How to Get Your Washington,
D.C., Teacher Certification

TEACH IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

Your Washington, D.C., teaching certification opens the door to a meaningful and rewarding career in education. Whether you’re a recent graduate or considering a career change, D.C. offers diverse classrooms, competitive salaries, and a strong job market for teachers.

This guide will walk you through the steps to becoming a teacher in the District of Columbia — from choosing the right Educator Preparation Program (EPP) to passing your exams and submitting your application. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TEACH IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

Office of the State Superintendent of Education 

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is a valuable resource for current and aspiring educators in Washington, D.C. You’ll find information about job opportunities, high-need subject areas, certification pathways, requirements, and the application process.

OSSE also maintains a directory of approved Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) in D.C., including Moreland University’s online, 9-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program.

How to Become a Certified Teacher in Washington, D.C.

Generally, you can follow one of two pathways to earn your Washington, D.C., teaching certification.

The Traditional Pathway

If you’re a high school graduate and you know you want to become a teacher, the traditional route is to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from a 4-year college or university.

You’ll then need to:

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The Alternative Pathway

If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education, you could earn your certification through an alternative or graduate-level EPP. Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program can be completed in as little as 9 months.

TEACH-NOW: 

  • Fully accredited
  • 100% online
  • Global cohort model
  • Rolling admissions
  • Monthly start dates

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Benefits of Earning Your Washington, D.C., Teaching Certification

Competitive Teacher Salaries 

The average starting salary for a D.C. teacher is $64,640 — the highest rate in the nation, according to the National Education Association. The average overall salary is $95,077 (ranked No. 4).

Diverse Educator Workforce 

In D.C. classrooms, just under 60% of teachers are teachers of color, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. At the school leader level, 70% of principals are non-white.

High Teacher Retention 

The average retention rate in D.C. public schools is 86%, according to OSSE data, a strong indication that teachers are happy and supported in their careers.

Small Classrooms, Strong Relationships 

DCPS’ student-to-teacher ratio is 11:1, according to U.S. News & World Report. This allows teachers to devote more time and attention to individual learners.

Certificate Types in Washington, D.C. 

Washington, D.C., has two primary types of teacher certifications, an Initial Teacher Credential and a Standard Teacher Credential.  

Initial Teacher Credential

An Initial Teacher Credential is valid for 3 years in Washington, D.C., and is not renewable. This credential allows educators to teach while completing their Educator Preparation Program (EPP). 

Requirements:

Standard Teacher Credential

The Standard Teacher Credential is Washington, D.C.’s main educator certificate. It is renewable every 4 years. 

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Completed EPP 
  • Passing scores on the required certification exams 
  • Clear background check 

For more information, visit the OSSE website. 

Washington, D.C., Teacher Education Requirements 

General Requirements

Washington, D.C., teachers must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and: 

  • Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP). 
  • Pass the required certification exams. 
  • Clear a background check. 

Testing Requirements

D.C. teachers take a series of certification exams. Specific tests vary depending on the subject and grades you wish to teach, but the exams cover basic skills, content-area knowledge, and pedagogical knowledge.  

For more information, visit OSSE’s page on credentialing exams.  

Education & Degree Requirements

If your bachelor’s degree is in something other than education, you could earn your certification through a graduate-level EPP. Moreland’s online TEACH-NOW program can be completed in as little as 9 months. 

Washington, D.C., Licensing Application Process 

When you’re ready to apply for teacher certification in Washington, D.C., you’ll submit your application online through OSSE’s Educator Credentialing Information System (ECIS). You can use ECIS to check the status of your application, view or print your credential, update your personal information, and more.

Washington, D.C., Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) 

You could earn your D.C. teaching certification in as little as 9 months with Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program. TEACH-NOW is accredited and 100% online, with small class sizes, dedicated mentors, and clinical learning (student teaching) included. 

For a full list of approved EPPs in D.C., including the TEACH-NOW program, visit the OSSE website.  

Apply Now

Moreland University’s Guide to Teacher Certification in Washington, D.C., provides a streamlined overview of what it takes to become a certified teacher.

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FAQs

You have questions about becoming a certified teacher in Washington, D.C. We have answers.  

How do I become a teacher in Washington, D.C.? 

To become a certified teacher in Washington, D.C., you need to hold a bachelor’s degree, complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP), pass the required Praxis exams, and clear a background check.

You can find more details on the OSSE website.

Do I need a teaching certification to teach in Washington, D.C.?

Yes, in most cases, Washington, D.C., requires teachers to hold a valid certification. If you still need to complete your Educator Preparation Program (EPP), you could start teaching with an Initial Teacher Credential while you complete your program.

What are the requirements for Washington, D.C., teacher certification?

Specific requirements vary based on your educational background, the subject and grades you wish to teach, and the type of credential you’re seeking.

Generally, though, Washington, D.C., teachers must:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree.
  • Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP).
  • Pass the required Praxis exams.
  • Clear a background check.

For more detailed information, visit the OSSE website.

What are the steps to get a teaching certification in Washington, D.C.?

Here’s an example of the steps you could take to become a certified teacher in Washington, D.C.:

  • Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree. 
  • Step 2: Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP). D.C. maintains a list of approved programs.
  • Step 3: Pass the required certification exams. These will vary based on the subject and grades you wish to teach but will cover general knowledge, content-area knowledge, and pedagogical knowledge.
  • Step 4: Complete a background check.  
  • Step 5: Apply for your credential through OSSE’s Educator Credentialing Information System (ECIS).

This is just one example of a potential path to teacher certification in D.C. For more detailed information, visit the OSSE website.

How do I maintain my Washington, D.C., teaching certification?

An Initial Teacher Credential in Washington, D.C., is valid for 3 years and is nonrenewable. From there, you need advance to a Standard Teacher Credential.

Your Standard Teacher Credential needs to be renewed every 4 years through one of three routes: professional learning units, performance ratings, or test scores.

For more details, visit the OSSE website.

How long does it take to become a certified teacher in Washington, D.C.?

The timeline to certification varies based on your educational background and the time it takes to complete your Educator Preparation Program (EPP) and pass the required exams.

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is an approved EPP in D.C. and can be completed in just 9 months.

How much do Washington, D.C., teachers make?

The average salary for a D.C. teacher is $95,077, according to the National Education Association. That’s the 4th highest rate in the nation. It’s important to note that’s an average, and your specific salary could be higher or lower based on experience, education, school district, grade level, etc.

How much money can I make starting out as a Washington, D.C., teacher?

The average starting salary for a teacher in D.C. is $64,640, according to the National Education Association. That’s the highest starting rate in the nation.

How can I learn more about becoming a certified teacher in Washington, D.C.?

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) provides extensive resources for aspiring and current teachers in Washington, D.C.

You can also contact Moreland University at admissions@moreland.edu or 844-283-2246. We’re happy to answer your questions about teacher certification or our 9-month, online Educator Preparation Program (EPP).