certification for industry professionals