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Prepare for Maryland Teaching License Tests
This is your complete guide to the required assessments for becoming a teacher in Maryland. Learn about the exams you need to take, portfolio requirements, and how to prepare.
This is your complete guide to the required assessments for becoming a teacher in Maryland. Learn about the exams you need to take, portfolio requirements, and how to prepare.
This is your complete guide to the required assessments for becoming a teacher in Maryland. Learn about the exams you need to take, portfolio requirements, and how to prepare.
In order to teach in Maryland, you must pass assessments that show you have:
We’ll go over each of these in detail—what they cover, who they’re for and what resources can help you prepare.
Your assessment requirements will vary based on the subject you want to teach and your specific background. This guide can help get you oriented, but when you’re ready to sign up for tests, speak with a TEACH Maryland coach or to your teacher preparation program to make sure you’re taking what you need.
All about the core academic skills test
All about the subject area assessment
All about pedagogy assessments
The core academic skills test is an exam you may need to take before you start a teaching program.
When you apply to a teaching program, you’ll need to show mastery of core academic skills. You can do that by taking a test or submitting other proof.
If you have the following, you do not need to take an additional core academic skills test:
If you don’t meet one of these qualifications, you’ll take the reading and writing assessments of the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators. You can sign up for the Praxis Core through the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
Taking the Praxis Core? Study.com is offering FREE test prep for future teachers! With bite-sized video lessons, practice quizzes and full-length practice tests, you'll get the tools you need to feel confident and prepared on test day. Learn more.
In some cases, you’ll need to show these scores as part of your application to a teaching program. Check the teaching program you’re interested in to see what requirements they have.
If you need to provide your core academic skills test scores with your teaching program application, you will either need to take the test or get an official copy of your previous test scores before you apply. Some programs only require you to be scheduled to take the test when you apply.
The Maryland State Department of Education sets certain standards for its test scores. Some teaching programs may set their own separate Praxis Core score requirements, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with your program before applying.
Here are the scores required by the Maryland State Department of Education:
To get licensed to teach in Maryland, you need to show that you know your subject matter well enough to teach it. In most cases, that means taking a subject area test.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree and experience in education, you may be able to waive one or more content area tests. If you have a degree and meet any of the following qualifications, check with a licensure specialist to see if you need to test:
If you do not meet the qualifications for a waiver, the most common subject area tests are:
• For all subjects: The Praxis II. This exam covers most subject areas.
There are additional tests for:
• World languages: The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) tests. These exams cover world language subject areas. You’ll need to pass both an oral and written exam to teach your language of choice.
• Early childhood, elementary, English to speakers of other languages and special education: The Foundations of Reading or Teaching Reading: Elementary test is an additional assessment of your ability to teach reading.
The timing of your subject area test will depend on your license pathway.
If you’re applying to or enrolled in a university-based program (undergraduate, post-baccalaureate or master’s) teaching program, you’ll generally take your subject area assessment near the end of your program.
If you’re applying to an alternative licensure teaching program, you’ll likely sign up for your subject area assessment before you apply to your teaching program. Some programs require you to submit your exam scores with your application. Others just require you to be registered for your exam before you apply.
Either way, you’ll usually need to pass this test before you begin student teaching.
Your subject area assessment will depend on the subject you plan to teach. Maryland has a range of available subject areas you can get licensed in, such as elementary education, art, biology, music and environmental science.
Some subject areas are for specific grade levels, so be sure to check with the program you're interested in and see if they offer your subject area in your preferred age group.
“Pedagogy” refers to your method of teaching, how you lead a classroom and the way you assess students. This is evaluated through a teaching portfolio that you create.
To get your teaching license, you’ll need to submit a portfolio that shows off your readiness to teach your own classroom. There is one available assessment, the edTPA (Teacher Performance Assessment).
The edTPA isn’t a typical test—no multiple choice questions here. Instead, during your student teaching or clinical experience, you’ll create a portfolio that summarizes what you’ve learned in your teaching program and how you’ve developed as an educator so far.
Your portfolio will include “teaching materials and artifacts,” such as:
You can learn more about specific requirements on the edTPA website.
