1. A. Pathways to Initial Teacher Licenses. Applicants shall meet the requirements of one pathway to earn initial teacher licensure.

   1. (1) Maryland Approved Program. Teacher candidates who complete a Maryland approved educator preparation program as set forth in COMAR 13A.07.06 shall meet the following requirements:

      1. (a) Bachelor’s degree or higher;
      2. (b) Completion of an approved program as set forth in COMAR 13A.07.06;

      3. (c) Documentation of one of the following:

         1. (i) Passing score as established by the State Superintendent of Schools on a basic literacy skills assessment as approved by the State Board of Education;
         2. (ii) Minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the most recently earned degree; or
         3. (iii) Three years of effective evaluations from a local school system in Maryland.
      4. (d) Passing scores as established by the State Superintendent of Schools on a content licensure test approved by the State Board of Education;
      5. (e) Passing scores as established by the State Superintendent of Schools on a reading instruction licensure test approved by the State Board of Education, or attestation of proficiency through observation completed by a Department-recognized assessor using a Department-provided observation tool; and

      6. (f) Meet one of the following qualifications:

         1. (i) Passing score as established by the State Superintendent of Schools on a nationally recognized, portfolio-based performance assessment approved by the State Board of Education; or
         2. (ii) Completion of a comprehensive local school system teacher induction program that meets the requirements listed under §B(2) of this regulation.

   2. (2) In-District Training Program. Teacher candidates who are hired as a teacher of record in a Maryland local school system may complete a Department-approved in-district training program. Candidates seeking licensure under the in-district pathway shall meet the following requirements:

      1. (a) Possession of a conditional license in the subject area and at the grade level of the license sought.

      2. (b) Demonstration of content knowledge by completing the following:

         1. (i) Bachelor’s degree or higher related to the field of the license sought;
         2. (ii) Bachelor's degree or higher in any field and a minimum of 24 semester hours of content coursework related to the license sought, which may be completed in-person, virtually, synchronously, and/or asynchronously; or
         3. (iii) Bachelor's degree or higher in any field and passing scores as established by the State Superintendent of Schools on a content licensure test approved by the State Board of Education

      3. (c) Completion of a Maryland induction program under COMAR 13A.07.01 that includes:

         1. (i) On-site supervision and coaching;
         2. (ii) Ongoing instructional mentoring during the induction; and
         3. (iii) An effective, or comparable, rating on a summative evaluation of teaching performance at the end of the induction period.

      4. (d) Completion of a Department-approved sequence of pedagogical coursework, which may be completed in-person, virtually, synchronously, and/or asynchronously, as follows:

         1. (i) The teaching candidate shall ensure that this sequence of coursework is aligned to the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium standards; and
         2. (ii) The district and coursework provider shall agree to a memorandum of understanding.
      5. (e) Attestation from the district training program supervisor, or designee, school principal, and coursework provider, that the candidate is prepared for licensure.

      6. (f) Special Provisions. Candidates seeking licensure in the areas of elementary education, early childhood education, special education, and English to Speakers of Other Languages, shall complete additional requirements, as follows:

         1. (i) Candidates who fulfill §A(2)(b)(i) or (ii) of this regulation shall present 6 semester hours of coursework in each of the content areas of English, mathematics, science, and social studies; or
         2. (ii) Candidates who fulfill §A(2)(b)(iii) of this regulation shall submit passing scores on an approved elementary assessment that includes subtests in the content areas of English, mathematics, science, and social studies, each of which equals 6 semester hours of credit in that content area; and
         3. (iii) Passing score on a reading instruction test, approved by the State Board of Education, or provide attestation of proficiency through observation completed by a Department-recognized assessor using a Department-provided observation tool.

