Montgomery County Public Schools

Human Resources and Development → Educator Certification Information → New Educators

Certification Information for New Educators

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. Please contact a member of the Certification Unit  with any and all questions about your Maryland Educator Certificate, local MCPS contingencies, salary advancement, course applicability, and equivalent credit applicability. NOTE: Information given by any other office or MCPS employee may not pertain to your specific needs or circumstances. 

 Please be sure that you have reviewed and completed any required instructions on the Step-by-Step document applicable to you (see links below under Getting Started), especially the general timeline so you are aware of the time it takes to review, notify, and process all new MCPS educators.

Sometime during the school year, you will receive an Outlook email with attached certification information specific to you from the Certification Unit.  The notification will contain your specific certification status and any needs, requirements, contingencies and/or outstanding documentation that you might have.  Make sure you retain a copy of the certification information that will be sent to you in your personal files and contact our office with any questions.  Always read any notification or email that you receive from the Certification Unit and respond accordingly .  Have a great year with MCPS!    
 

Getting Started

Step by Step Process for NEW TO MARYLAND Educators (PDF)
(Educator who is new to Maryland and does not hold a Maryland Educator Certificate)
Welcome to MCPS! This is a Step-by-Step guide to the process for completing all required forms as a new MCPS educator who does NOT hold a Maryland educator certificate.

How to Initial and Sign Application Using Adobe Reader (PDF)
This document is related to the above Step by Step Process for NEW TO MARYLAND Educators document only and provides instructions for how to initial and sign your required Application for initial Maryland certification.

Step by Step Process for MARYLAND CERTIFIED Educators (PDF)
(Educators with a Maryland Educator Professional Eligibility, Standard or Advanced Certificate)
Welcome to MCPS! This is a Step-by-Step guide to the process for a new MCPS educator who holds or has previously held a Maryland educator certificate.

 Step by Step Process for MSBE License Holders (PDF)
(Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists)
Welcome to MCPS! This is a Step-by-Step guide to the process for a new MCPS specialist who holds a Maryland State Board of Examiners (MSBE) license (limited or regular).

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.

AD Supplemental Pay (PDF)
for only Athletic Directors who hold a NATIONAL License/Certificate. 

National Board Certification

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

More NBPTS Web Links

Certification home page