MSDE Certification Requirements

The Maryland State Department of Education requires all individuals employed as teachers, administrators or specialists in Maryland public schools to obtain certification.

Student

Licensure to teach in Maryland at the secondary school level (grades 7– 12) schools can be achieved by satisfying the steps below.

Please note that you should:

  • Check the for updates to the scores listed below (including Praxis I).
  • Check the for scores and other requirements.
  • Check the for more information on the Praxis Tests.

A. Obtain a minimum qualifying score on the Basic Skills Assessment (if needed)

Teacher Candidates applying for certification in all academic content areas must demonstrate mastery of basic reading, writing, and math skills. Those teacher candidates who submit a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on their most recently earned degree are not required to submit a basic skills assessment.  Candidates who do not have an overall GPA of 3.0, must present one of the assessments listed below.

  • Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): combined score for critical reading and
    mathematics – 1180
  • American College Testing (ACT): composite score – 24
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE): combined score for verbal and quantitative – 297
  • Praxis exam

Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: Applicants must meet the minimum qualifying score in each of the three skills test areas (Effective 9/1/2014).

Computer Format Code Praxis: Core Academic Skills for Educators Minimum Qualifying Score
5712 Reading 156
5722 Writing 162
5732 Mathematics 150


B. Obtain a minimum qualifying score for the content section of the Praxis II.

Paper Format Code Computer Format Code  Praxis II: Licensure Area Minimum Qualifying Score
0235 5235 Biology: Content Knowledge 150
0245 5245 Chemistry
– calculator prohibited
153
0571 5571 Earth/Space Science
– calculator prohibited calculator provided
152
  5165
Mathematics
- on-screen graphing calculator provided;
Effective 9/1/2022
Accepted upon release in 2021
159
  5161
Mathematics
- on-screen graphing calculator provided;
Accepted until 8/30/2023 if taken prior to 9/1/2022
160
   
 
 
0265 5265 Physics
– calculator prohibited
143

C. Complete a Maryland Approved Program [ex: Towson UTeach program] or

an approved out-of-state program.

D. Applying to MSDE for Certification