Alternative Certification for Effective Teachers (ACET)
ACET Program Application Form (PDF, 
)
You must submit a program application form and payment in order for your application to be considered.
As of February 25, 2025 the ACET program will no longer be taking English content applications for the 2025-2026 cohort. Applicants who applied for English before February 25, 2025 will be considered.
The application deadline for the 2025 cohorts have closed. We are currently taking applications for the Spring/Summer 2026 cohort.
Virtual Information Sessionsnew window
We will be holding a special ACET interest information sessions specifically for Federal workers and MCPS conditional teachers. These sessions will take place on the calendar dates listed in the attachment. Don’t miss this opportunity to get the details you need and get your questions answered.
Ready to Teach? Change Careers with MCPS & Montgomery College
Montgomery College and MCPS offer a competitive teacher preparation program for career
changers looking to teach in high-demand secondary subjects.
Licensing areas:
- Secondary: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, English, Math, Physics, Tech Ed
- Middle School: Math, Science
- World Languages: French, Spanish (PreK–12 certification)
To Apply, You’ll Need:
- Bachelor’s degree with a 3.0+ GPA
- Strong subject-area background (coursework, experience, or test scores)
- Passing Praxis or ACTFL scores or 3.0+ GPA in your content area
Check application dates and apply now.
Not the right fit? Explore Alternate Paths to Teacher licensure in Marylandnew window.
The ACET program combines intensive coursework, real-world teaching experience, and strong support to help career changers become certified MCPS teachers.
Teaching Institute
10–12 weeks of evening and weekend classes (Tues–Thurs + some Saturdays) using a blended learning format.
Curriculum includes 8 modules aligned with InTASC standards, covering:
- Human Development & Learning Theories
- Secondary Methods & Assessments
- Diversity & Students with Exceptions
- Collaboration & Communication
Candidates also complete READ 238: Literacy in the Content Area I, if not previously taken.
Internship
8-week full-time teaching internship in a middle or high school classroom.
- Week 1: Observation
- Weeks 2–8: Classroom teaching with feedback from experienced faculty supervisors
Residency
After the internship, candidates interview for paid teaching positions in MCPS.
- Ongoing mentoring, supervision, and cohort seminars throughout the school year
- At the end of a successful resident year, candidates earn the MSDE Standard Professional Certificate I (Initial Teaching License in Maryland)
Launch your teaching career with ACET — intensive training, hands-on experience, and full support from day one.
Follow these step-by-step directions to apply for the ACET program.
- Take Required Tests or Provide Test Scores: You must provide evidence of passing BOTH the Basic Skills Test (any one of the options
listed there) AND the specified Content Knowledge Test for your teaching area in order
to be considered for entry into the ACET program.
- Basic Skills Requirement: Candidates must document a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on their most recently earned degree OR earn a qualifying score on an approved basic skills assessment.
-
- Content Knowledge Test:
- For all certification Areas EXCEPT World Languages: Successfully complete the Praxis Subject Assessment in your subject area. These computer-delivered
tests are available during specific time windows on a monthly basis. See ETS websitenew window for more details. Be sure to indicate that scores should be sent to Montgomery College,
recipient code 5422. See the chart below for specific test numbers and names:
Specific test numbers and names To be certified in: Take this Praxis subject assessment: Test Code Qualifying Score Middle School Mathematics Middle School Mathematics (On-screen calculator provided)new window 5164 157 Middle School Science Middle School Sciencenew window 5442 152 Biology Biology, Content Knowledgenew window 5236 154 Chemistry Chemistry: Content Knowledgenew window 5245 153 Computer Science Computer Science: Content Knowledge new window 5652 149 English English Language Arts: Content and Analysisnew window 5039 168 Mathematics Mathematics: Content Knowledge (On-screen graphing calculator provided)new window 5165 159 Physics Physics: Content Knowledgenew window 5265 143 Technology Education Technology Educationnew window 5051 159 -
For World Languages certification: Successfully complete the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI or OPIc) and the Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) in your desired language, given through the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Intermediate high scores or higher on each test are required for qualification. For more information and to schedule testing, go to the LTI website.
- For all certification Areas EXCEPT World Languages: Successfully complete the Praxis Subject Assessment in your subject area. These computer-delivered
tests are available during specific time windows on a monthly basis. See ETS websitenew window for more details. Be sure to indicate that scores should be sent to Montgomery College,
recipient code 5422. See the chart below for specific test numbers and names:
- Content Knowledge Test:
- Contact us at ACET@montgomerycollege.edu to be connected to schools for classroom visits (unless you are already an MCPS support staff member in a middle or high school.) Reflections on these visits (or on your work experiences if you are in MCPS) are a required component of the application.
- Submit the following electronically to the ACET program as described below:
- Completed Application Evaluation Registration Form (PDF,) (unless you have applied previously)
- Completed ACET Application Form (PDF,) attaching responses to essay questions provided.