If any of these apply to you, you may be able to waive the edTPA portfolio. Check with a licensure specialist to see if you can waive the requirement:
• You hold National Board Certification.
• You completed a school district induction program.
• You have submitted an approved alternate portfolio.
• You hold a Temporary Professional License and have an effective rating on a Maryland local school system performance evaluation.
Highly trained educators or portfolio raters will score your portfolio. Raters use detailed rubrics to evaluate your teaching. The Maryland State Department of Education only accepts nationally scored portfolios.
Rubric scores represent a scale from “not quite ready to teach” to “advanced beginning teacher.” Each rubric level shows a range of teaching skills and strategies, as well as a deepening rationale for instructional choices.
Visit edTPA’s candidate support resource for more information about scoring and the rubrics.
You will either begin the portfolio as a student teacher or use your current teaching experience to create your portfolio (for example, if you currently hold a provisional license).
You don’t have to prepare for the portfolio before you apply to a teaching program, but you may want to research how your prospective programs will help you prepare for this assessment.
Tests are required to get licensed—but remember, your scores don’t necessarily reflect the kind of teacher you will be. Exams like the core skills test and subject area assessment are just one more step on your way to teaching, and you can take them more than once.
You’re on a mission, and you’ve got this!
You’ve worked hard to get where you are. You’ve put together an amazing application, and you’re pretty sure you aced your teaching exam. But just as you’re submitting your materials to your program, you find out that your test scores won’t be available until after the application deadline.
Don’t let this happen to you! Making a test schedule can save you application frustration and stress later on. You’ll want to know:
Once you know these important dates, we recommend adding in at least an extra week or two of cushion. That way, if your test is rescheduled or your testing equipment isn’t working, you won’t be scrambling to take the test in time.
After you register for your test, you can work backward: Figure out how much time you have between now and your testing date. Then, make yourself a study schedule that maps out how and when you’ll study for your exam (more on that in Step 4!)
Check with your teaching program to find out when you need to have taken and passed the subject area assessment, and to verify which tests you’ll take.
If you’re taking a Praxis exam, head over to the Praxis registration page. There, you will:
Check the box next to the test you need to take. Then you’ll be able to choose your testing location, date and time. You’ll choose the date and time separately for each test you’ve selected (most people only need to take one test).
Choose where you want your score reports sent. If you know your program’s code, you can use that, or you can look up the program by state.
Verify your information and pay for your exam. The Praxis Core costs $150. Most Praxis subject area tests cost $130.
For a world language teaching license, there are two available assessments: the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) test or a Praxis content assessment in the specific language. Some languages are available through Praxis, but not all.
For the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) test, you will go through Language Testing International. On the registration page, you will:
Select the tests you plan to take. In Maryland, you’ll take both the Written Proficiency Test and the Oral Proficiency Interview. You can choose to do the interview with either an interviewer or through a computer program. If you choose the computer program option, you’ll select "OPIc" for your oral test.
For the Praxis world language content assessment, head over to the Praxis registration page. There, you will:
If you need to take the Foundations of Reading assessment, you’ll do that through the MSDE National Evaluation Series website. Click “Register” in the top bar. Once you create an account, you can schedule your test, access preparation materials and check your scores. The test fee is $139.
If you choose to take the Teaching Reading: Elementary assessment option, you will do so on the Praxis website. Once you’ve created an account and followed these steps, you can access the test under the “Reading Option” section.
Most test-makers now offer a “test from home” option. This lets you take your exam online through a secure portal or proctoring service.
You can register to take your Praxis at home through your Praxis account. Visit the Praxis At Home Testing page to see which Praxis exams are available for at home testing and what equipment you’ll need.
You can choose a remote proctoring service when you register for your exam. When you get to the test scheduling page, click the web-based proctoring option.
All exams have options to request special accommodations, such as alternative testing locations or extra time. Make sure you schedule your exam far enough out so that your accommodations request can get processed. Depending on the exam, this extra processing time can be anywhere from ten days to six weeks.
Learn more about available accommodations and how to request them for each exam:
Once you’ve registered, make a list of everything you need to do between now and your test day.
