A Maryland teaching license is not a lifetime credential. Every Maryland professional educator license has a finite validity period — currently five years — and must be renewed before expiration to remain in good standing and legally qualified to teach in Maryland public schools. The renewal system is designed to ensure that Maryland educators remain current in their professional knowledge, pedagogy, and cultural competency throughout their careers.
Maryland’s renewal framework underwent its most significant transformation in years on April 1, 2024, when the MSDE implemented new COMAR 13A.12 licensure regulations that converted the former certificate-based system to a license-based system, redefined renewal requirements, and established clearer procedures for advancement. The core renewal mechanism — 90 Professional Development Points (PDPs) submitted with an Individualized Professional Development Plan (IPDP) — remained consistent, but the April 2024 changes clarified how historical certificates convert to new licenses and established a transition framework for existing certificate holders.
Starting July 1, 2025, additional renewal requirements took effect for educators in early childhood, elementary, generic special education, and ESOL — requiring demonstration of science of reading proficiency at renewal. This is one of the most significant substantive renewal requirement changes in recent years and affects a large portion of Maryland’s teacher workforce.
This Prepsaret guide covers every aspect of Maryland teaching certificate renewal from primary sources: the MSDE Renewal and Advancement page, the MSDE IPDP document (March 2024), the HCPSS Licensure Renewal Requirements page, the MSDE Educator Licensure Overview (April 2024), the Calvert County Procedure 6120.1, Model Teaching Maryland PD requirements, and Teaching Channel’s Maryland renewal guide.
| Maryland Teaching Certificate Renewal — The Essential Facts |
| VALIDITY: Professional licenses (IPL, PL, APL) are valid for 5 years. |
| TWO PATHWAYS TO RENEW: (1) Earn or maintain National Board Certification (NBCT) within the validity period, OR (2) Submit an IPDP demonstrating 90 PDPs that include a minimum of 1 hour in each of four required topic areas. |
| FOUR REQUIRED TOPIC AREAS: Content/pedagogy in your license area; ESL/Sheltered English/Bilingual Education; Strategies for students with disabilities or differentiated instruction; Culturally Responsive Teaching or Diverse Student Identities. |
| PDP MATH: 1 contact hour = 1 PDP; 1 semester credit hour = 15 PDPs; 1 CEU = 10 PDPs. |
| SCIENCE OF READING (July 2025): Early Childhood, Elementary, Generic SpEd, and ESOL educators employed in Maryland LEAs must demonstrate science of reading proficiency at renewal. |
| IPDP: Required at renewal; developed at license issuance; supervisor approval required within 6 months of license issuance for LEA-employed educators. |
| APPLY THROUGH TEACH: All renewals submitted through the TEACH Dashboard at certificationhub.msde.maryland.gov; $10 fee. |
| Sources: MSDE Renewal and Advancement page (marylandpublicschools.org); MSDE IPDP Document (March 15, 2024); HCPSS Renewal Requirements page. |
Maryland Certificate Renewal: Key Numbers
| 5 yrs
License Validity Period IPL, PL, APL — MSDE Renewal page |
90
Professional Development Points Required per 5-year cycle — MSDE |
4
Mandatory PDP Topic Areas Minimum 1 hr each — MSDE Renewal |
July 2025
Science of Reading Deadline New renewal req. — Elementary/SpEd/ESOL |
| 15
PDPs per Semester Credit Hour 1 hr = 1 PDP; 1 CEU = 10 PDPs |
NBCT
Renews Without PDPs National Board Cert = full renewal |
$10
MSDE Renewal Fee Per MSDE; TEACH portal payment |
IPDP
Required Document Submit with TEACH renewal application |
Sources: MSDE Renewal and Advancement page (marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DEE/Certification/Renewal.aspx) — 5-yr validity; 90 PDPs; 4 mandatory topic areas; NBCT option; IPDP required; HCPSS Licensure Renewal Requirements page (hcpss.org) — 4 topic areas and additional requirements; Model Teaching Maryland PD page (modelteaching.com, Feb 18, 2026) — PDP math conversions (1 hr=1 PDP; 1 semester hr=15 PDPs; 1 CEU=10 PDPs); Science of Reading July 2025 effective; Calvert County Procedure 6120.1 — 90 PDPs per 5-yr cycle; grades C+ only; Montgomery County RTC page — $10 MSDE fee.
Legal Foundation: COMAR 13A.12 and the April 2024 Reforms
Maryland teaching license renewal is governed by the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR), Title 13A, Subtitle 12 — Education Personnel. The renewal requirements are administered by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Division of Educator Effectiveness.
- Effective April 1, 2024: MSDE officially transitioned from a certification-based system to a licensure-based system for educators, following adoption of new COMAR 13A.12 regulations. Per Calvert County Procedure 6120.1: ‘Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) officially transitioned from a certification-based system to a licensure-based system for educators on April 1, 2024, following the adoption of new regulations under COMAR 13A.12.’
- Grandfathering provision: Certification evaluations issued by MSDE or an LEA between January 1, 2020, and March 31, 2024, were reissued on April 1, 2024, and remain valid for 3 years through March 31, 2027 (MSDE Educator Licensure Overview, April 2024).
- Transition year provision: ‘Professional certificate holders have one full validity period before having to meet the new renewal… documentation during the 24-25 SY. Renewal requirements must be completed by the expiration date on the…’ (MSDE Educator Licensure Overview, April 2024). This means teachers who were certified before April 2024 complete their current validity period under the old system.
