
How to Get Your Washington
D.C. Teacher Certification
Your Washington D.C. teaching certification is the foundation of a fulfilling career and provides countless opportunities to make a difference in the lives of students and your community. Whether you just finished your undergraduate degree or want to change careers to be a teacher, Washington D.C. offers a variety of opportunities and a straightforward path to the classroom.
This guide will help you understand the steps needed to earn your Washington D.C. teaching certification, including choosing the right Educator Preparation Program (EPP), passing state-specific certification exams, and applying for your professional license.
Washington D.C. Department of Education & D.C. Office of the State Superintendent of Education

The Washington D.C. Department of Education and D.C. Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) are valuable resources for navigating teacher certification. You’ll find information about job opportunities, high-need subject areas, certification pathways, requirements, and application processes.
If you’re interested in one of Washington D.C.’s alternative pathways to teacher certification, OSSE also provides information on D.C.-approved Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs), like Moreland University’s 100% 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 Direct Pathway
If you have graduated high school and know you want to become a teacher, the traditional route is to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from an accredited institution.
You’ll then need to:
- Pass the Praxis tests
- Submit and complete a D.C. Local Education Agency (LEA) Request Form
- Submit fingerprints and pass a background check
- Complete your application for certification.
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The Alternative Pathway
If you have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education, you can apply for an Induction Certificate and complete an approved Educator Preparation Program.
Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program can be completed in as little as 9 months:
- 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

Extensive Job Opportunities
Washington D.C. has a high demand for qualified teachers, especially in fields like special education, science, and mathematics.

High-Quality Schools
Washington D.C.’s education system is highly regarded, with a commitment to preparing students for college and career readiness.

Nation’s Best Salaries
According to the NEA, D.C. ranks in the top 5 nationally for average teacher salary, and no. 1 for average starting teacher salary!

Wide Professional Network
With people coming to the U.S. capital from around the world, you’ll find a culturally rich community of teachers dedicated to education.
Types of Washington D.C. Teacher Certifications
Washington D.C. has two primary types of teacher certifications, as outlined below:

Initial Teacher Credential
An Initial Teacher Credential is valid for 3 years in Washington D.C. and is not renewable. This credential is designed for new teachers and teachers moving to Washington D.C. with certifications from other states. This credential also allows educators to teach while completing their EPP.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Enrollment in an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Passing scores on all required Praxis tests and additional assessments
- Completed D.C. Local Education Agency (LEA) Request Form
- Submit fingerprints and pass a background check


Standard Teacher Credential
The Standard Teacher Credential is Washington D.C.’s highest educator certification. It is renewable every 4 years.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Completion of an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Passing scores on all exams required for the subject area
- Submit fingerprints and pass a 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 initial certification application
- Complete an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Pass the required assessments for the subject area they wish to teach
- Submit fingerprints and pass a background check
- Complete and submit all application materials
Testing Requirements
Educators in D.C. must pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators test, the Praxis Subject
Assessments, and the Principles of Learning and Teaching test relevant to their chosen grade level.

Praxis Core
This test is mandatory for all teachers in Washington D.C. to ensure they have the necessary instructional skills and knowledge. It assesses three fields: reading, writing, and math.

Praxis Subject Assessment
The subject assessment is designed specifically for teachers who want to add a subject area specialization or endorsement to their credential.
For more information, visit OSSE.dc.gov.
Education & Degree Requirements
Washington D.C. requires teachers to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or
university. If you hold a degree in a subject other than education, you can complete an approved
Educator Preparation Program, such as Moreland University’s 9-month TEACH-NOW program.
Washington D.C. Licensing Application Process

When you are ready to apply for teacher certification in Washington D.C., you will submit your application online to OSSE using the Educator Credential Information System (ECIS), including your application fee and required documents.
Washington D.C. Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs)

The OSSE provides a list of approved EPPs for Washington D.C.
Moreland University’s 9-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is perfect for aspiring teachers in Washington D.C. who are ready to grow their careers. TEACH-NOW is fully accredited and flexible, offering a 100% online learning environment, small class sizes, experienced mentors, and clinical learning (student teaching) as part of the curriculum.


