Substitute Teacher Certification in Maryland: Complete Guide
Maryland substitute teacher state credential. Credential Name: Substitute Teaching Certificate. Issuing Body: Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
Substitute Teaching Certificate
Credential Name
Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)
Issuing Body
60 college credits required
Education Requirement
$65
Background Check Cost
3-5 years (typical)
Validity Period
Maryland: State Credential
Maryland Requirements Snapshot
Legal minimums. Real success comes from exceeding them with classroom skills.
Required
Education Requirements
Maryland requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. The degree can be in any field and does not need to be in education. Official transcripts must be provided as part of the certification application process through the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
Background Check
All substitute teacher candidates in Maryland must undergo a comprehensive criminal background check, including fingerprinting processed through the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) and the FBI. Maryland also requires a review of the candidate's record on the state child abuse and neglect registry. Background clearance must be obtained before any classroom assignment.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Maryland must be at least 18 years of age. Given the bachelor's degree requirement, most candidates will be at least 21 or 22 years of age upon application.
Application Process
Candidates apply for a substitute teaching certificate through the MSDE online educator certification system. The application requires official transcripts, background check results, and payment of the applicable fee. After receiving state certification, candidates must also apply with individual school districts to be placed on their substitute teacher roster.
MSDE Certification
Maryland issues a substitute teaching certificate through the Maryland State Department of Education. This certificate authorizes the holder to serve as a substitute teacher in any Maryland public school. The certificate is valid for five years and must be renewed before expiration. Holders of a valid Maryland professional teaching certificate do not need a separate substitute certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
This is skills-based professional development training only. It does not constitute state certification, a teaching license, or a guarantee of employment or assignments. All substitute teaching authorization and certification is issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district authorities.
Practical skills training only. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials are issued exclusively by Maryland state and district government authorities — never by any training provider.
Succeed as a Substitute in Maryland
Practical skills training that helps you stand out once you have met the government's authorization requirements. We do not issue credentials or guarantees.
Substitute Teacher Training provides practical skills development and resources to help substitute teachers perform more effectively in the classroom. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials are issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district education authorities. Decisions about hiring, pay rates, assignments, and any required credentials are made solely by schools, districts, and state education authorities. Completion of our courses results in a Certificate of Completion for professional development purposes only. We do not issue, approve, or guarantee any form of certification or employment.
Substitute Teacher Training does not issue substitute teaching authorization, credentials, or employment. All decisions rest solely with state education authorities, provincial ministries, and local school districts.