   3. (3) Experienced Nonpublic School Teacher. Experienced teacher candidates working in Maryland nonpublic schools approved under COMAR 13A.09.09 shall meet the following requirements:

      1. (a) Bachelor’s degree or higher related to the field of the license sought;
      2. (b) Verification of 5 years of effective teaching experience in the field and at the grade level of the license sought at a Maryland nonpublic school approved under COMAR 13A.09.09;

      3. (c) Meet one of the following qualifications:

         1. (i) Passing score as established by the State Superintendent of Schools on a nationally recognized, portfolio-based performance assessment approved by the State Board of Education;
         2. (ii) An effective, or comparable, rating on a year-end evaluation if the individual is employed by a Maryland local school system, State-operated school, or approved nonpublic school approved under COMAR 13A.09.10;
         3. (iii) Complete a comprehensive induction program under §B(2) of this regulation if the individual is employed by a Maryland local school system; or
         4. (iv) Hold a National Board Certificate from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; and
      4. (d) Special Provision. Candidates seeking licensure in the areas of elementary education, early childhood education, special education, and English to Speakers of Other Languages, shall submit of a passing score on a reading instruction test, approved by the State Board of Education, or provide attestation of proficiency through observation completed by a Department-recognized assessor using a Department-provided observation tool.

   4. (4) Out-of-State Teacher Preparation Program. Teacher candidates who complete a teacher preparation program in another state or foreign country shall meet the following requirements:

      1. (a) Bachelor’s degree or higher, or a U.S. equivalent of a foreign degree;
      2. (b) Complete a teacher preparation program, to include a clinical internship, approved to lead to licensure in another state or foreign country, in the license area being sought;

      3. (c) Meet one of the following qualifications:

         1. (i) Passing score as established by the State Superintendent of Schools on a nationally recognized, portfolio-based performance assessment approved by the State Board of Education;
         2. (ii) An effective, or comparable, rating on a year-end evaluation if the individual is employed by a Maryland local school system, State-operated school, or approved nonpublic school approved under COMAR 13A.09.10;
         3. (iii) Complete a comprehensive induction program under §B(2) of this regulation if the individual is employed by a Maryland local school system; or
         4. (iv) Hold a National Board Certificate from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; and
      4. (d) Special Provision. Candidates seeking licensure in the areas of elementary education, early childhood education, special education, and English to Speakers of Other Languages, shall submit a passing score on a reading instruction test, approved by the State Board of Education, or attestation of proficiency through observation completed by a Department-recognized assessor using a Department-provided observation tool.

   5. (5) Out-of-State License. Teacher candidates who hold a valid professional license/certificate from another state or foreign country shall meet the following requirements:

      1. (a) Bachelor’s degree or higher, or a U.S. equivalent for a foreign degree;
      2. (b) Valid, professional license or certificate from another state or foreign country in the license area being sought;

      3. (c) Meet one of the following qualifications:

         1. (i) Passing score as established by the State Superintendent of Schools on a portfolio-based performance assessment approved by the State Board of Education;
         2. (ii) An effective, or comparable, rating on a year-end evaluation if the individual is employed by a Maryland local school system, State-operated school, or approved nonpublic school approved under COMAR 13A.09.10;
         3. (iii) Complete a comprehensive induction program under §B(2) of this regulation if the individual is employed by a Maryland local school system; or
         4. (iv) Hold a National Board Certificate from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; and
      4. (d) Special Provision. Candidates seeking licensure in the areas of elementary education, early childhood education, special education, and English to Speakers of Other Languages, shall submit a passing score on a reading instruction test, approved by the State Board of Education, or provide an attestation of proficiency through observation completed by a Department-recognized assessor using a Department-provided observation tool.

   6. (6) National Board Certificate. Teacher candidates who hold a National Board Certificate shall meet the following requirements:

      1. (a) Bachelor’s degree or higher; and
      2. (b) National Board Certificate issued from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, for which a comparable Maryland license exists.

