Q: Who must hold a Maryland certificate?
A: Contracted educators, specialists, and administrators employed in Maryland Public School Systems are required to hold a certificate issued by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
Q: As a new hire, how long will it take for me to receive my certificate?
A: New Hire certificates will be issued within 8-12 weeks after receiving all required documentation from the Staffing Office and/or educator. The $10 certificate fee is to be paid by the educator within their TEACH Profile.
Q: I took some courses abroad; will you accept those credits?
A: College credits earned from an institution outside of the United States require a course-by-course evaluation from an agency approved by MSDE.
Q: What does the term "acceptable" credit mean?
A: Acceptable credit is defined as credit taken at a regionally accredited institution of higher education (IHE) or through Prince George's County Public Schools as in-service (CPD) credit. Coursework must relate to teaching or work assignment or another field leading towards a certification endorsement. Courses must carry a grade of "C" or better and must be earned within 5 years immediately preceding the date on which the certificate is issued or endorsement is requested.
Q: How do I add another teaching subject to my certificate?
A: If you hold a Standard Professional Certificate (SPC) or Advanced Professional Certificate (APC), you can add an endorsement by presenting a passing score report on appropriate Praxis II content tests. Additional coursework is not required; however, if the subject does not have a Praxis II content area test, then the coursework is required, and an evaluation is needed.
Q: I just completed my master’s degree. Will my certificate change?
A: Yes. Certificate and degree changes will be made upon receipt and review of the official transcript.
Q: I just received my master’s degree. Can I just submit a letter from the college, or do you need a transcript?
A: An official transcript documenting the date the degree was conferred must verify changes in degree status. A letter from the college or university verifying the completion of degree requirements is not acceptable for certification or salary purposes. Records cannot be updated; certification requests will only be processed with official documentation.
Q: My college does not issue grade slips with a seal. Can I submit a grade slip I print online or a copy of my grade slip?
A: No, photocopies of grade reports, transcripts, and/or Internet grades will not be accepted. You must submit an official transcript(s).
Q: Are quarter hours equivalent to semester credit hours?
A: No. A quarter-hour equals only two-thirds of a semester credit hour (1 qtr. hour = 2/3 semester). Click here to download a conversion table.
Q: What kind of classes may I take?
A: You may take any coursework that is related to your current assignment, an anticipated educational assignment, or to the general field of education, with the exception of law, real estate, and religion.
Q: What is senior teacher exemption, and how do I qualify?
A: If you are a contracted educator and have completed twenty-five (25) years of teaching experience in an acceptable public or non-public school and/or are fifty-five (55) years of age at the time of renewal, you are senior teacher exempt. This exemption is on a year-to-year basis and approved by MSDE and the superintendent of PGCPS.
Q: What happens if I allow my certificate to expire without meeting the renewal requirements?
A: As a result of not renewing your certificate, your salary may be frozen on a step, your employment status may be changed to long-term substitute without benefits, or your employment contract may be rendered null and void.