Moreland University’s Guide to Teacher Certification in Washington D.C. provides a streamlined overview of what it takes to become a certified teacher.
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about becoming a certified teacher in
Washington D.C. – and the answers to help you on your teaching journey.
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 a state-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP), pass the necessary Praxis exams, and apply for an Initial Teacher Credential or Standard Teacher Credential.
All teachers in Washington D.C. also need to submit fingerprints and pass a background check.
More information can be found on the OSSE website.
Do I need a teaching certification to teach in Washington D.C.?
Yes, Washington D.C. requires most teachers to hold a certification. Washington D.C. offers two main types of certifications:
- A Standard Teaching Credential, Washington D.C.’s highest educator certification, renewable every 4 years.
- An Initial Teaching Credential is perfect for new teachers for new teachers completing certification requirements. It is valid for 3 years and nonrenewable.
What are the requirements for Washington D.C. teacher certification?
For teacher certification in Washington D.C., specific requirements depends on a number of factors, like the subject areas and grades you wish to teach and the type of credential you’re seeking.
Generally, though, Washington D.C. teachers must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Complete an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Pass the required Praxis exams
- Submit fingerprints and pass a background check
For detailed information about the requirements for each pathway to teacher certification in Washington D.C., please visit the OSSE website.
What are the steps to get a teaching certification in Washington D.C.?
To earn a teaching certification in Washington D.C., you need to:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree
- Enroll in a state-approved educator preparation program, such as TEACH-NOW
- Pass the required Praxis exams
- Submit fingerprints and pass a background check
- Apply for certification through OSSE
Please note that additional steps may be required depending on the specific pathway to teacher certification that you are pursuing. For complete information, please visit the OSSE website.
How do I maintain my Washington D.C. teaching certification?
An Initial Teaching Credential in Washington D.C. is valid for 3 years and is nonrenewable. Those who wish to teach beyond 4 years must obtain a Standard Teaching Credential, which is initially valid for 4 years and is renewable.
To renew a Standard Teaching Credential, educators need to complete the equivalent of 120 professional development hours, which can include time spent teaching on the clock, 8 college credit hours, or a combination of both. Teachers must also complete and submit renewal paperwork along with an application fee before the expiration date on their teaching certificate.
Please check the OSSE website for updates on renewal requirements and procedures.
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 whether you pursue a traditional or alternative pathway. For candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field, Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in just 9 months.
How much do Washington D.C. teachers make?
Experience, education, grade level, and subject area are just a handful of the factors that go into determining a teacher’s salary in Washington D.C.
The average starting salary for a Washington D.C. teacher is approximately $63,373 (no. 1 in the nation) while the average overall salary is around $84,882 (no. 5 in the nation), according to the National Education Association (NEA). These numbers generally reflect 10 months of work since teachers typically receive generous time off during the summer and around holidays.
Teachers with additional certifications and advanced degrees, like a master’s in education (M.Ed.), can often earn higher salaries. For more information, check out our blog Navigating Teacher Salaries in Washington D.C.: A Detailed Guide.
How much money can I make starting out as a Washington D.C. teacher?
Washington D.C. teachers’ average starting salary is approximately $63,373 (no. 1 in the nation), according to the National Education Association (NEA).
A number of factors are considered when setting starting salaries for Washington D.C. teachers, including experience, education level, grade level, and subject area.
How can I learn more about becoming a certified teacher in Washington D.C.?
The D.C. Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) provides extensive resources for both aspiring and current teachers to learn more about education professional development, and teacher certification in Washington D.C.
You can also contact Moreland University at admissions@moreland.edu or 844-283-2246 with any questions about teacher certification or our educator preparation program – it takes as little as 9 months to complete!