Maryland Teaching Certificate Requirements

Maryland offers the Resident Teacher Certificate (RTC) as the primary alternative certification pathway. Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree with a 2.75 GPA, pass the Praxis content exam, and be employed by a Maryland school system. They complete a state-approved alternative preparation program while teaching under a mentor. The program typically takes 2 years. Urban Teachers operates a well-known residency program in Baltimore.

Maryland requires 6 semester hours of approved credit for renewal of the SPC every 5 years. Credits must be in the teacher's certification area or professional education. To advance to the Advanced Professional Certificate (APC), teachers must earn a master's degree or accumulate 36 graduate credits beyond the bachelor's degree. Continuing professional development activities approved by the local school system may also fulfill some requirements.

Maryland evaluates out-of-state certificates on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with a valid out-of-state certificate may receive a Maryland SPC or PEC if they meet comparable requirements.

Additional requirements: Out-of-state applicants must submit official transcripts, verification of licensure, pass required Praxis exams (if not already passed with Maryland cut scores), and complete a Maryland background check. Maryland may issue a Resident Teacher Certificate to out-of-state candidates who need to complete additional requirements.