Certification News
WELCOME TO MCPS! We hope you will take a moment to check out our certification website. It contains a wealth of information related to your certification needs, salary advancement, local requirements and much, much more.
REMINDER: Please be sure that you have reviewed and completed all the instructions on the Step-by-Step document that you received with your offer letter (see link below).
Important Notice for all New MCPS Educators hired after July 1, 2011: We are currently reviewing all of your records. Once we have completed our review, you will be sent an email with attached certification information specific to you. Please review the forthcoming email and all attached information carefully and contact our office with any questions you may have about your certification status.
Getting Started
Step by Step Process for New MCPS Educators (PDF)
Welcome to MCPS! This is a Step-by-step guide to the process for completing all necessary forms as a new MCPS employee.
Memorandum to all NEW Professional Staff (2011-2012) (PDF)
This memorandum will inform you about state certification requirements and local contingencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out our FAQ for new hires for answers to your questions.
Requirements and Testing
Form 440-24: Requirements for Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)
A step-by-step Guide to understanding your Form 440-24.
Testing Requirements for New Educators: Praxis/ACTFL (PDF)
MSDE Test Requirements for Beginning Teachers, Specialists & Administrators
Reading Coursework Requirements & Info
What are the MSDE reading requirements & where can I find the courses I need?
Local MCPS Contingencies and Requirements Information
What are local contingencies?
Salary Advancement and Supplemental Pay
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 (PDF)
for Guidance Counselors, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, School Psychologists & Speech Pathologists who hold a NATIONAL License/Certificate.
No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Highly Qualified Status
No Child Left Behind (NCLB) (PDF)
Link to latest MSDE HOUSSE Rubric(s) & Highly Qualified (HQ) instructions
National Board Certification
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification
Frequently asked questions and contact information.
More NBPTS Web Links
Certification home page