Welcome to the Web site of the MCPS Certification Unit that works directly with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to provide certification services for MCPS professional employees. Once employed by MCPS as a contracted educator, specialist or administrator, MCPS handles ALL of your certification via its direct access to the MSDE's Educator Information System (EIS).

If you are not a contracted MCPS educator OR if you are an MCPS supporting services employee or substitute teacher, you must contact MSDE directly for certification services at 1-410-767-0412 or toll-free at 1-866-772-8922 or at www.mdcert.org.

MSDE General Certificate Information
Everything you always wanted to know, but were afraid to ask, about obtaining and renewing your MD teaching certificate.

Quick Reference-MSDE Certificate Renewal Information
After downloading your certificate, save this notice for renewal information.

Testing: Praxis/ACTFL
Information on Praxis II and ACTFL Tests (Specialty or Subject/Content Area Assessments)

FAQs - All Professional Staff

Salary Advancement Information
How do I move to a new salary lane if I am a contracted MCPS professional employee on the MCEA salary schedule?
Supplemental Pay
for Guidance Counselors, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, School Psychologists & Speech Pathologists who hold NATIONAL License. Click here to find out more.

Adding New Endorsements to Teaching Certificate
Want to add another certification subject area to your MD teaching certificate?

Obtaining the Advanced Professional Certificate (APC) EARLY
If you qualify & want the APC prior to your standard professional certificate renewal. 

Reading Coursework Requirements & Info
What are the MSDE reading requirements & where can I find the courses I need?

Local MCPS Contingencies and Requirements Information

Post-Baccalaureate Record (PBR) Information
Learn more about your PBR and how to request it.

MSBE License Renewal Information for Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists & Speech Pathologists

No Child Left Behind
Link to latest MSDE HOUSSE Rubric(s) & Highly Qualified (HQ) instructions

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification
Click here for frequently asked questions and contact information.

More NBPTS Web Links

Submitting OFFICIAL Transcripts for Certification, Local Contingencies and Salary Advancement

MCPS Form 475-1
Request for Advanced Salary Placement

MCPS Form 440-34
Verification of Equivalent Activities for Advanced Professional Certificate (APC) Renewal

MCPS Form 440-36
Five-Year Certificate Renewal Plan for the Standard Professional Certificate 2 to Obtain the Advanced Professional Certificate

MCPS Form 440-37
Five-Year Certificate Renewal Plan for Renewal of the Advanced Professional Certificate (APC)

MCPS Form 440-5
Credit Applicability Verification

Credit Applicability Information

Approved Foreign Evaluation Agencies
Information concerning credential evaluation for individuals with foreign transcripts

Commonly Used Acronyms & Abbreviations