- Reinstatement: ‘May reinstate an expired historic certificate by meeting the old OR [new requirements]’ — providing flexibility for educators whose historical certificates lapsed.
Sources: MSDE Educator Licensure Overview Generic PDF (marylandpublicschools.org, April 1, 2024); BTU/BCPSS Educator Licensure Overview (baltimoreteachers.org, June 2024); Calvert County Public Schools Procedure 6120.1 (ccps.org).
Which Licenses Can Be Renewed
Per the MSDE Renewal and Advancement page: ‘Educators may choose to continuously renew a professional license or advance to the next tier of licensure. Advancement is not required in Maryland.’ The following professional licenses may be renewed:
- Initial Professional License (IPL): The entry-level professional license (formerly Standard Professional Certificate I / SPC I). Valid for 5 years. Renewable.
- Professional License (PL): The intermediate professional license (formerly Standard Professional Certificate II / SPC II). Valid for 5 years. Renewable.
- Advanced Professional License (APL): The advanced professional license (formerly Advanced Professional Certificate / APC). Valid for 5 years. Renewable. Public Librarians are issued an APL and must renew to remain employed.
Importantly, the MSDE states: ‘Advancement is not required in Maryland.’ A teacher may remain on the IPL and continuously renew it without ever advancing to the PL or APL. This is a meaningful distinction from some other states where progression through license tiers is mandatory.
Source: MSDE Renewal and Advancement page (marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DEE/Certification/Renewal.aspx) — all renewable licenses; advancement not required quote.
The Two Pathways to Renew an Active License
Maryland offers exactly two pathways to renew an active professional teaching license. Both are described directly on the MSDE Renewal and Advancement page. Teachers may use either pathway — they are not required to use the PDP pathway if they hold National Board Certification.
| Two Renewal Pathways — Choose ONE |
| PATHWAY 1 — NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION: |
| Submit a National Board Certification from NBPTS that was earned (initial certification) OR maintained (maintenance of certification) within the validity period of your expiring license. |
| This completely replaces the 90-PDP/IPDP requirement. |
| The National Board Certificate must have been earned or maintained during the current license period — not a certificate earned years before the license you are renewing. |
| PATHWAY 2 — 90 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT POINTS (PDPs): |
| Submit an Individualized Professional Development Plan (IPDP) demonstrating completion of 90 PDPs. |
| The 90 PDPs must include a minimum of 1 hour of professional learning in each of four required topic areas (see Section 7). |
| License holders may engage in additional PD beyond these minimum areas — the four areas are floors, not ceilings. |
| APPLY THROUGH TEACH: Both pathways — documentation is submitted through the TEACH Dashboard at certificationhub.msde.maryland.gov. |
| Source: MSDE Renewal and Advancement page (marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DEE/Certification/Renewal.aspx) — both pathways quoted directly. |
Pathway 1: The National Board Certification Option
National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) provides a complete alternative to the 90-PDP requirement for license renewal. This pathway recognizes that the rigorous, research-based process of achieving and maintaining NBPTS certification represents substantial professional development that more than meets Maryland’s renewal standards.
How NBCT Satisfies Maryland’s Renewal Requirement
Per the MSDE Renewal and Advancement page: to renew via National Board Certification, submit documentation of a National Board Certification ‘that was earned (initial or maintenance) within the validity period of your expiring license.’
- Initial certification: If you achieved your NBPTS certification for the first time during the current license period, that achievement satisfies the renewal requirement
- Maintenance of certification: If you already hold NBPTS certification and completed the required NBPTS maintenance activities (renewal of the National Board Certificate) during the current license period, that also satisfies Maryland’s renewal requirement
- Critical timing: The NBPTS certification or maintenance must have been completed within the 5-year validity period of the Maryland license you are renewing — not simply being an NBPTS-certified teacher at the time of renewal is not sufficient if no certification or maintenance activity occurred during the current period
Source: MSDE Renewal and Advancement page — ‘Submit a National Board Certification that was earned (initial or maintenance) within the validity period of your expiring license.’
Maryland National Board Support
Maryland actively supports National Board Certification through the MSDE Division of Educator Effectiveness. The MSDE National Board Certification page provides information on Maryland’s NBCTS support resources, fee assistance, and how National Board Certification intersects with Maryland licensure. NBCTS certification in Maryland also enables advancement to the Advanced Professional License (APL) — one of the pathways to the highest tier of Maryland licensure.
Pathway 2: 90 Professional Development Points (PDPs)
For most Maryland teachers, renewal runs through the 90 Professional Development Points (PDP) pathway. This requires completing and documenting 90 hours (or equivalent) of approved professional development during the 5-year license period, logging them in an IPDP, and submitting through TEACH at renewal.
The 90-PDP Requirement
Per the MSDE Renewal page and multiple corroborating sources: all educators renewing a Maryland professional license must complete a minimum of 90 Professional Development Points during the five-year license validity period.
Per Teaching Channel’s Maryland renewal guide (April 2026): ‘Maryland educators must earn 90 Professional Development Points (PDPs) every five years to renew a license under MSDE regulations. PDPs are logged in the license holder’s Individualized Professional Development Plan (IPDP).’
The 90 PDPs must include at minimum one hour of professional learning in each of the four required topic areas (see Section 7). Beyond those four minimums, teachers have broad discretion in how they earn the remaining PDPs.