Make a study schedule that includes time to:
Get a general test overview. The Praxis test prep center has familiarization videos that highlight the exam structure and types of questions, so you’ll know what to expect when the time comes. Not taking the Praxis? You can also check out the:
Plan your approach. ETS (the Praxis test-maker) offers study companions and study plans to help you figure out where you need to focus and get the right resources. This study plan is designed for the Praxis, but you can adapt it for whichever test you’re planning to take!
Research test prep resources. Figure out what study materials you want to use, and give yourself plenty of time to order the right books, manuals or other resources (see our resource list in Step 5).
Study your subject matter. This is where you’ll spend most of your time. Plan regular time to look over study guides, revisit textbooks or old class assignments, review flashcards, work with a study group… There are lots of ways to get the material down! The most important thing is to pace yourself so you’re not cramming at the last minute.
Take practice tests. Even if you know all the information, you’ll want to get used to the test-maker’s phrasing and test structure. Practice tests can help you know what to expect on test day and learn how to approach questions you’re unsure of.
Whichever test you’re taking, there are study guides to help you prepare. Some come directly from test-makers, while others come from other educational organizations and universities.
We’ll share a few resources here.
Test prep materials: Most tests come with free preparation materials from the test-maker. These materials cover everything from study tips to sample questions to strategies for answering multiple-choice questions. Find the free prep materials for your test:
Praxis Core and Praxis II:
The Praxis preparation page offers study companions and testing strategies.
Praxis Core: Study.com offers free test prep with video lessons, practice quizzes and more.
World Languages: The world languages test descriptions page features overviews of each exam, as well as links to additional materials for each test. Find your exams on the page and click “More details.” Then check out the Examinee Handbook for sample questions and test-taking tips. You can also get more information about ACTFL tests with:
Foundations of Reading: Check out the Foundations of Reading preparation materials page. Click on the “content subarea” to find sample questions and objectives to prepare for your exam.
Praxis Core and Praxis II: When you register for the Praxis, you’ll automatically receive a free practice test. You can also buy an additional practice test for $19.95 at the ETS store.
World Languages: Take a demo test for the Writing Proficiency portion of your exam.
Foundations of Reading: Find sample multiple choice and open-response test assignments at the Foundations of Reading preparation materials page.
Teaching Reading: Elementary: You will get limited access to free test prep materials like sample questions, and can purchase a full practice test for $24.95 at the ETS store.
You also have numerous test prep options from third-party companies. Here are a few suggestions to get started. While we have not personally vetted all of these resources, you may find them useful in your test preparation.
Praxis Core or Praxis II: Head to your local library and check out Praxis prep books from test prep gurus like Kaplan or CliffsNotes. (If you’re planning to mark up your book, you should probably buy the book instead!)
Spanish Oral Exam: The University of Texas offers free practice modules for each ACTFL language proficiency level. You can watch and analyze videos of interviews with Spanish speakers, then create and analyze your own interview video to practice.
Before you purchase any test prep materials, check with your program to see if any discount codes are available for your test prep option of choice.
$3-$24.99: Kaplan offers Praxis test prep books that have practice tests, detailed explanations of answers, question banks and content review.
$49.99/month: For a monthly subscription fee, 240Tutoring offers access to their full catalogue of Praxis content exam study guides. If you score at least 90 percent on their practice test but don’t pass your exam, you’ll get a full refund for up to two months of your subscription.
$39.99-$58.99: Test Prep Review offers free Praxis example questions and study tips, plus flashcards and study guide books in both printed and ebook formats.
$59.99/month: Study.com offers study materials for Praxis exams. You can get a free 30-day trial, followed by a monthly fee. Test prep materials include a free practice test, plus study guides, practice questions and video lessons.
Free-$295: Teachers Test Prep offers support for certain Praxis content area tests. You can get free study guides and practice tests, plus paid test prep courses, one-on-one tutoring, video instruction and more.
$299-$399: Kaplan offers test prep courses for some Praxis content area tests. Courses include content review, hundreds of sample questions, full-length practice tests, video instruction and more.
TEACH Maryland offers $100 in reimbursement for any test fees that are required for you to apply and enroll in a teaching program. That could include registration fees and test prep materials for the Praxis Core or your content exam! (Reimbursements do not include tests that you take after you’ve enrolled.) Visit the TEACH Maryland Fee Reimbursements page to learn more about eligibility and how to apply.
