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Certification Frequently Asked Questions - New Educators
Q: When will I hear from the MCPS Certification Unit about my certification?
A: New hire file reviews for certification requirements are done during the first semester for educators hired prior to January 1 and during the second semester for educators hired after January 1. After the file review is completed, an email is sent to you with accompanying certification information and instructions on next steps.
Q: When and how will I get my Maryland certificate?
A: After your new hire file is complete (no outstanding official transcripts, verification of experience, or other information), then your folder is processed through the Educator Information System (EIS). After you see the $10 certificate fee deducted from your paycheck, you should wait at least two weeks. Then you can log into the EIS to download your digital certificate
Q: Who do I contact if I have a question about my initial salary placement?
A: All questions regarding initial salary placement (salary lane or salary step) must be addressed to the Human Resources staffing coordinator that hired you.
Q: I have a Professional Eligibility Certificate (PEC) from Maryland. Why do I have to pay another certificate fee?
A: The PEC is a certificate for those not yet employed by a Maryland county. Since you are now employed by MCPS, the $10 certificate fee is automatically deducted for a standard or advanced professional certificate as required by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
Q: I submitted transcripts with my application packet. Why do I have to supply another one?
A: The information you submitted initially may not have included all the necessary course work and/or the degree conferral. In addition, you may have submitted a copy instead of an official document. If you feel you have already submitted the appropriate documentation for the transcript or item indicated on your Requirements and Contingencies form, please contact Valerie Railey, Staffing Assistant for contracts.
Q: Do I have to take the ETS Praxis series test(s) by the dates indicated on the Requirements and Contingencies for MSDE and MCPS form and how do I make sure that MCPS gets my scores?
A: Yes, you do and it is imperative that ALL required tests be passed during the validity period of the Conditional Degree Certificate (CDC). You will be issued only one CDC to pass all required tests. Register as early as possible and take the test(s) as often as necessary in order to pass. You should designate MSDE as a score recipient and also submit a copy of the test scores to the Certification Unit as soon as you receive the results.
PLEASE NOTE: If you need to complete course work and pass tests in order to qualify for a regular certificate, please review your contractual requirements for specific due dates.
Q: What is the difference between a provisional contract and regular contract?
A: MSDE issues two types of contracts. A regular contract is issued once you have met all requirements for standard certification and we have all the necessary official documents and test verifications. If we are missing the necessary items, you will continue to hold a provisional contract until you have provided the documentation.
If you are conditionally certified because you are teaching in a critical shortage area or you have a Class II certificate, you will continue to hold a provisional contract until you have met all outstanding requirements. Once we have received all the necessary documents and you are eligible for standard certification, you will receive a regular contract.
If you have other questions that have not been addressed above, please contact the Certification Unit.
Certification Information for New Educators page