Sources: MSDE Renewal and Advancement page; Teaching Channel Maryland PD and CE Requirements (teachingchannel.com, April 2026); Calvert County Procedure 6120.1 — ‘All Educators must complete 90 Professional Development Points (PDPs) during the five-year cycle.’
Quality Requirements for PDPs
Not all professional development activities automatically qualify for PDPs. Key quality standards:
- Coursework grade: Per Calvert County Procedure 6120.1 (reflecting MSDE standards): ‘Only coursework with a grade of C or better may be used for MSDE’ renewal purposes. This applies to college or university courses counted toward PDPs.
- Regionally accredited institution: Per Calvert County Procedure: ‘Earned or taught at a regionally accredited Institution of Higher Education or through Maryland approved Continuing Professional Development credits.’
- Related to public school education: Professional development must be related to public school education — not purely personal enrichment unrelated to teaching.
- Earned within the validity period: PDPs must be earned during the current license period, not carried over from a previous period.
- Supervisor collaboration: For LEA-employed educators, the IPDP is developed in partnership with a supervisor — who should be aware of and have approved professional development goals.
Sources: Calvert County Procedure 6120.1 — grade C+ requirement; regionally accredited requirement; MSDE IPDP Document (March 15, 2024 — marylandpublicschools.org/about/Documents/DEE/Certification/MSDE-IPDP-3.15.24-A.pdf).
The Four Mandatory PDP Topic Areas
Maryland’s renewal framework requires that the 90 PDPs include a minimum of one hour of professional learning in each of four specific topic areas. These are not optional — every teacher renewing a Maryland professional license must include at least one PDP in each area, regardless of their grade level, content area, or years of experience.
| Four Required PDP Topic Areas — Minimum 1 Hour Each (MSDE Renewal Page) |
| AREA 1: Content or pedagogy that is related to an area of your license. |
| What it means: Professional learning directly connected to the subject matter you teach or the pedagogical approaches relevant to your certification area. A secondary math teacher might complete content PD on calculus pedagogy; an elementary teacher might focus on literacy instruction strategies. |
| AREA 2: English as a Second Language (ESL), Sheltered English, or Bilingual Education. |
| What it means: Professional learning on supporting English Language Learners (ELL) in the classroom. As Maryland’s student population includes a growing number of ELL students, all teachers — regardless of whether they teach in an ESL program — must demonstrate engagement with this content. |
| AREA 3: Strategies for teaching students with disabilities or differentiated instruction for students with diverse learning needs. |
| What it means: Professional learning on inclusion, IEP implementation, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), or other approaches to supporting students with exceptionalities in the regular classroom. |
| AREA 4: Culturally Responsive Teaching or Diverse Student Identities in Education. |
| What it means: Professional learning on cultural responsiveness, equity in education, diverse student backgrounds and identities, implicit bias, anti-racist pedagogy, or related topics. |
| NOTE: While only 1 hour per area is the minimum, teachers can count hours in these areas toward the broader 90-PDP requirement. Thorough engagement with each area — rather than the minimum 1 hour — is both professionally valuable and practically recommended. |
| Source: MSDE Renewal and Advancement page (marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DEE/Certification/Renewal.aspx) — all four areas quoted directly. |
Sources: MSDE Renewal and Advancement page; HCPSS Licensure Renewal Requirements (hcpss.org/employees/certification/renewal-requirements/) — all four areas confirmed.
PDP Conversion Table: Credits, CEUs, and Contact Hours
One of the most practical questions Maryland teachers face when planning their renewal PD is how different types of professional development activities translate into PDPs. Model Teaching’s Maryland page (February 18, 2026) provides the authoritative conversion rates, which are consistent with MSDE’s PDP FAQ.
| PD Activity Type | PDP Value | Notes / Calculation |
| 1 contact hour of approved professional development | 1 PDP | 1 hour = 1 PDP; base conversion rate |
| 1 semester credit hour (college/university course) | 15 PDPs | A 3-credit graduate course = 45 PDPs; a 3-credit undergraduate course = 45 PDPs (if regionally accredited and related to education) |
| 1 CEU (Continuing Education Unit) | 10 PDPs | CEUs are used by many PD providers; 1 CEU = 10 contact hours = 10 PDPs |
| 1 MSDE-approved CPD (Continuing Professional Development) credit | 15 PDPs | Same as semester credit hour equivalent |
| National Board Certification (initial or maintenance) | Entire renewal satisfied | Replaces all 90 PDPs; see Section 5 |
| 90 contact hours total | 90 PDPs | Full renewal requirement in contact hours |
| 6 semester credit hours | 90 PDPs | 6 x 15 = 90; a common approach using two 3-credit courses |
| 9 CEUs | 90 PDPs | 9 x 10 = 90; alternative calculation using CEUs |
Sources: Model Teaching Maryland Teaching License Renewal page (modelteaching.com, Feb 18, 2026) — ‘1 hour = 1 PDP; 1 semester hour/CPD = 15 PDPs; 1 CEU = 10 PDPs’; Teaching Channel Maryland PD (teachingchannel.com, April 2026) — semester credit and CEU rates; MSDE PDP FAQ page.
✔ Practical Strategy: Two 3-credit graduate courses (6 total credit hours = 90 PDPs) satisfies the entire PDP renewal requirement. If you choose courses that cover the four required topic areas, you can meet both the minimum area requirements and the full PDP total in a structured, credit-bearing way. Graduate credits also count toward salary advancement on district salary schedules — giving one investment double value.
