To become a math teacher in DC, you need a bachelor’s degree, usually an OSSE-approved preparation program, and passing Praxis scores: Mathematics (5165) for grades 7-12 or Middle School Mathematics (5164) for grades 4-8, plus a Principles of Learning and Teaching exam. A 3.0 bachelor’s GPA can stand in for Praxis Core. You then apply to OSSE for a credential.
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) issues every teaching credential in the District of Columbia, and it certifies math teachers in two bands: Middle School Mathematics (4-8) and Mathematics (7-12). The band you pick decides which Praxis exams you take. DC follows the same basic sequence as the national math teacher requirements: a degree and preparation program, Praxis exams, then an application. If you’re working out how to become a math teacher in DC, here are the four steps, current as of October 2026.
- Complete an OSSE-Approved Math Teacher Preparation Program
- Pass the Praxis Exams Required in DC
- Apply for Your DC Teaching Credential
- Renew Your Standard Credential Every Four Years
Step 1. Complete an OSSE-Approved Math Teacher Preparation Program
You need at least a bachelor’s degree for any DC teaching credential. Most candidates also complete a program on OSSE’s Directory of Approved Educator Preparation Programs (updated July 2026). There are three common ways in:
- Undergraduate program: a bachelor’s degree in math education, or math with an education sequence, that includes student teaching.
- Graduate program: if you already hold a bachelor’s degree, an approved M.A.T. or M.Ed. that leads to the math credential.
- Alternative or residency program: you teach in a DC school while you finish an approved program. OSSE issues an Initial credential for this route once you’re admitted to the program and a DC school has hired you.
The alternative route is the one most career changers use. You’ll need a Program Admission Verification Form from the program and an LEA Request Form signed by your school. An LEA (local education agency) is a school district or charter network. DC Public Schools (DCPS) is the largest.
Ask each program how its student teaching or residency works in your grade band. That experience is where most of your preparation time goes.
Step 2. Pass the Praxis Exams Required in DC
OSSE checks three things: basic skills, math content knowledge, and teaching knowledge (pedagogy). Here are the exams and passing scores from OSSE’s Educator Credentialing Exams list (May 2026 edition, checked October 2026):
| Requirement | Middle School Mathematics (4-8) | Mathematics (7-12) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic skills | 3.0 bachelor’s GPA, or Praxis Core Reading (156), Writing (162) and Math (150) | 3.0 bachelor’s GPA, or Praxis Core Reading (156), Writing (162) and Math (150) |
| Math content | Praxis Middle School Mathematics (5164): 157 | Praxis Mathematics (5165): 159 |
| Pedagogy | Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 5-9 (5623): 160 | Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 7-12 (5624): 157 |
The GPA option is the one most guides miss. OSSE accepts a completed bachelor’s GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale instead of Praxis Core scores. ETS’s DC page still lists Praxis Core or an alternative assessment, but it sends you to OSSE for the accepted alternatives, and OSSE’s current requirements include this GPA option. A graduate GPA doesn’t count, and the GPA never replaces the content or pedagogy exams.
Below 3.0, you can take Praxis Core one section at a time or all three at once (test code 5752). You can also use qualifying SAT, ACT or GRE scores, but those cover reading and math only. You’ll pair them with an accepted writing score: Praxis Core Writing or a GRE Writing score of 3.5.
OSSE still accepts passing scores on the older Mathematics: Content Knowledge (5161, score 160) and Middle School Mathematics: Content Knowledge (5169, score 165) if you already hold them. New test takers register for 5165 or 5164 through the ETS District of Columbia requirements page. Send your scores to OSSE with recipient code 7076, and still upload the full PDF score report to your application.
If a DC school already employs you and you’re working toward an Initial or Standard credential, you can apply for OSSE’s Praxis Fee Voucher. It covers the registration cost of the math content exam, not your other Praxis tests. Once you have passing scores, you must submit or update your OSSE credential application within 30 calendar days.
Step 3. Apply for Your DC Teaching Credential
DC issues three credentials to new classroom teachers. Which one you apply for depends on how far along you are. The terms below come from OSSE’s Teacher Certification page and Chapter 16 of Title 5-A of the DC Municipal Regulations (5-A DCMR Chapter 16).
| Credential | How Long It Lasts | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|
| One-Year Provisional | 12 months, not renewable | A first-time DC teacher hired by a DC school for a role no credentialed candidate can fill |
| Initial | Expires July 31 of the third year from the date of issuance, not renewable | Teachers enrolled in an approved program, holding another state’s license, or already teaching at a DC school |
| Standard | 4 years, renewable | Teachers who have met every requirement for the subject area |
An Initial credential needs your basic skills evidence and the math content exam, but not yet the pedagogy exam. Plan to finish everything for the Standard credential before the Initial one expires, because it can’t be renewed.