Applications have a lot of steps, and we’re here to support you with all of them.
Check out more FREE tools to simplify the process.
In order to teach in Maryland, you must pass assessments that show you have:
We’ll go over each of these in detail—what they cover, who they’re for and what resources can help you prepare.
Your assessment requirements will vary based on the subject you want to teach and your specific background. This guide can help get you oriented, but when you’re ready to sign up for tests, speak with a TEACH Maryland coach or to your teacher preparation program to make sure you’re taking what you need.
All about the core academic skills test
All about the subject area assessment
All about pedagogy assessments
The core academic skills test is an exam you may need to take before you start a teaching program.
When you apply to a teaching program, you’ll need to show mastery of core academic skills. You can do that by taking a test or submitting other proof.
If you have the following, you do not need to take an additional core academic skills test:
If you don’t meet one of these qualifications, you’ll take the reading and writing assessments of the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators. You can sign up for the Praxis Core through the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
Taking the Praxis Core? Study.com is offering FREE test prep for future teachers! With bite-sized video lessons, practice quizzes and full-length practice tests, you'll get the tools you need to feel confident and prepared on test day. Learn more.
In some cases, you’ll need to show these scores as part of your application to a teaching program. Check the teaching program you’re interested in to see what requirements they have.
If you need to provide your core academic skills test scores with your teaching program application, you will either need to take the test or get an official copy of your previous test scores before you apply. Some programs only require you to be scheduled to take the test when you apply.
The Maryland State Department of Education sets certain standards for its test scores. Some teaching programs may set their own separate Praxis Core score requirements, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with your program before applying.
Here are the scores required by the Maryland State Department of Education:
To get licensed to teach in Maryland, you need to show that you know your subject matter well enough to teach it. In most cases, that means taking a subject area test.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree and experience in education, you may be able to waive one or more content area tests. If you have a degree and meet any of the following qualifications, check with a licensure specialist to see if you need to test:
If you do not meet the qualifications for a waiver, the most common subject area tests are:
• For all subjects: The Praxis II. This exam covers most subject areas.
There are additional tests for:
• World languages: The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) tests. These exams cover world language subject areas. You’ll need to pass both an oral and written exam to teach your language of choice.
• Early childhood, elementary, English to speakers of other languages and special education: The Foundations of Reading or Teaching Reading: Elementary test is an additional assessment of your ability to teach reading.
The timing of your subject area test will depend on your license pathway.
If you’re applying to or enrolled in a university-based program (undergraduate, post-baccalaureate or master’s) teaching program, you’ll generally take your subject area assessment near the end of your program.
If you’re applying to an alternative licensure teaching program, you’ll likely sign up for your subject area assessment before you apply to your teaching program. Some programs require you to submit your exam scores with your application. Others just require you to be registered for your exam before you apply.
Either way, you’ll usually need to pass this test before you begin student teaching.
Your subject area assessment will depend on the subject you plan to teach. Maryland has a range of available subject areas you can get licensed in, such as elementary education, art, biology, music and environmental science.
Some subject areas are for specific grade levels, so be sure to check with the program you're interested in and see if they offer your subject area in your preferred age group.
“Pedagogy” refers to your method of teaching, how you lead a classroom and the way you assess students. This is evaluated through a teaching portfolio that you create.
To get your teaching license, you’ll need to submit a portfolio that shows off your readiness to teach your own classroom. There is one available assessment, the edTPA (Teacher Performance Assessment).
The edTPA isn’t a typical test—no multiple choice questions here. Instead, during your student teaching or clinical experience, you’ll create a portfolio that summarizes what you’ve learned in your teaching program and how you’ve developed as an educator so far.
Your portfolio will include “teaching materials and artifacts,” such as:
You can learn more about specific requirements on the edTPA website.
If any of these apply to you, you may be able to waive the edTPA portfolio. Check with a licensure specialist to see if you can waive the requirement:
• You hold National Board Certification.
• You completed a school district induction program.
• You have submitted an approved alternate portfolio.