What Activities Count for PDPs
Maryland’s PDP system is flexible in the types of professional development that qualify. The key criteria are that activities be education-related, from approved/accredited sources, and within the validity period. Below is a guide to what typically qualifies:
| Activity Type | PDP Value | Qualification Notes |
| Graduate/undergraduate college coursework (regionally accredited) | 15 PDPs per semester credit | Must be related to public school education; grade of C or better required |
| MSDE-approved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses | 15 PDPs per CPD credit | MSDE-approved providers; verify approval before enrolling |
| Professional development workshops and seminars (educator-focused) | 1 PDP per contact hour | Must be education-related; documentation of completion required |
| Online professional development courses (from approved providers) | 1 PDP per contact hour (or per conversion) | Online semester credit courses from regionally accredited universities fully accepted (Model Teaching) |
| National Board Certification process (initial or maintenance) | Full renewal satisfied | See Pathway 1 in Section 5 |
| Educational conferences (educator role) | 1 PDP per contact hour attended | Attendance at approved education conferences; document hours |
| Teaching/instructing a course at regionally accredited institution | 15 PDPs per credit taught | Calvert County Procedure: ‘earned or taught at a regionally accredited Institution of Higher Education’ |
| District-provided professional development | 1 PDP per contact hour | Must be approved; documented through district HR/PD records |
| Curriculum development (MSDE or district approved) | Varies | Contact MSDE for specific activity approval |
Sources: Calvert County Procedure 6120.1 — ‘earned or taught at a regionally accredited IHE’; C or better grade requirement; Model Teaching (Feb 2026) — ‘Online semester credit courses from regionally accredited universities are fully accepted’; MSDE PDP page; Teaching Channel (April 2026).
The Individualized Professional Development Plan (IPDP)
The Individualized Professional Development Plan (IPDP) is the central document around which Maryland’s renewal process is organized. It is both a planning tool (developed at the start of each license period) and a documentation tool (submitted at renewal to verify PDP completion). The MSDE IPDP document (March 15, 2024, marylandpublicschools.org/about/Documents/DEE/Certification/MSDE-IPDP-3.15.24-A.pdf) is the authoritative source for IPDP requirements.
What the IPDP Is
Per the MSDE IPDP document: ‘The IPDP is a tool for educators to document and track their professional development goals and activities throughout the validity period of their professional license.’ Per Calvert County Procedure 6120.1: ‘The IPDP is a tool for educators to document and track their professional development goals and activities throughout the validity period of their professional license.’
- Developed at issuance: Per the MSDE Educator Licensure Overview: ‘An Individualized Professional Development Plan (IPDP) is developed at the issuance of every professional license.’ You should begin your IPDP at the start of each 5-year license period, not at the end when renewal is due.
- Not submitted until renewal: Per the MSDE IPDP document: ‘It is not necessary to submit your IPDP until you are ready to renew your license.’ The IPDP is developed and maintained throughout the period, then submitted at renewal — the ongoing maintenance is for planning purposes, not ongoing MSDE submission.
- Submitted through TEACH: Per teachercertificationdegrees.com MD (March 2026): ‘You will need to upload documentation demonstrating the completion of the requirements for the next license as well as an Individualized Professional Development Plan (IPDP) and a minimum of 90 Professional Development Points (PDPs).’
What the IPDP Documents
The IPDP should document: professional development goals aligned to the four required topic areas and any additional areas; specific activities planned and completed; the type and source of each activity; the number of PDPs earned from each activity; evidence of completion (certificates, transcripts, etc.); and alignment between goals and teaching context.
Per the MSDE IPDP document: ‘When developing goals and activities as part of the IPDP, educators should consider each area of professional development required to renew a professional license.’ The IPDP should explicitly address how completed activities cover the four required topic areas.
Sources: MSDE IPDP Document (marylandpublicschools.org/about/Documents/DEE/Certification/MSDE-IPDP-3.15.24-A.pdf, March 15, 2024) — all quotes; teachercertificationdegrees.com MD (March 2026).
IPDP Process: Getting Supervisor Approval
For educators employed in a Maryland local education agency (LEA), state-operated school, or nonpublic special education school, the IPDP process involves a mandatory supervisory component. This is not optional — it is part of the regulatory framework under COMAR 13A.12.
Supervisor Approval Timeline
Per the MSDE IPDP document: ‘educators working in a Maryland local education agency, state-operated school, or nonpublic special education school must obtain initial approval of their IPDP from their supervisor within six months of the issuance of the license.’
⚠ Critical Deadline: If you are employed in a Maryland LEA, state-operated school, or nonpublic special education school, you must get your IPDP approved by your supervisor within SIX MONTHS of your license being issued. Do not wait until renewal time. Failing to obtain timely supervisor approval can create complications at renewal.
Collaborative Development
Per Teaching Channel (April 2026): ‘If employed in a Maryland local education agency, approved nonpublic special education program, or state-operated school, the educator, in partnership with a supervisor or supervisor’s designee, selects the appropriate and relevant professional learning they will address in the IPDP.’
This collaborative process ensures that the educator’s professional development is:
- Aligned to their teaching assignment and school/district priorities
- Appropriate for their specific context and student population
- Approved by institutional leadership before time and resources are invested
Educators Not in LEAs
Educators NOT employed in a Maryland LEA, state-operated school, or nonpublic special education school develop their IPDP independently without mandatory supervisor approval. This includes educators in some private schools and other settings.
Per the MSDE IPDP document: ‘If you are unsure if you need a supervisor’s approval, please contact MSDE at [email protected].’
