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Submitting Official Transcripts, MSDE CPD Credit Slips and Other Documentation for Certification and Salary Advancement

Where to Submit Transcripts

Upon completion of coursework, submit ORIGINAL, OFFICIAL transcripts directly to the Certification Unit. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: we cannot accept copies, faxes, unofficials or computer printouts. Also, please do not use Form 475-1, Request for Advanced Salary Placement, when submitting coursework unless you are qualified for a salary lane change.    

Traditional Paper Transcripts

If submitting a traditional paper transcript, please make sure all coursework, grades, credits and degree, if applicable, are posted on the transcript before requesting it from the college/university. 

• Official traditional paper transcripts must be submitted to the certification unit in the sealed envelope issued by the college/university. 
• IMPORTANT NOTE: Transcripts removed from the sealed envelope first received by the educator and then delivered to our office in a personal envelope will not be accepted as official.  

Electronic Transcripts

If submitting an electronic transcript, please note that the electronic transcript must be sent directly from the university’s transcript exchange provider (i.e., Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, E-Scrip-Safe, SPEEDE, etc.) to the Outlook email address for the certification unit at Certification@mcpsmd.org.  We cannot accept an electronic transcript that you receive and then forward to us either via email or in paper format.  We also cannot accept the transcript from the college sent via fax or email.   

Transcripts for Credits Taken Through MCPS

Continuing Professional Development credits (CPDs) taken through MCPS are automatically sent to the Certification Unit for all contracted teachers, specialists and administrators.  Therefore, you do not need to submit your copy, but should retain it in your records for future reference.

If you took any Studying Skillful Teaching (SST) or Observing and Analyzing Teaching (OAT) courses for graduate credit, you must submit an original, official transcript for these courses to our unit.   

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Your PDO transcript will not be accepted as official documentation for completed coursework.  

MSDE Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Credit Slips

If you have completed MSDE CPD courses through another Maryland school system, MSDE, or MSDE approved course provider (i.e., Thinkport, PBS Teacherline), please complete the MSDE CPD Credit Form provided by the course instructor with your name, last 4 digits of your SSN, and school/work location, and then submit the original, official MSDE credit slip via email to the MCPS CPD Registrar, Michele_M_Gessford@mcpsmd.org OR via mail to the address below:  

Attn:  CPD Registrar
Montgomery County Public Schools OHRD
45 W. Gude Drive, Suite 2300
Rockville, MD  20850

After the MSDE CPD credit slip has been reviewed, it must be approved and signed by the MSDE Professional Development Liaison for MCPS. You will be informed at the completion of this process and the original signed CPD credit slip will be added to your official MSDE TEACH account and MCPS certification records within 5-7 business days. You may then download a digital copy for your personal records from your MSDE TEACH account.

If You Want To Add An Endorsement

If you are submitting official coursework (or Praxis Test scores) and wish to have an endorsement (subject area) added to your certificate, please include a note requesting that your file be reviewed for that purpose. 
*Be sure to review detailed information and instructions on our Adding Endorsements webpage.  

Tuition Reimbursement -- this is NOT a service provided by the certification unit

Please note that the Certification Unit does not process tuition reimbursement or handle any aspect of that process. For all issues regarding tuition reimbursement, you must be in touch with that unit.  Review the MCPS Tuition Reimbursement website for detailed information about their policies, processes and requirements, and how to contact them if you have questions. 

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