Maryland Credential Guide
English for Speakers of Other Languages, PreK-12 Endorsement Requirements in Maryland
Issued by Maryland State Department of Education.
Maryland’s ESOL PreK-12 endorsement is an additional teaching area. After meeting initial licensure requirements in another area, you can compare the state’s coursework and test routes.
Official sources reviewed . Requirements can change, so confirm your route with the issuing agency before enrolling.
Maryland ESOL PreK–12
Both Published Routes Include Reading-Instruction Proficiency
Maryland permits an ESOL content route through 24 credits or an approved content-specific test. The state also requires reading-instruction proficiency, so a course map or test score by itself is not the completed endorsement plan.
Show 24 content credits, including at least 12 in ESOL and 12 related credits, then document reading-instruction proficiency.
Submit the approved ESOL content assessment result and document reading-instruction proficiency through an accepted reading test or approved study.
Ask Maryland's certification office how it will review your existing teaching area, transcripts and reading evidence before committing to a second set of courses.
Maryland State Department of Education, checked September 29, 2026: ESOL endorsement qualifications.
Maryland Requirements
First Qualify in Another Teaching Area
The ESOL endorsement is added after initial requirements for another teaching area are met. Confirm your base license before planning ESOL study.
Base teaching area
Maryland requires an applicant to meet initial licensure requirements in another teaching area before adding the ESOL endorsement.
Maryland Requirements
Compare ESOL Evidence Routes
The transcript route uses a specified mix of ESOL and related credits. The test route uses an approved content assessment. Both published routes include the state’s reading-instruction condition.
Content credits
Maryland's transcript-analysis route identifies 24 content credits, including at least 12 credits in the content area and 12 related credits.
Assessment route
Maryland publishes a route using the approved content-specific assessment together with its reading-instruction requirement.