Sources: MSDE IPDP Document (March 15, 2024) — 6-month supervisor approval; ‘contact MSDE if unsure’; Teaching Channel (April 2026) — LEA partnership in IPDP development.
Additional Renewal Requirements for Specific License Areas
Beyond the 90-PDP standard requirement (or NBCT pathway), certain areas of licensure carry additional renewal requirements. These additional requirements can be earned as part of the 90 PDPs — they are not in addition to the 90 PDPs but rather specific requirements that must be addressed within the 90-PDP framework.
Per the MSDE Renewal and Advancement page: ‘Certain areas of licensure require additional professional learning, which can be earned as part of the 90 PDPs.’
| License Area | Additional Renewal Requirement | Key Details |
| Blind/Visually Impaired | Minimum 15 PDPs in braille maintenance | Must be specifically in braille maintenance; standard 90 PDPs apply plus this specific 15-PDP sub-requirement |
| School Counselor | One semester hour, one MSDE-approved CPD credit, or equivalent CEUs covering 6 specific mental health topics | Topics: depression, trauma, violence, youth suicide, substance abuse, and identification of professional resources for parents/guardians. MSDE publishes a list of qualifying courses (educators not limited to listed courses). NOTE: Effective January 28, 2025, School Counselors renewing under the Senior Teacher Waiver are no longer required to present evidence of credit for the Lauryn’s Law requirement. |
| Administrator I/II (in admin/supervisor role) | Additional learning on teacher retention and teacher leadership | Only applies to educators in Administrator I/II license area who are actually assigned to an administrator or supervisor position in a Maryland LEA, MD-operated school, or nonpublic SpEd program. Specific topics: strategies for increasing teacher retention; strategies for developing and facilitating teacher leadership. |
| Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, Generic Special Education (all grade bands), ESOL | Science of Reading proficiency demonstration (July 1, 2025) | See Section 13 for full details. Only applies to educators employed in a Maryland LEA, MD-operated school, or nonpublic SpEd program. Demonstrated via approved test, approved coursework, or other MSDE-recognized option. |
Sources: MSDE Renewal and Advancement page (marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DEE/Certification/Renewal.aspx) — all additional requirements; HCPSS Licensure Renewal Requirements (hcpss.org) — ‘Effective January 28, 2025, School Counselors renewing under the Senior Teacher Waiver are no longer required to present evidence of credit to fulfill the Lauryn’s Law additional renewal requirement.’
The July 2025 Science of Reading Requirement for Renewal
Beginning July 1, 2025, Maryland implemented a significant new renewal requirement for educators in early childhood, elementary, generic special education, and ESOL license areas. This reflects the statewide emphasis on evidence-based, science-of-reading aligned literacy instruction.
| Science of Reading Renewal Requirement — Effective July 1, 2025 |
| WHO: Educators employed in a Maryland local school district, Maryland-operated school, or nonpublic special education program who hold a license in: |
| – Elementary Education |
| – Early Childhood Education |
| – Generic Special Education (all grade bands) |
| – ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) |
| REQUIREMENT: Must demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and practices of scientific reading instruction at the time of renewal. |
| HOW TO DEMONSTRATE PROFICIENCY (ONE of the following): |
| Option 1: A passing score on an approved reading assessment (e.g., Praxis TRE #5205). |
| Option 2: Completion of coursework or professional learning approved by MSDE. |
| Option 3: Other MSDE-recognized option (contact MSDE for current list). |
| VERIFICATION OF ENROLLMENT: License holders may submit verification of enrollment in an approved assessment or professional learning at renewal. Documentation of completion must be provided upon achievement. |
| PART OF 90 PDPs: This science of reading requirement can be earned as part of the standard 90 PDPs — it is not additive to the 90-PDP requirement. |
| Sources: MSDE Renewal and Advancement page; HCPSS Educator Licensure page; Model Teaching (Feb 2026) — ‘Starting July 1, 2025, educators in early childhood, elementary, generic special education, and ESOL roles must show science-of-reading proficiency when they renew.’ |
What Is Covered in Science of Reading Professional Learning
Per Model Teaching’s Maryland renewal guide: MSDE-approved science of reading professional learning covers topics including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and the research base for structured literacy approaches. The approved test (Praxis TRE #5205 — Teaching Reading: Elementary) assesses this knowledge base.
Per MSDE: the Future Reading Requirements page (marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DEE/Certification/Future-Reading-Requirements.aspx) provides the current list of approved reading assessments and approved coursework/professional learning options for meeting this requirement. Always verify the current approved list on this page before completing any science of reading PD for renewal purposes.
Sources: Model Teaching (Feb 2026); HCPSS Educator Licensure page; MSDE Renewal and Advancement page — Future Reading Requirements sub-page reference.
The Senior Teacher Waiver
Maryland provides a Senior Teacher Waiver for experienced educators approaching the end of their careers. This waiver reduces or modifies some renewal requirements for qualifying teachers.
- Eligibility: Teachers who meet MSDE’s senior teacher criteria (typically related to years of service and age); contact your LEA’s licensure office or MSDE for specific eligibility requirements
- Waiver scope: The Senior Teacher Waiver modifies certain renewal requirements. The standard 90-PDP/IPDP framework may be modified under the waiver.
- Exception — Blind/Visually Impaired: Per HCPSS: ‘Individuals holding a Blind/Visual Impaired certificate/license are required to meet MSDE’s additional renewal requirements regardless of eligibility for the Senior Teacher Waiver.’ The 15-PDP braille maintenance requirement is NOT waived even for senior teachers in this area.
