District of Columbia → Maryland
Transferring your teaching license from District of Columbia to Maryland
Transfer pathway available — expect Maryland exams + likely an interim license
District of Columbia and Maryland both participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, so a transfer pathway exists — but it isn't automatic. Expect Maryland's certification exams (such as the Praxis Core Academic Skills) and often a time-limited interim license while you complete any remaining requirements.
See 519 open teaching jobs in Maryland →License transfer finder
Your current credential (District of Columbia)
- Issuing authority
- Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE)
- License type
- Initial Teaching License (4 years)
- Reciprocity policy
- DC evaluates out-of-state teaching credentials individually. OSSE generally honors valid licenses from NASDTEC-participating states; additional Praxis content-area exams may be required to upgrade from an Initial to a Standard license.
Maryland certification
- Issuing authority
- Maryland State Department of Education
- License you'll earn
- Standard Professional I Certificate (2 years)
- Typical timeline
- 12–18 months traditional; RTC pathway allows immediate classroom entry with completion over 2 years
- Maryland reciprocity policy
- Maryland participates in the NASDTEC compact. Out-of-state educators with valid certificates may receive reciprocal licensure; content exams may be required.
Exams typically required in Maryland
Out-of-state applicants are usually asked to demonstrate content-area knowledge on Maryland's preferred exams, even when basic-skills testing is waived through reciprocity. Plan for one or more of the following:
- 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
Pass the Praxis exam
Mometrix study guide & practice tests for the Praxis — prep with confidence.
Steps to transfer your license
- Verify your District of Columbia credential is current. Maryland will request a verification of your active Initial Teaching License from Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).
- Apply through Maryland State Department of Education. The application packet typically includes official transcripts, prior teaching service verification, and a fingerprint-based background check.
- Sit for any Maryland-specific exams. Most states honor out-of-state content-area exams when scores meet their cutoff, but Maryland may require an additional jurisprudence or state-specific assessment.
- Apply to Maryland districts that match your endorsement. We're currently tracking 519 active openings — browse Maryland teaching jobs to start identifying districts.
Common questions
Can I teach in Maryland with a District of Columbia teaching license?
District of Columbia and Maryland both participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, so a transfer pathway exists — but it isn't automatic. Expect Maryland's certification exams (such as the Praxis Core Academic Skills) and often a time-limited interim license while you complete any remaining requirements.
What exams are required to teach in Maryland?
Maryland typically requires the Praxis Core Academic Skills exam(s) for your subject area.
How long does transferring a teaching license to Maryland take?
Typically 12–18 months traditional; RTC pathway allows immediate classroom entry with completion over 2 years.
Who issues teaching licenses in Maryland?
Teaching licenses in Maryland are issued by Maryland State Department of Education.