   7. (7) Fine Arts Transcript Analysis. Individuals with content expertise in the areas of art, dance, music, or theater shall:

      1. (a) Obtain a bachelor’s degree or higher in the fine arts content area being sought;
      2. (b) Obtain a bachelor’s degree or higher in a fine arts area related to the area of licensure being sought, and 3 years of satisfactory content-related occupational experience, which may include satisfactory post-secondary teaching experience; or

      3. (c) Obtain a bachelor’s degree or higher in any field with:

         1. (i) At least 24 semester hours of content coursework in the fine arts license area sought; or
         2. (ii) A passing score as established by the State Superintendent of Schools on a content assessment approved by the State Board of Education and 3 years of content-related occupational experience, which may include satisfactory post-secondary teaching experience in the area to be taught;

      4. (d) Complete 21 semester hours of credits of professional education coursework from an institution of higher education or through Department-approved continuing professional development credits, to include 3 credits for each of the following:

         1. (i) Methods of teaching;
         2. (ii) Introduction to special education;
         3. (iii) Human growth and development;
         4. (iv) Assessment;
         5. (v) Literacy in the content area;
         6. (vi) Culturally responsive teaching/multicultural education/strategies for multilingual learners; and
         7. (vii) Classroom management; and

      5. (e) Meet one of the following qualifications:

         1. (i) Obtain a passing score as established by the State Superintendent of Schools on a nationally recognized, portfolio-based performance assessment approved by the State Board of Education;
         2. (ii) Obtain effective, or comparable, ratings on two, year-end evaluations if the individual is employed by a Maryland local school system, State-operated school, or approved nonpublic school approved under COMAR 13A.09.10; or
         3. (iii) Complete a comprehensive induction program under §B(2) of this regulation if the individual is employed by a Maryland local school system.

   8. (8) Secondary Content Transcript Analysis. To earn a 7-12 grade band license, individuals with secondary content expertise shall meet the following requirements:

      1. (a) Obtain a bachelor’s degree or higher:

         1. (i) In the content area being sought;
         2. (ii) In any field with a minimum of 24 semester hours of content coursework in the area of license sought;
         3. (iii) In any field with 3 years of content-related occupational experience and a passing score as established by the State Superintendent of Schools on a content assessment approved by the State Board of Education; or
         4. (iv) In any field with 3 years of experience teaching at an accredited institution of higher education in the content area sought; and

      2. (b) Complete 21 semester hours of credits of professional education coursework from an institution of higher education or through Department-approved continuing professional development credits, to include 3 credits for each of the following:

         1. (i) Methods of teaching;
         2. (ii) Introduction to special education;
         3. (iii) Human growth and development;
         4. (iv) Assessment;
         5. (v) Literacy in the content area;
         6. (vi) Culturally responsive teaching/multicultural education/strategies for multilingual Learners; and
         7. (vii) Classroom management; and

      3. (c) Meet one of the following qualifications:

         1. (i) Obtain a passing score as established by the State Superintendent of Schools on a nationally recognized, portfolio-based performance assessment approved by the State Board of Education;
         2. (ii) Obtain effective, or comparable, ratings on two, year-end evaluations if the individual is employed by a Maryland local school system, State-operated school, or approved nonpublic school approved under COMAR 13A.09.10; or
         3. (iii) Complete a comprehensive induction program under § B(2) of this regulation if the individual is employed by a Maryland local school system.

2. B. Special Provisions.

   1. (1) The Department shall evaluate credits from institutions in other countries for comparability of degree and coursework by an independent agency authorized to analyze foreign credentials and designated by the Department. The evaluation is final.

   2. (2) Comprehensive Induction Program. A comprehensive induction program shall:

      1. (a) Be developed by a local school system, either independently or collaboratively with other local school systems;
      2. (b) Be approved by the Department;
      3. (c) Last the lesser of 3 years or the amount of time a teacher holds a conditional license; and
      4. (d) Include a locally developed portfolio component that is aligned with the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium Standards.

Authority: Education Article, §§2-205, 2-303(g), 6-701—6-708, 8-3A-03 and 8-701—8-708, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date:

For a history of certification requirements before January 1, 1989, see the Administrative History for COMAR 13A.07.01.