- Updated resume including employment history and educational background, emphasizing any experience in teaching or work enhancing your ability to teach adolescents.
[Note that PDF forms must be downloaded and saved first before being completed electronically, saved and then submitted.] - Submit Transcripts: Have official college transcripts sent to the address below (NOT to the MC Admissions
Office). Transcripts should include coursework, credit hours, overall GPA, and date
of completion of degree. Note: Coursework completed outside the U.S. must first be
officially evaluated by one of the MSDE approved agencies.
- Submit Professional References: Have two references from former or current employers emailed directly to the Montgomery
College School of Education. They must use the ACET Professional Reference Form (PDF, ) .
All items should be electronically to ACET@montgomerycollege.edu
We recommend that you keep a copy of all documents for your records. After consideration by the Selection Committee, qualified candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview.
The ACET program currently costs approximately $15,000 for in-state students. For out-of-state costs, please contact the ACET Program directly.
Detailed information will be posted once available.
$1,000 Scholarship - Students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity
The 240 Tutoring Team is thrilled to announce the return of the 240 Tutoring Gives Back scholarship! Offering a $1,000 award to an aspiring educator, this scholarship represents our commitment to fostering the future of teaching.
Scholarship Details:
- Award: $1,000 for one teacher candidate
- Application Period: Open through January 26, 2024
- Apply Now: Scholarship Applicationnew window
Who Should Apply?
Candidates will need to provide insights into their journey towards becoming a teacher:
- For Those Who Have Taken Their Certification Exams: How did you prepare? Your experiences are valuable to future candidates.
- For Those Preparing for Exams: What are your strategies? Share your approach with the community.
- Teaching Aspirations: Which grade level and subject area are you passionate about? Help us understand your educational goals.
For any inquiries, please get in touch at helpdesk@240tutoring.com. Discover more at 240 Tutoringnew window and explore 240 Tutoring Student Resourcesnew window.
240 Tutoringnew window wants to nurture the next wave of exceptional educators together. MC Students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.
Program Overview
The ACET (Alternative Certification for Effective Teachers) program is a partnership between Montgomery College and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) designed for individuals who wish to change careers and become certified teachers in MCPS secondary schools.
Subject areas vary based on MCPS needs, but typically include:
- Secondary: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, English, Math, Physics, Technology Education
- Middle School: Math and Science
- World Languages: French and Spanish (PreK–12 certification)
The instructional portion (Teaching Institute) lasts 10–12 weeks, followed by an 8-week full-time internship and a residency year.
Eligibility & Admissions
You must have:
- A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Strong content knowledge in your desired subject area (based on coursework, experience, or test scores)
- Passing scores on the required Basic Skills and Content Knowledge exams (Praxis or ACTFL)
- OR proof of a 3.0 GPA in your undergraduate content area
Yes! ACET is designed for career changers. Prior classroom experience is helpful but not required.
You can still qualify with a minimum 3.0 GPA on your most recently earned degree.
Testing Requirements
- Basic Skills Test: Qualifying scores on exams like Praxis Core, SAT, ACT, or GRE
- Content Knowledge Test:
- Praxis Subject Assessment for all areas except world languages
- ACTFL OPI and WPT for French and Spanish (Intermediate High score required)
- Praxis tests are offered through ETS (Educational Testing Service). Visit ETS website for details.
- ACTFL exams are administered through the Language Testing International (LTI) website.
Program Structure
A 10–12-week intensive course that meets on Tuesday–Thursday evenings and some Saturdays. It covers topics like human development, learning theory, assessments, and diversity, using both in-person and online formats.
Yes. The program includes:
- An 8-week full-time internship in a middle or high school classroom
- A residency year in a paid teaching position with full mentoring and support
Certification
After a successful residency year, you will be awarded the MSDE Standard Professional Certificate I—Maryland’s Initial Teaching License.
Application Process
Follow these steps:
- Take and submit scores for the required tests (Basic Skills + Content Test)
- Schedule classroom visits and submit reflection
- Complete and submit:
- Application Evaluation Registration Form
- ACET Application Form (with essay responses)
- Updated resume
- Official college transcripts
- Two professional references using the ACET Reference Form
- Send all documents electronically to ACET@montgomerycollege.edu
Yes! Support staff working in middle or high schools may use their experience in place of classroom visits. Reflections are still required.
Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview with the selection committee.
Costs & Financial Aid
Approximately $15,000 for in-state students. Contact the program directly for out-of-state rates.
Yes. As a Maryland Approved Alternative Preparation Program, ACET participants may be eligible for grants and financial support. Contact the program for current opportunities.
Contact & Support
Email the ACET program at ACET@montgomerycollege.edu with any questions or for help getting started.
ACET is a Maryland Approved Alternative Preparation Program.