• You hold a Temporary Professional License and have an effective rating on a Maryland local school system performance evaluation.
Highly trained educators or portfolio raters will score your portfolio. Raters use detailed rubrics to evaluate your teaching. The Maryland State Department of Education only accepts nationally scored portfolios.
Rubric scores represent a scale from “not quite ready to teach” to “advanced beginning teacher.” Each rubric level shows a range of teaching skills and strategies, as well as a deepening rationale for instructional choices.
Visit edTPA’s candidate support resource for more information about scoring and the rubrics.
You will either begin the portfolio as a student teacher or use your current teaching experience to create your portfolio (for example, if you currently hold a provisional license).
You don’t have to prepare for the portfolio before you apply to a teaching program, but you may want to research how your prospective programs will help you prepare for this assessment.
Tests are required to get licensed—but remember, your scores don’t necessarily reflect the kind of teacher you will be. Exams like the core skills test and subject area assessment are just one more step on your way to teaching, and you can take them more than once.
You’re on a mission, and you’ve got this!
You’ve worked hard to get where you are. You’ve put together an amazing application, and you’re pretty sure you aced your teaching exam. But just as you’re submitting your materials to your program, you find out that your test scores won’t be available until after the application deadline.
Don’t let this happen to you! Making a test schedule can save you application frustration and stress later on. You’ll want to know:
Once you know these important dates, we recommend adding in at least an extra week or two of cushion. That way, if your test is rescheduled or your testing equipment isn’t working, you won’t be scrambling to take the test in time.
After you register for your test, you can work backward: Figure out how much time you have between now and your testing date. Then, make yourself a study schedule that maps out how and when you’ll study for your exam (more on that in Step 4!)
Check with your teaching program to find out when you need to have taken and passed the subject area assessment, and to verify which tests you’ll take.
If you’re taking a Praxis exam, head over to the Praxis registration page. There, you will:
Check the box next to the test you need to take. Then you’ll be able to choose your testing location, date and time. You’ll choose the date and time separately for each test you’ve selected (most people only need to take one test).
Choose where you want your score reports sent. If you know your program’s code, you can use that, or you can look up the program by state.
Verify your information and pay for your exam. The Praxis Core costs $150. Most Praxis subject area tests cost $130.
For a world language teaching license, there are two available assessments: the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) test or a Praxis content assessment in the specific language. Some languages are available through Praxis, but not all.
For the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) test, you will go through Language Testing International. On the registration page, you will:
Select the tests you plan to take. In Maryland, you’ll take both the Written Proficiency Test and the Oral Proficiency Interview. You can choose to do the interview with either an interviewer or through a computer program. If you choose the computer program option, you’ll select "OPIc" for your oral test.
For the Praxis world language content assessment, head over to the Praxis registration page. There, you will:
If you need to take the Foundations of Reading assessment, you’ll do that through the MSDE National Evaluation Series website. Click “Register” in the top bar. Once you create an account, you can schedule your test, access preparation materials and check your scores. The test fee is $139.
If you choose to take the Teaching Reading: Elementary assessment option, you will do so on the Praxis website. Once you’ve created an account and followed these steps, you can access the test under the “Reading Option” section.
Most test-makers now offer a “test from home” option. This lets you take your exam online through a secure portal or proctoring service.
You can register to take your Praxis at home through your Praxis account. Visit the Praxis At Home Testing page to see which Praxis exams are available for at home testing and what equipment you’ll need.
You can choose a remote proctoring service when you register for your exam. When you get to the test scheduling page, click the web-based proctoring option.
All exams have options to request special accommodations, such as alternative testing locations or extra time. Make sure you schedule your exam far enough out so that your accommodations request can get processed. Depending on the exam, this extra processing time can be anywhere from ten days to six weeks.
Learn more about available accommodations and how to request them for each exam:
Once you’ve registered, make a list of everything you need to do between now and your test day.
Make a study schedule that includes time to:
Get a general test overview. The Praxis test prep center has familiarization videos that highlight the exam structure and types of questions, so you’ll know what to expect when the time comes. Not taking the Praxis? You can also check out the:
Plan your approach. ETS (the Praxis test-maker) offers study companions and study plans to help you figure out where you need to focus and get the right resources. This study plan is designed for the Praxis, but you can adapt it for whichever test you’re planning to take!