- School Counselor update: Per HCPSS (effective January 28, 2025): ‘individuals holding a School Counselor certificate/license who are renewing under the Senior Teacher Waiver are no longer required to present evidence of credit to fulfill the Lauryn’s Law additional renewal requirement.’ This reversed a previous rule.
Contact your district HR or licensure office, or MSDE directly at [email protected], for the current specific requirements and eligibility criteria for the Senior Teacher Waiver.
Source: HCPSS Licensure Renewal Requirements (hcpss.org/employees/certification/renewal-requirements/) — both exceptions noted.
Historical Certificate Holders: Special Renewal Rules
Educators who still hold ‘historical’ certificates (issued before the April 1, 2024 system transition) have a special renewal framework that provides flexibility between old and new requirements.
Historical Certificate to License Conversion
Per the MSDE Renewal and Advancement page, the following historical certificates convert to comparable licenses:
| Historical Certificate | Comparable License |
| Professional Eligibility Certificate | Initial Professional License (IPL) |
| Standard Professional Certificate I (SPC I) | Initial Professional License (IPL) |
| Standard Professional Certificate II (SPC II) | Professional License (PL) |
| Advanced Professional Certificate (APC) | Advanced Professional License (APL) |
Two Renewal Options for Historical Certificate Holders
Historical certificate holders renewing have a choice between old and new requirements. Per the MSDE Renewal page: ‘historical certificate holders may choose to submit the renewal requirements that were in place when the historic certificate was issued’ OR the new requirements. Specifically, you may renew with either:
- Six acceptable credits: earned or taught at an IHE or through MSDE-approved CPD courses; related to public school education; earned within the validity period; earned in reading coursework if not already completed
- OR the full new requirements: IPDP + 90 PDPs including the four required topic areas
Once a new professional license is issued (after renewing the historical certificate), the educator must meet the new renewal requirements (90-PDP/IPDP or NBCT) going forward. The historical certificate option is a one-time transition accommodation.
Source: MSDE Renewal and Advancement page — ‘How do I renew a historical certificate?’ section.
How to Apply for Renewal: The TEACH Dashboard
All Maryland teaching license renewals are processed through the TEACH Dashboard — the Educator Application and Credentialing Hub at certificationhub.msde.maryland.gov (also accessible via the MSDE website at marylandpublicschools.org/TEACH or mdcert.org). The TEACH Dashboard replaced the previous MDCERT portal.
Step-by-Step Renewal Application
- Access the TEACH Dashboard: Navigate to certificationhub.msde.maryland.gov. Log in with your existing TEACH account credentials. If you do not have a TEACH account, create one.
- Select Renewal/Advancement Application: From your TEACH Dashboard, select the Renewal/Advancement application for the specific license you are renewing.
- Prepare your IPDP: Gather your completed IPDP document showing all professional development activities, PDPs earned per activity, and coverage of the four required topic areas. Include documentation of completion for each activity (transcripts, certificates, attendance records).
- Check for additional requirements: Review whether your license area requires additional renewal activities (science of reading, braille maintenance, Lauryn’s Law for school counselors). Ensure you have documentation for those requirements.
- Upload documentation: Upload your completed IPDP and all supporting documentation for PDPs and any additional requirements.
- Pay the renewal fee: The MSDE charges a $10 fee for certificate/license renewal. Pay through the TEACH portal.
- Submit before expiration: Submit your renewal application BEFORE your current license expires. Do not wait until the expiration date — submit with sufficient time for processing.
- Track application status: Monitor your TEACH Dashboard for processing status. MSDE will communicate through the portal if additional documentation is needed.
Sources: teachercertificationdegrees.com MD (March 2026) — ‘Teachers must initiate the renewal of their professional license before it expires through the TEACH Dashboard’; MSDE Renewal and Advancement page; Montgomery County Schools RTC page — $10 fee.
TEACH Dashboard for LEA-Employed Educators
For educators employed in Maryland local education agencies, many school systems have HR or licensure offices that facilitate the TEACH renewal process. Per HCPSS: ‘If you are not a contracted HCPSS educator or if you are a HCPSS supporting services employee or substitute teacher, you must contact MSDE directly for licensure services.’
This suggests that for contracted LEA employees in many Maryland systems, the HR office coordinates with MSDE. Check with your district HR or licensure office about their specific processes.
Renewal vs. Advancement: Understanding the Difference
Maryland’s licensure system distinguishes between renewal (maintaining your current license tier) and advancement (moving to the next tier). Understanding this distinction is important for career planning.
| Feature | Renewal | Advancement |
| Definition | Renewing the same license tier (IPL-to-IPL, PL-to-PL) | Moving to the next license tier (IPL to PL; PL to APL) |
| Required? | YES — must renew before license expires to remain qualified | NO — advancement is NOT required in Maryland |
| Requirements | 90 PDPs (with 4 topic areas) + IPDP, OR NBCT | Eligibility requirements specific to each advanced license tier (master’s degree, additional credentials, etc.) |
| Application | TEACH Dashboard — Renewal application | TEACH Dashboard — Advancement application; documentation of eligibility |
| License validity after action | 5 more years at same tier | New 5-year period at the higher tier |
| Career implication | Maintains current authorization to teach | Advances to next tier of professional recognition; may affect salary in some districts |
Source: MSDE Renewal and Advancement page — ‘Educators may choose to continuously renew a professional license or advance to the next tier of licensure. Advancement is not required in Maryland.’
