Pathways to Initial Licensure

Teachers

​Pathway
 ​Requirements
​Maryland-Approved Program
​Experienced Nonpublic School Teacher
  • ​Bachelor's degree or higher in the field of the license sought
  • Verification of five years of effective teaching experience in the subject area and grade level(s) of the license sought at a Maryland-approved private school.
  • Passing score (159) on the Praxis 5205 Teaching Reading Elementary licensure assessment if applying for early childhood, elementary, generic special education, or ESOL licensure
  • Beginning July 1, 2025:
    • Passing score on a portfolio-based performance assessment; or
    • A National Board Certificate; or
    • An effective rating on a year-end evaluation if employed by a Maryland local school system, Maryland-operated school, or Maryland special education school
​Out-of-State Program
  • ​Bachelor's degree or higher, or the U.S. equivalent of a foreign degree
  • Completion of a teacher preparation program, including a clinical internship, that is approved to lead to licensure in another state or country in the license area being sought
  • Passing score (159) on the Praxis 5205 Teaching Reading Elementary licensure assessment if applying for early childhood, elementary, generic special education, or ESOL licensure
  • Beginning July 1, 2025:
    • Passing score on a portfolio-based performance assessment or
    • A National Board Certificate; or
    • An effective rating on a year-end evaluation if employed by a Maryland local school system, Maryland-operated school, or Maryland special education school
​Out-of-State License
  • ​Bachelor's degree or higher, or the U.S. equivalent of a foreign degree
  • Valid, professional license from another state or country in the area of licensure being sought
  • Passing score (159) on the Praxis 5205 Teaching Reading Elementary licensure assessment if applying for early childhood, elementary, generic special education, or ESOL licensure
  • Beginning July 1, 2025:
    • Passing score on a portfolio-based performance assessment or
    • A National Board Certificate; or
    • An effective rating on a year-end evaluation if employed by a Maryland local school system, Maryland-operated school, or Maryland special education school
​National Board Certification

Download the printable Pathways to Teacher Licensure guide


Montessori Teachers

Applicants who present the following are eligible for a Montessori Professional License:

Please note that a Montessori Professional License may only be used to teach students in a public school that uses Montessori instruction as the primary mode of instruction, or a Montessori private school that the MSDE approves.


Specialists

In Maryland, each specialist area has individual qualifications. Please click on the area below to view the requirements for initial licensure.


Administrators/Supervisors

In Maryland, each administrator and supervisor area has individual qualifications. Please click on the area below to view the requirements for initial licensure.


Public Librarians