Certification Reciprocity Process for School Counselors
Reciprocity allows educators certified in one state to apply for certification in another state without having to complete the full set of requirements typically required of new applicants. In the case of Maryland, there are two (2) avenues toward certification for individuals coming from another state:
Out-of-State Program Completers with Certificate and Test Scores:
Requirements for Certification:
- Active professional certificate/license from another state, including the desired certification area in Maryland.
- Completion of an educator preparation program approved in the state of certification.
- Verification of passing scores for required certification tests.
- See Out-of-State program pathway to initial license.
Application Process:
- Register and complete an online application through The Educator Application and Certification Hub (TEACH).
- Submit the required documents:
- Copy of active professional certificate/license.
- Official transcript demonstrating completion of an approved educator preparation program.
- Verification of passing scores for certification tests.
You can track application status through TEACH. If employed with a Maryland local school district or state-operated school, coordinate with the employer for application assistance.
Maryland School Counselor Certification Through Reciprocity:
Requirements for Certification:
- Please be prepared to submit documentation verifying that you have met the following requirements:
- A master’s degree.
- A valid, professional school counseling certificate from another state.
- Verification of at least 27 months of satisfactory performance as a school counselor during the past seven (7) years.
See requirements for Option VI on the MD Dept of Ed website and the MD Dept of Ed Applicant Guide.
Application Process:
- Submit a cover letter including personal information and certification area.
- Download and complete the initial application for certification.
- Verify test scores for the required out-of-state professional certificate, if applicable.
- Submit a copy of the current, valid out-of-state professional certificate.
- Send official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
- Create a profile with the Department of Education Certification Branch Portal.
- Submit supporting documents to the Maryland State Department of Education Certification Branch either by mail or electronically.
Submission of pertinent documents, such as official transcripts and a duplicate of your existing and valid out-of-state certificate, is to be directed to Maryland State Department of Education, Certification Branch, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Alternatively, electronic submissions can be made to certdocuments.msde@maryland.gov.
For questions about the out-of-state application, contact the Maryland Department of Education during normal business hours at 410-767-0100.