Human Resources → Educator Certification → MSDE General Certificate Info
Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) General Certificate Information
Description
A Maryland teaching certificate is your license to teach in an accredited public school in the state of Maryland. All teachers, specialists, and administrators or supervisors in a position directly related to the instruction program in the state are required to hold a Maryland certificate. Maryland teaching certificates have an issuance date of either January 1 or July 1. Professionals who begin service between January 1 and June 30 will be issued a certificate valid January 1. Those who begin service between July and December 31 will be issued a certificate valid July 1.
All official documents verifying completion of certificate renewal requirements must be submitted to the Certification Unit by the expiration of the professional certificate so that continuous employment is not jeopardized. As stated in the Regular Contract (COMAR 13A.07.02.01B): This contract shall automatically terminate if the employee ceases to hold a professional certificate.
How and Where to Keep Your Certificate
As with all licenses, it should be treated as an important document. It is recommended that your certificate be kept in a personal certification file so that you can refer to it for information. As stated on the actual certificate: It is the responsibility of the holder of this certificate to know the current requirements and to renew this certificate prior to the expiration date.
** FAILURE TO MEET RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS **
Failure to meet your renewal requirements will result in a salary penalty, loss of tenure, and conditional certification or termination of permanent employment status, depending on your individual circumstances.
PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO MEET CERTIFICATION RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS
Professionals who fail to meet standard certificate renewal requirements are issued a Class II Conditional Certificate valid for two years. They also will receive a provisional contract and will lose tenure. Experience completed under a Class II certificate will not apply toward salary advancement and the anniversary month will be changed by the number of months needed to complete renewal requirements. Failure to meet the remaining credits by the expiration of the Conditional Certificate will result in termination of employment.
CONDITIONAL CERTIFICATE
Please note that COMAR 13A.12.01.11A(3) states that “the local school system may request a conditional certificate…for an employee who fails to meet the renewal requirements of the professional certificate.” In addition, COMAR 13A.12.01.11C states that “an applicant may hold only one Conditional Teacher Certificate…”; therefore, once you reinstate your professional certificate, then failure to complete the requirements to keep your professional certificate in good standing each subsequent renewal cycle will result in termination of employment.
CLASS II STATUS
Certificates are rated Class II because of failure to meet renewal requirements. In each case, the professional whose certificate is rated Class II will be notified of the change. All other certificates are rated Class I.
View and Download Your Digital Certificate
View and download your digital certificate from the Educator Information System (EIS) at MSDE
IMPORTANT: Please review your certificate and contact the Certification Unit about any discrepancies.
Type of Maryland Certificates
Click on the certificate type below for information on how to renew the certificate or move to the next certificate.
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