Advancing from IPL to PL to APL
While advancement is not required, Maryland provides clear pathways for teachers who wish to advance to higher license tiers. The MSDE Renewal and Advancement page directs candidates to review the eligibility requirements for the advanced license. Key advancement criteria:
- IPL to PL (Initial Professional to Professional): Typically requires completion of a master’s degree from an accredited institution. Per teachercertificationdegrees.com MD (March 2026): ‘To advance from a Professional License, successfully complete a master’s degree.’ Contact MSDE for specific credential requirements for your license area.
- PL to APL (Professional to Advanced Professional): Typically requires an Advanced Professional Certificate equivalent credentials — often a combination of years of experience, advanced degree, and/or National Board Certification. Per MSDE: ‘Submit a Renewal/Advancement application on your TEACH Dashboard. Be prepared to submit documentation that demonstrates your eligibility for the advanced license.’
- Apply through TEACH: Both advancement applications go through the same TEACH Dashboard used for renewals. Select ‘Advancement’ rather than ‘Renewal’ in the application type.
Teaching Channel Maryland (April 2026) notes that teachers can begin their advancement journey with graduate credit: ‘To advance from a Professional License, complete a master’s degree.’
Programs like Teaching Channel’s Master’s Degree Pathway Bundle (in partnership with American College of Education) provide a flexible path to the graduate credits needed for advancement.
Sources: MSDE Renewal and Advancement page — advancement application process; teachercertificationdegrees.com MD (March 2026) — master’s degree for PL advancement; Teaching Channel (April 2026).
Expired License Reinstatement
If a Maryland teaching license expires without renewal, the educator is no longer legally qualified to teach in a Maryland public school. The process for reinstatement depends on when the license expired.
- Reinstatement option for historical certificates: Per MSDE Educator Licensure Overview: ‘May reinstate an expired historic certificate by meeting the old OR [new requirements].’ This gives flexibility to choose between the 6-credit historical renewal option or the 90-PDP/IPDP new option.
- Within the 3-year grandfathering window (through March 31, 2027): Certifications that were reissued on April 1, 2024 remain valid through March 31, 2027 per the grandfathering provision — these are not yet expired under the new framework.
- Contact MSDE: For licenses that have expired outside of these special provisions, contact MSDE directly at [email protected] or 410-767-0412 for specific reinstatement guidance and current requirements for your license type and area.
⚠ Do Not Let Your License Expire: Teaching with an expired Maryland license in a public school is unauthorized and can result in employment and legal consequences. Track your license expiration date and plan your 90-PDP completion throughout the 5-year period — not in the final year. Renewal requirements must be completed by the expiration date on the license (per MSDE Educator Licensure Overview).
Sources: MSDE Educator Licensure Overview (April 1, 2024); MSDE Renewal and Advancement page; BTU/BCPSS Educator Licensure Overview (June 2024).
The Transition Year Provision (2024-25)
The April 1, 2024 regulation change included a specific transition provision for existing certificate holders that provides important flexibility during the changeover to the new licensure system.
- Full validity period for historical certificate holders: ‘Professional certificate holders have one full validity period before having to meet the new renewal documentation during the 24-25 SY’ (MSDE Educator Licensure Overview, April 2024). This means that teachers who were certified under the old system complete their current 5-year validity period under the requirements that were in place when their certificate was issued, without being immediately required to adopt the new 90-PDP/IPDP framework.
- Renewal must be completed by expiration date: ‘Renewal requirements must be completed by the expiration date on the [certificate].’ The grandfathering provision does not extend the validity date — it only grants one additional period under the old requirements.
- Once renewed under the new system: After renewing a historical certificate and receiving a new professional license, all future renewals must use the new requirements (90 PDPs + IPDP or NBCT).
Sources: MSDE Educator Licensure Overview Generic PDF (April 1, 2024) — transition year provision; BTU/BCPSS Educator Licensure Overview (June 2024).
Common Renewal Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Why It Happens | How to Avoid |
| Waiting until the expiration date to begin PD | Procrastination; not tracking the 5-year cycle | Start the IPDP with supervisor approval within 6 months of license issuance; pace PD throughout the 5 years |
| Completing PD in the wrong years or outside the validity period | Not realizing PDPs must be earned during the current license period | Check your license issuance and expiration dates; only log PDPs earned WITHIN the current validity period |
| Forgetting one of the four required topic areas | Focusing on favorite or content-heavy PD; not tracking the minimums | Create a checklist of the four topic areas; log each activity in your IPDP as you go |
| Using a grade below C for coursework PDPs | Not knowing the grade requirement; not performing well in a course | Maryland requires a C or better for coursework to count (Calvert County Procedure, per MSDE standards); retake if needed |
| Using PD from a non-accredited or non-approved provider | Enrolling in convenient but unapproved online courses | Verify that providers are regionally accredited or MSDE-approved before enrolling; check MSDE’s approved CPD provider list |
| Not getting IPDP supervisor approval within 6 months | Not knowing the timeline; changing schools | Submit your IPDP to your supervisor for approval within 6 months of each license issuance; document the approval date |
| Forgetting the July 2025 Science of Reading requirement | New requirement; not communicated to all affected teachers | If you hold an Elementary, Early Childhood, Generic SpEd, or ESOL license and work in an LEA: check the MSDE Future Reading Requirements page now |
| Confusing renewal with advancement | Not understanding the two-track system | Remember: renewal keeps you at the same tier; advancement moves you up; only renewal is required |
| Missing the NBPT maintenance requirement for the NBCT renewal pathway | Assuming NBTS certification always renews automatically | NBPTS certification requires active maintenance activities; verify that NBPTS maintenance was completed WITHIN the current license period |
| Submitting IPDP with insufficient documentation | Only logging activity names without evidence | Keep all certificates of completion, transcripts, and attendance records throughout the 5 years; upload all evidence with renewal application |
Maryland Teaching Certificate Renewal: FAQs
How many PDPs do I need to renew my Maryland teaching license?
