Maryland teacher license renewal changed on April 1, 2024, when the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) replaced educator certificates with licenses and introduced new renewal rules. Today an Initial Professional, Professional or Advanced Professional license is valid for five years, and you renew it with 90 professional development points (PDPs) earned under an individual professional development plan. One semester hour of college credit equals 15 PDPs, and the renewal fee is $10.
This guide covers the new license types, what the 90 PDPs must include, how graduate credits count, the renewal steps, and what to do if your license expires. For an overview, see our Maryland teacher certification guide.
Maryland Teacher License Renewal at a Glance
These are the key rules from COMAR 13A.12.02, Education Article §6-704 (the fee) and MSDE's renewal page:
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Validity | 5 years, renewable for successive 5-year terms |
| Professional development | 90 PDPs under an individual professional development plan |
| Required topics | Activity in each of four areas, listed below |
| Deadline | Requirements received before your license expires |
| Fee | $10 |
Maryland's License Types
Under COMAR 13A.12.02.02, the three renewable professional licenses are each valid for five years:
- Initial Professional License: for teachers who have completed an approved pathway to licensure.
- Professional License: adds completion of a Maryland induction program, or three years of effective teaching.
- Advanced Professional License: adds a master's degree or higher, at least 30 semester hours of post-baccalaureate credit, or National Board Certification.
Older certificates move to a comparable license at renewal. COMAR 13A.12.01.06C pairs a Professional Eligibility Certificate or Standard Professional Certificate I with the Initial Professional License, a Standard Professional Certificate II with the Professional License, and an Advanced Professional Certificate with the Advanced Professional License. According to MSDE, holders of older certificates can renew under the requirements in place when their certificate was issued, or present the new license requirements or six acceptable credits earned during the certificate's validity period. Once a license is issued, the 90-PDP rules apply from then on.
What Your 90 PDPs Must Include
Under COMAR 13A.12.02.06, your 90 PDPs must include activity in each of these areas:
- Content or teaching methods related to an area on your license.
- English as a Second Language, Sheltered English or Bilingual Education.
- Strategies for teaching students with disabilities, or differentiated instruction for students with diverse learning needs.
- Culturally Responsive Teaching or diverse student identities in education.
Since July 1, 2025, teachers employed in positions that require an early childhood, elementary, special education or ESOL license must also show proficiency in scientific reading instruction. Proof of enrollment in approved coursework or MSDE training can satisfy this at renewal, with completion shown by the next renewal. According to MSDE, a National Board Certificate (initial or maintenance) earned during your license's validity period can take the place of the 90 PDPs.
How Graduate Credits Count
COMAR 13A.12.02.06 measures professional development like this:
| Activity | PDPs |
|---|---|
| 1 semester hour of college credit | 15 |
| 1 MSDE-approved continuing professional development credit | 15 |
| 1 continuing education unit | 10 |
| 1 clock hour | 1 |
College credit must be earned at an accredited institution of higher education. At 15 PDPs per semester hour, two 3-credit graduate courses add up to the full 90 PDPs, as long as your plan covers all four required areas. The same credits may also count toward an Advanced Professional License, which recognizes 30 post-bachelor's semester hours.
Our guide to graduate credits for Maryland teachers explains what counts, and the best online courses for Maryland teachers covers flexible options.
How to Renew Your Maryland License
- Build your individual professional development plan. If you're employed by a Maryland school system, your supervisor approves the plan, and must sign off before renewal.
- Complete and document 90 PDPs covering the four required areas, plus the reading requirement if it applies to you.
- Submit your renewal. If you work for a Maryland local school system, state-operated school or approved nonpublic school, you may submit documentation to your employer; otherwise, you submit directly to MSDE.
- Apply in TEACH, MSDE's online licensing system, with a statement signed under penalty of perjury that you've completed the requirements, and pay the $10 fee.
MSDE may audit your documentation, so keep transcripts and certificates of completion.
Pro-Tip: Map each course or workshop to one of the four required areas as you complete it. It's the easiest way to make sure your 90 PDPs cover everything before you apply.
If Your License Expires
Under COMAR 13A.12.01.06, you can't be employed under an expired license. MSDE's reinstatement page explains how to reinstate it, generally with 90 PDPs earned since the license was issued. If you don't meet renewal requirements, your employer may request a two-year Temporary Professional License for you.
Renewal rules differ from state to state; for a broader overview, see our guide to teacher license and certification renewal.
How Professional Growth Connects to Pay
Under the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, Education Article §6-1009 sets a minimum teacher salary of $60,000 beginning July 1, 2026, and provides at least a $10,000 salary increase for teachers who earn National Board Certification. The state's career ladder also recognizes teachers pursuing a master's degree, 30 approved credits or National Board Certification. For district pay, see our guide to the Maryland teacher salary schedule.
Free Tool
Plan Credits for Renewal and Your Salary Lane
See how many graduate credits stand between you and your next salary lane, and how to check what that lane pays on your district's schedule. Your district decides which credits count.
Get My Salary Roadmap → Frequently Asked Questions
Does Maryland still issue teaching certificates?
No. Since April 1, 2024, Maryland issues licenses. Older certificates are mapped to the new license types.
How many PDPs do I need to renew a Maryland teaching license?
At least 90 PDPs, including activity in content or pedagogy, ESL or bilingual education, students with disabilities or differentiated instruction, and culturally responsive teaching.
How many PDPs is a graduate credit worth?
One semester hour of college credit from an accredited institution equals 15 PDPs, so a 3-credit course equals 45.
How much does renewal cost?
$10, paid in MSDE's TEACH system.
Can National Board Certification replace the PDPs?
Yes. A National Board Certificate earned during your license's validity period can take the place of the 90 PDPs.
The Bottom Line
Maryland teacher license renewal now comes down to 90 PDPs over your five-year license, covering four required areas and planned with your supervisor, submitted before your license expires with a $10 fee. Graduate credit counts at 15 PDPs per semester hour, so two 3-credit courses can cover the total, and the same credits may also count toward an Advanced Professional License and, depending on your district, salary placement. Check with your school system. Confirm the details with MSDE or your school system.
Graduate Courses for Maryland Teachers
Earn Your PDPs Online
Browse self-paced, online graduate courses from regionally accredited partner universities. Check that a course fits your professional development plan before you enroll.
Browse Graduate Courses →