Overview of Maryland Testing Requirements

How to Qualify for Certification

For initial certification in Maryland, all candidates must:

• Earn a bachelor's or higher degree.
• Complete an approved program of teacher education OR complete the coursework and experience requirements outlined in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR).
• Pass The Praxis Series™ tests for their certification area or other national, state-approved tests. See the Maryland State Department of Education for complete testing information.

Important Information

• Maryland requires a Social Security number (SSN) in order to process educator certification paperwork and to get a match to your score report. ETS does not require your SSN for its own purposes, but will submit it to Maryland with your test results. Failure to provide your SSN could delay processing of your certification application.

• ETS is offering several additional tests in a computer-delivered format that will be introduced throughout the testing year. These computer-delivered assessments are given by appointment through a national network of Prometric™ Testing Centers. Visit Test Centers and Dates to find testing centers near you.

  For tests available in both formats (paper and computer), the computer-delivered versions cover the same content as the paper-delivered versions and are scored on the same scale; however, the computer-delivered tests have different test codes.

  • English Language, Literature, and Composition: Content and Analysis (5044) — available beginning June 2012
  • Health Education (5550) — available beginning June 2012
  • Mathematics: Content Knowledge (5061) — available beginning June 2012
  • Physical Education: Content and Design (5095) — available beginning September 2012
  • Principles of Learning and Teaching: Early Childhood (5621) — available beginning July 2012
  • Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades K–6 (5622) — available beginning July 2012
  • Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 5–9 (5623) — available beginning July 2012
  • Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 7–12 (5624) — available beginning July 2012
  • Social Studies: Content and Interpretation (5086) — available beginning June 2012

Who Must Take the Tests?

Teacher candidates or those wishing to become certified must take The Praxis Series tests.

Prior to entering a teacher education program at your college or university, you may be required to take the Praxis I® tests to demonstrate your qualifications.

In Maryland, you must take the appropriate Praxis II® tests for each area of certification you seek.

See also:

• About the Praxis™ Tests
• The Praxis Series™ Information Bulletin
• Prepare for a Test
• Register for a Test
• Accommodations for Test Takers with Disabilities