Research test prep resources. Figure out what study materials you want to use, and give yourself plenty of time to order the right books, manuals or other resources (see our resource list in Step 5).
Study your subject matter. This is where you’ll spend most of your time. Plan regular time to look over study guides, revisit textbooks or old class assignments, review flashcards, work with a study group… There are lots of ways to get the material down! The most important thing is to pace yourself so you’re not cramming at the last minute.
Take practice tests. Even if you know all the information, you’ll want to get used to the test-maker’s phrasing and test structure. Practice tests can help you know what to expect on test day and learn how to approach questions you’re unsure of.
Whichever test you’re taking, there are study guides to help you prepare. Some come directly from test-makers, while others come from other educational organizations and universities.
We’ll share a few resources here.
Test prep materials: Most tests come with free preparation materials from the test-maker. These materials cover everything from study tips to sample questions to strategies for answering multiple-choice questions. Find the free prep materials for your test:
Praxis Core and Praxis II:
The Praxis preparation page offers study companions and testing strategies.
Praxis Core: Study.com offers free test prep with video lessons, practice quizzes and more.
World Languages: The world languages test descriptions page features overviews of each exam, as well as links to additional materials for each test. Find your exams on the page and click “More details.” Then check out the Examinee Handbook for sample questions and test-taking tips. You can also get more information about ACTFL tests with:
Foundations of Reading: Check out the Foundations of Reading preparation materials page. Click on the “content subarea” to find sample questions and objectives to prepare for your exam.
Praxis Core and Praxis II: When you register for the Praxis, you’ll automatically receive a free practice test. You can also buy an additional practice test for $19.95 at the ETS store.
World Languages: Take a demo test for the Writing Proficiency portion of your exam.
Foundations of Reading: Find sample multiple choice and open-response test assignments at the Foundations of Reading preparation materials page.
Teaching Reading: Elementary: You will get limited access to free test prep materials like sample questions, and can purchase a full practice test for $24.95 at the ETS store.
You also have numerous test prep options from third-party companies. Here are a few suggestions to get started. While we have not personally vetted all of these resources, you may find them useful in your test preparation.
Praxis Core or Praxis II: Head to your local library and check out Praxis prep books from test prep gurus like Kaplan or CliffsNotes. (If you’re planning to mark up your book, you should probably buy the book instead!)
Spanish Oral Exam: The University of Texas offers free practice modules for each ACTFL language proficiency level. You can watch and analyze videos of interviews with Spanish speakers, then create and analyze your own interview video to practice.
Before you purchase any test prep materials, check with your program to see if any discount codes are available for your test prep option of choice.
$3-$24.99: Kaplan offers Praxis test prep books that have practice tests, detailed explanations of answers, question banks and content review.
$49.99/month: For a monthly subscription fee, 240Tutoring offers access to their full catalogue of Praxis content exam study guides. If you score at least 90 percent on their practice test but don’t pass your exam, you’ll get a full refund for up to two months of your subscription.
$39.99-$58.99: Test Prep Review offers free Praxis example questions and study tips, plus flashcards and study guide books in both printed and ebook formats.
$59.99/month: Study.com offers study materials for Praxis exams. You can get a free 30-day trial, followed by a monthly fee. Test prep materials include a free practice test, plus study guides, practice questions and video lessons.
Free-$295: Teachers Test Prep offers support for certain Praxis content area tests. You can get free study guides and practice tests, plus paid test prep courses, one-on-one tutoring, video instruction and more.
$299-$399: Kaplan offers test prep courses for some Praxis content area tests. Courses include content review, hundreds of sample questions, full-length practice tests, video instruction and more.
TEACH Maryland offers $100 in reimbursement for any test fees that are required for you to apply and enroll in a teaching program. That could include registration fees and test prep materials for the Praxis Core or your content exam! (Reimbursements do not include tests that you take after you’ve enrolled.) Visit the TEACH Maryland Fee Reimbursements page to learn more about eligibility and how to apply.
Applications have a lot of steps, and we’re here to support you with all of them.
Check out more FREE tools to simplify the process.