If you have not already done so, create a portal account. Documents received prior to the creation of a portal account will be discarded.
If you are a veteran, current service member, spouse of a veteran, or surviving spouse of a veteran, please follow the steps below to receive expedited service.
You must still meet the requirements of certifications found in COMAR
13A.12.01.04.
Step 1.
To request your initial Maryland certificate, submit the following:
A. Service Status: Veteran, spouse of a veteran, or surviving spouse of a veteran:
- A cover letter with your name, service status, complete mailing address, date of birth, social security number, personal email address, and the area of certification you are seeking. Day time telephone number is encouraged
- Official transcript(s) in an unopened mailer for all course work taken (community college, baccalaureate, post-baccalaureate, if applicable). Your transcript must show the degree earned and date of conferral. Student copies in an unopened mailer are also acceptable
- Photocopy of DD form 214, with Discharge under Circumstances other than Dishonorable
- Photocopy of marriage certificate(spouse/surviving spouse)/death certificate (surviving spouse)
- If you are certified in another state, submit a photocopy of that state certificate and tests scores taken to obtain that certificate or verification of satisfactory experience (minimum 2 years)
- An initial application for certification
B. Service status: Current service member or spouse of current service member:
- A cover letter with your name, service status, complete mailing address, date of birth, social security number, personal email address, and the area of certification you are seeking. Day time telephone number is encouraged
- Official transcript(s) in an unopened mailer for all course work taken (community college, baccalaureate, post-baccalaureate, if applicable). Your transcript must show the degree earned and date of conferral. Student copies in an unopened mailer are also acceptable
- Photocopy of military orders assigning duty station
- Photocopy of marriage certificate
- If you are certified in another state, submit a photocopy of that state certificate and tests scores taken to obtain that certificate or verification of satisfactory experience (minimum 2 years)
- An initial application for certification
Send your complete packet to:
Maryland State Department of Education
Certification Branch
200 W. Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Step 2:
We will determine your eligibility for certification and notify you by email. Please do not submit a payment with your application packet.