Regulations .01—.06, .08—.13, and .15—.48 adopted effective January 1, 1989 (15:26 Md. R. 2986)

Regulations .03, .05-1, .05-2, .05-3, .42, and .44 repealed effective October 30, 1989 (16:21 Md. R. 2262)

Regulations .03, .03-1, .05, .05-1, .05-2, .05-3, .42, .42-1, .44, and .44-1 adopted effective October 30, 1989 (16:21 Md. R. 2262)

Regulations .06, .06-1, .09, .09-1, .16, .16-1, .18, .18-1, .20, .21, .21-1, .21-2, .31, .31-1, .32, .32-1, .34, .34-1, .34-2, .34-3, .38, .38-1, .39, and .39-1 amended effective October 30, 1989 (16:21 Md. R. 2262)

Regulations .07 and .14 adopted effective April 3, 1989 (16:6 Md. R. 729)

Regulations .07, .13, .28, and .30 amended and recodified to Regulations .07-1, .13-1, .28-1, .30-1, respectively; new Regulations .07, .13, .28, and .30 adopted effective October 15, 1990 (17:20 Md. R. 2430)

Regulation .10 adopted effective July 9, 1990 (17:13 Md. R. 1613)

Regulation .11 repealed, and new Regulations .11 and .11-1 adopted effective December 25, 1989 (16:25 Md. R. 2713)

Regulation .14 amended effective August 31, 1992 (19:17 Md. R. 1609)

Regulation .14B amended effective October 15, 1990 (17:20 Md. R. 2430)

Regulation .20 amended effective May 11, 1992 (19:9 Md. R. 880)

Regulation .21 amended effective May 11, 1992 (19:9 Md. R. 880)

Regulation .23 repealed, and new Regulations .23 and .23-1 adopted effective July 9, 1990 (17:13 Md. R. 1614)

Regulation .31 amended effective August 31, 1992 (19:17 Md. R. 1609)

Regulation .37 adopted effective October 16, 1989 (16:20 Md. R. 2183)

Regulations .37-1—.37-3 repealed, and new Regulations .37-1—.37-3 adopted effective October 16, 1989 (16:20 Md. R. 2183)

Regulation .43C amended effective May 13, 1991 (18:9 Md. R. 1010)

Regulation .46 adopted effective October 16, 1989 (16:20 Md. R. 2183)

Regulation .47 repealed and new Regulation .47 adopted effective July 1, 1994 (20:23 Md. R. 1805)

Chapter revised effective August 15, 1994 (21:16 Md. R. 1388)

Regulation .04 repealed effective September 3, 2001 (28:17 Md. R. 1558)

Regulation .08 repealed effective September 3, 2001 (28:17 Md. R. 1558)

Regulation .11 amended effective September 3, 2001 (28:17 Md. R. 1558)

Regulation .11B amended effective November 6, 1995 (22:22 Md. R. 1670)

Regulation .11-1 repealed effective September 12, 1994 (21:18 Md. R. 1512)

Regulation .12A amended effective September 12, 1994 (21:18 Md. R. 1512); September 23, 1996 (23:19 Md. R. 1376)

Regulation .13-1 repealed effective September 12, 1994 (21:18 Md. R. 1512)

Regulation .15B, C amended effective September 7, 1998 (25:18 Md. R. 1435)

Regulation .17B, C amended effective September 7, 1998 (25:18 Md. R. 1435)

Regulation .19 amended effective September 7, 1998 (25:18 Md. R. 1435)

Regulation .27 amended effective November 6, 1995 (22:22 Md. R. 1670)

Regulation .27 repealed effective September 3, 2001 (28:17 Md. R. 1558)

Regulation .28 amended effective September 3, 2001 (28:17 Md. R. 1558)

Regulation .29 amended effective September 3, 2001 (28:17 Md. R. 1558)

Regulation .29B, C amended effective November 6, 1995 (22:22 Md. R. 1670)

Regulation .30 amended effective September 3, 2001 (28:17 Md. R. 1558)

