Maryland → District of Columbia
Transferring your teaching license from Maryland to District of Columbia
Transfer pathway available — expect District of Columbia exams + likely an interim license
Maryland and District of Columbia both participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, so a transfer pathway exists — but it isn't automatic. Expect District of Columbia's certification exams (such as the PLT) and often a time-limited interim license while you complete any remaining requirements.
See 1 open teaching jobs in District of Columbia →License transfer finder
Your current credential (Maryland)
- Issuing authority
- Maryland State Department of Education
- License type
- Standard Professional I Certificate (2 years)
- Reciprocity policy
- Maryland participates in the NASDTEC compact. Out-of-state educators with valid certificates may receive reciprocal licensure; content exams may be required.
District of Columbia certification
- Issuing authority
- Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE)
- License you'll earn
- Initial Teaching License (4 years)
- Typical timeline
- 12–18 months traditional; DC Teaching Fellows and Capital Teaching Residency place candidates in classrooms during the residency year
- District of Columbia 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.
Exams typically required in District of Columbia
Out-of-state applicants are usually asked to demonstrate content-area knowledge on District of Columbia'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
- Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT)Pedagogy and professional knowledge
Pass the Praxis exam
Mometrix study guide & practice tests for the Praxis — prep with confidence.
Steps to transfer your license
- Verify your Maryland credential is current. District of Columbia will request a verification of your active Standard Professional I Certificate from Maryland State Department of Education.
- Apply through Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). The application packet typically includes official transcripts, prior teaching service verification, and a fingerprint-based background check.
- Sit for any District of Columbia-specific exams. Most states honor out-of-state content-area exams when scores meet their cutoff, but District of Columbia may require an additional jurisprudence or state-specific assessment.
- Apply to District of Columbia districts that match your endorsement. We're currently tracking 1 active openings — browse District of Columbia teaching jobs to start identifying districts.
Common questions
Can I teach in District of Columbia with a Maryland teaching license?
Maryland and District of Columbia both participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, so a transfer pathway exists — but it isn't automatic. Expect District of Columbia's certification exams (such as the PLT) and often a time-limited interim license while you complete any remaining requirements.
What exams are required to teach in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia typically requires the PLT exam(s) for your subject area.
How long does transferring a teaching license to District of Columbia take?
Typically 12–18 months traditional; DC Teaching Fellows and Capital Teaching Residency place candidates in classrooms during the residency year.
Who issues teaching licenses in District of Columbia?
Teaching licenses in District of Columbia are issued by Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).