Office of Certification

NEW CERTIFICATION PROCESS

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is proud to announce the release of the EDUCATOR INFORMATION SYSTEM (EIS). EIS is Maryland’s web-based source for educator certification. This system will provide you with access to your personal certification information.

The Office of Certification for Baltimore County will be responsible for processing certification requests: initial certificates, renewal of certificates, endorsements, and education levels. MSDE will no longer issue printed Maryland certificates, however, you will have the ability to access your certification information and print copies of your certificate after it has been approved and processed.

In keeping with our new responsibility, the Office of Certification began approving and processing initial certificates, renewals, and endorsements AFTER April 1, 2007. Fifteen percent (15%) of all certificate transactions made by the Office of Certification will be audited by MSDE. If a case is audited it will take MSDE 45-60 days to complete the transaction. Meantime, MSDE will continue to process those requests submitted to them BEFORE April 1, 2007; these requests may take longer to approve and process. Teachers hired during the 2007-2008 school year should not expect their certificate to be requested until the end of the first semester. For additional information regarding EIS please see the attached Fact Sheet.

You can access EIS through MSDE at www.certification.msde.state.md.us

You will be required to establish an access account by entering identifying information and creating a user ID and password. There are detailed instructions at the site to guide you through the process. You are encouraged to visit the MSDE EIS Fact Sheet for more information.

Please remember that this is a new database software program and as such you can expect some initial delays and problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I am having problems accessing my account on EIS?
A. You should email EISHelp@msde.state.md.us

Q. How will I know that my certificate request has been approved?
A. Once the $10.00fee has been deducted from your paycheck, you will know that your certificate request has been approved and processed. At that time, you may view and print your certificate from EIS. Please remember that if our request for your certificate is audited, you will not be able to access the new certificate until the audit is completed.

Q. The renewal fee has been deducted from my paycheck, but I can’t see my new certificate.
A. Renewed certificates can not be viewed or printed until after the effective date, even if the certificate is renewed well in advance of the expiration date. For example, if your certificate expires on January 1, 2008, you will not be able to view or print the new certificate until after January 1, 2008.

Q. I don’t know the status of my renewal or endorsement who should I contact?
A. You can call the Office of Certification at 410-887-4147 or X5768 for assistance.

Q. How do I update my highest degree on my certificate?
A. You may submit an official transcript reflecting the degree conferred with a note to the Office of Certification.