Regulation .33 amended effective November 6, 1995 (22:22 Md. R. 1670)

Regulation .35B amended effective November 6, 1995 (22:22 Md. R. 1670)

Regulation .40 amended effective September 7, 1998 (25:18 Md. R. 1435)

Regulation .40C amended effective September 23, 1996 (23:19 Md. R. 1376)

Regulation .43 amended effective September 7, 1998 (25:18 Md. R. 1435)

Regulation .45 amended effective November 6, 1995 (22:22 Md. R. 1670)

Regulation .45 repealed effective September 3, 2001 (28:17 Md. R. 1558)

Regulation .48 amended and recodified as .48-1 and new Regulation .48 adopted effective November 20, 1994 (21:23 Md. R. 1935)

Regulations .01—.48-1 repealed and new Regulations .01—.23 adopted effective January 20, 2003 (30:1 Md. R. 26)

Regulation .03A amended effective July 30, 2007 (34:15 Md. R. 1350)

Regulation .05 repealed and new Regulation .05 adopted effective September 11, 2006 (33:18 Md. R. 1506)

Regulation .06A amended effective May 16, 2011 (38:10 Md. R. 615); May 28, 2012 (39:10 Md. R. 661)

Regulation .07 repealed effective May 28, 2012 (39:10 Md. R. 661)

Regulation .08 repealed effective May 28, 2012 (39:10 Md. R. 661)

Regulation .08A amended effective May 16, 2011 (38:10 Md. R. 615)

Regulation .09—.11 repealed effective May 28, 2012 (39:10 Md. R. 661)

Regulation .12 repealed effective March 9, 2009 (36:5 Md. R. 423)

Regulation .13A amended effective May 16, 2011 (38:10 Md. R. 615)

Regulation .14 repealed effective May 28, 2012 (39:10 Md. R. 661)

Regulation .14A amended effective May 16, 2011 (38:10 Md. R. 615)

Regulation .15 amended effective May 28, 2012 (39:10 Md. R. 661)

Regulation .15A amended effective July 3, 2017 (44:13 Md. R. 622)

Regulation .16 amended effective May 16, 2011 (38:10 Md. R. 615)

Regulation .16B amended effective July 3, 2017 (44:13 Md. R. 622)

Regulation .17A amended effective May 16, 2011 (38:10 Md. R. 615); May 28, 2012 (39:10 Md. R. 661)

Regulation .18A amended effective March 9, 2009 (36:5 Md. R. 423)

Regulation .19C amended effective July 30, 2007 (34:15 Md. R. 1350)

Regulation .21 amended effective October 23, 2017 (44:21 Md. R. 984)

Regulation .22 amended effective December 9, 2004 (31:24 Md. R. 1728)

Regulation .23 amended effective July 7, 2014 (41:13 Md. R. 753)

Regulation .23D amended effective June 17, 2019 (46:12 Md. R. 547)

Regulation .24 adopted effective March 22, 2010 (37:6 Md. R. 480)

Regulation .25 adopted effective October 4, 2010 (37:20 Md. R. 1395)

Regulation .26 adopted effective October 4, 2010 (37:20 Md. R. 1395)

Regulation .27 adopted effective March 5, 2012 (39:4 Md. R. 338)

Regulation .28 adopted effective May 28, 2012 (39:10 Md. R. 661)

Regulation .29 adopted effective July 7, 2014 (41:13 Md. R. 753)

Regulations .01—.29 repealed under Subtitle 12 Certification Chapter 02 Teachers and new Regulations .01—.08 adopted under Subtitle 12 Educator Licensure Chapter 02 Teachers effective April 1, 2024 (51:5 Md R. 231)

Regulation .03 amended effective March 3, 2025 (52:4 Md. R. 220); March 2, 2026 (53:4 Md. R. 186)

Regulation .06C amended effective March 3, 2025 (52:4 Md. R. 220)

Regulation .07A amended effective March 3, 2025 (52:4 Md. R. 220)