For a Standard credential after an approved program, you’ll submit:
- A Program Completer Form (the in-state or out-of-state version) signed by your program’s certification officer
- An FBI Identity History Summary Check
- Official transcripts for every degree
- Score reports for basic skills (unless you’re using the 3.0 GPA), math content and pedagogy
You apply online through OSSE’s Educator Credential Information System (ECIS). As of October 1, 2026, the processing fee for an Initial or Standard classroom teacher credential is $100, up from $50, according to OSSE’s fee FAQ. The fee is non-refundable, and OSSE says processing can take up to six weeks from the date your application is complete.
Already licensed in another state? Under OSSE’s reciprocity rules, you can apply with an active, full license, proof of the program or coursework you completed for it, and passing scores on comparable basic skills, content and pedagogy exams. If any of those exams is missing, you’ll take the DC version before you earn a full credential. National Board certification in a comparable area also qualifies, with no DC exams required. Reciprocity applies only to your first DC application.
Whether you start with an Initial or a Standard credential depends on your preparation, exam scores and, for some pathways, two years of effective or better evaluations. OSSE decides when it reviews your application.
One thing to check before you job hunt: DCPS requires every teacher to hold an OSSE credential. DC public charter schools generally set their own credential requirements, and OSSE’s Standard credential even has a pathway for teachers hired by a DC school that doesn’t require a state license. Check each charter school’s hiring requirements, and look at what math teachers earn in DC before you compare offers.
Step 4. Renew Your Standard Credential Every Four Years
Your Standard credential lasts four years. You renew it through ECIS, and OSSE only accepts a renewal application once you’re within 150 days (about five months) of the expiration date. Apply earlier and OSSE rejects the application and keeps the fee. The renewal fee is $100 as of October 1, 2026.
OSSE’s credential renewal rules give you three options:
- Professional learning units (PLUs): 120 clock hours or 8 semester credits, or a mix, completed within the four years before you apply. At least 60 hours (4 credits) must be in mathematics. One PLU equals one clock hour, and one semester credit equals 15 clock hours.
- Performance ratings: effective or better ratings under DCPS’s IMPACT evaluation system, in the same subject area. DCPS is the only LEA whose evaluations OSSE accepts for this option.
- Test scores: pass the current math content exam within the 12 months before you submit your renewal application. The scores you used for your original credential don’t count, and neither do scores from another state’s exam. See OSSE’s test score renewal page.
For the PLU option, submit the documentation OSSE requires for each activity. College coursework needs official transcripts showing a C or better (or a pass). Training through your school needs a summary transcript on school letterhead signed by your principal or professional development coordinator. Workshops from a professional organization need that organization’s official certificate of completion. Math-specific organizations in the region include:
- The Mathematical Association of America, Maryland/District of Columbia/Virginia Section
- National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
- Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pass Praxis Core to teach math in DC?
Not if your completed bachelor’s degree has a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. OSSE accepts that GPA as proof of basic skills. Below 3.0, you’ll need passing scores on Praxis Core Reading, Writing and Mathematics. Qualifying SAT, ACT or GRE scores can cover reading and math, paired with an accepted writing score.
Can I teach in DC while I’m still in a preparation program?
Yes. If you’re admitted to an approved program and a DC school hires you, OSSE can issue an Initial credential. You’ll need your basic skills evidence, a passing math content score, and an LEA Request Form signed by your school. The Initial credential expires July 31 of the third year from the date of issuance and can’t be renewed.
What math content exam does DC require for high school?
For the Mathematics (7-12) credential, OSSE requires Praxis Mathematics (5165) with a score of 159, plus Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 7-12 (5624) with a score of 157. For grades 4-8, it’s Middle School Mathematics (5164) at 157 and Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 5-9 (5623) at 160.
How much does a DC teaching credential cost?
As of October 1, 2026, OSSE charges $100 to process an Initial or Standard classroom teacher credential and $100 for a renewal. The One-Year Provisional credential stays at $50. Praxis exam fees are separate and paid to ETS.
Can I renew my DC credential by retaking the Praxis?
Yes, if you pass the current math content exam within the 12 months before you submit your renewal application. Scores from your original credential don’t count. You can also renew with 120 clock hours of professional learning, at least 60 in math, or with effective DCPS IMPACT ratings in math.
- Two math bands: DC credentials math teachers in Middle School Mathematics (4-8) or Mathematics (7-12), and the band sets your Praxis exams.
- Exams: Praxis Mathematics (5165, score 159) or Middle School Mathematics (5164, score 157), plus the matching Principles of Learning and Teaching exam.
- Praxis Core waiver: a 3.0 bachelor’s GPA meets OSSE’s basic skills requirement on its own.
- Credentials: the Initial credential is a non-renewable bridge, and the Standard credential lasts four years.
- Renewal: 120 clock hours with 60 in math, DCPS IMPACT ratings, or a content exam passed in the past 12 months, filed within 150 days of expiration.
If you’re planning on the residency route, the program you choose decides how soon you can lead a DC classroom. Compare how each program handles teaching while enrolled, and whether its schedule fits a full-time school day.