The timeline to become a certified teacher in Maryland can vary depending on several factors, including your educational background, the type of certification you’re pursuing, and whether you choose a traditional or alternative certification pathway.
It’s worth noting both pathways typically require a bachelor’s degree, which usually takes four years of full-time study to obtain. If your bachelor’s degree is in education, you can complete the required certification exams and apply for teacher certification in Maryland (which, according to the Maryland State Department of Education, will be reviewed within 8 weeks).
If your bachelor’s degree is not in education, you’ll need to complete a teacher preparation program. Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in nine months — helping get you ready for the classroom and teaching sooner. Then you’ll complete the required exams and a background check before applying for your teacher certification in Maryland.
According to MSDE, you can expect it to take about 8 weeks (about 2 months) to process your application for your Maryland teacher certification.