A minimum of 90 Professional Development Points (PDPs) must be completed during the 5-year license validity period. The 90 PDPs must include at least 1 PDP (1 hour) in each of four required topic areas: content/pedagogy in your license area; ESL/Sheltered English/Bilingual Education; strategies for teaching students with disabilities; and Culturally Responsive Teaching or Diverse Student Identities. The NBCT pathway (initial or maintenance National Board Certification within the validity period) fully replaces the 90-PDP requirement.
When do I need to submit my IPDP to my supervisor?
If you are employed in a Maryland local education agency, state-operated school, or nonpublic special education school, you must obtain initial approval of your IPDP from your supervisor within six months of the issuance of your license — not at renewal time. The IPDP is developed at the beginning of each license period and submitted with your renewal application at the end of the period. However, you do not need to submit the IPDP to MSDE until you apply for renewal through the TEACH Dashboard.
What is the new Science of Reading requirement for Maryland teacher renewal?
Effective July 1, 2025, educators employed in a Maryland LEA, state-operated school, or nonpublic special education program who hold a license in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, Generic Special Education, or ESOL must demonstrate proficiency in scientific reading instruction at renewal. This can be fulfilled by passing an approved reading assessment (such as Praxis TRE #5205), completing MSDE-approved coursework or professional learning, or another MSDE-recognized option. You may submit verification of enrollment in an approved assessment or PL at renewal; documentation of completion must follow. Check the MSDE Future Reading Requirements page for the current approved list.
Can I use online courses for Maryland teaching license renewal?
Yes. Per Model Teaching (February 2026): ‘Online semester credit courses from regionally accredited universities are fully accepted.’ Online courses from approved MSDE CPD providers are also accepted. The key requirements are that the provider or institution is regionally accredited (for credit courses) or MSDE-approved (for CPD courses), that the course is related to public school education, and that you earn at least a C or better if coursework is graded.
How do PDPs convert to college credits and CEUs?
The standard conversions are: 1 contact hour = 1 PDP; 1 semester credit hour = 15 PDPs; 1 CEU = 10 PDPs; 1 MSDE-approved CPD credit = 15 PDPs. Practical examples: a 3-credit graduate course = 45 PDPs; two 3-credit courses = 90 PDPs (full renewal); 9 CEUs = 90 PDPs; 90 contact hours of workshops = 90 PDPs.
Is advancement to the Professional License required in Maryland?
No. Per the MSDE Renewal and Advancement page: ‘Advancement is not required in Maryland.’ Teachers may continuously renew their Initial Professional License (IPL) throughout their career without ever advancing to the Professional License (PL) or Advanced Professional License (APL). Advancement is an optional step for teachers who wish to pursue higher licensure tiers, often for professional recognition or salary advancement reasons.
How does National Board Certification affect my renewal?
If you earned initial National Board Certification (NBPTS) or completed NBPTS maintenance of certification within the current 5-year validity period of your Maryland license, that single action satisfies the entire renewal requirement — replacing the need for 90 PDPs and IPDP submission. The NBPTS certification or maintenance must have occurred during the specific license period being renewed, not at an earlier time. Contact MSDE at [email protected] if you have questions about whether your NBPTS timeline qualifies.
What happens if I let my Maryland teaching license expire?
An expired license means you are no longer legally authorized to teach in a Maryland public school. Do not allow your license to expire without renewal. If your license does lapse, reinstatement options depend on the specific certificate type and circumstances. Historical certificate holders may reinstate by meeting either old or new requirements; contact MSDE at [email protected] or 410-767-0412 for specific reinstatement guidance for your situation.
Conclusion
Maryland teaching certificate renewal is a well-structured, flexible system built around a straightforward core requirement: 90 Professional Development Points documenting meaningful professional learning in four required topic areas, submitted through an IPDP via the TEACH Dashboard every five years. The National Board Certification pathway provides a streamlined alternative for NBPTS-certified educators. The April 1, 2024 regulatory overhaul clarified and modernized the system, while the July 2025 Science of Reading requirement added an important new dimension for educators in early childhood, elementary, special education, and ESOL.
The key to successful renewal in Maryland is the same as in any professional credentialing system: stay ahead of the deadline, plan your professional development intentionally at the start of each license period, track activities in your IPDP as you go, get supervisor approval within six months of license issuance, and be aware of the specific additional requirements for your license area. Teachers who treat PD as a year-by-year investment rather than a last-minute deadline will not only renew more easily but will develop genuine professional expertise that benefits their students.
Always verify current requirements directly at the MSDE Renewal and Advancement page (marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DEE/Certification/Renewal.aspx) and contact MSDE at [email protected] for guidance on your specific situation. Requirements can change, and the MSDE website is the authoritative real-time source.
MSDE | marylandpublicschools.org | [email protected] | TEACH: certificationhub.msde.maryland.gov | 410-767-0412 | Data current as of June