Salary Lane Change Information
Request a Salary Lane Change
If you have earned additional qualifying college credits or completed a qualifying degree, you may be eligible for a salary lane change.
A salary lane change may increase your salary based on your completed coursework or degree.
Quick Start
Complete these steps as soon as you qualify.
Step 1
Submit the Electronic Salary Lane Change Request Form.
Step 2
Within 48 hours, ask your college or university to send an official transcript directly to: licensure.escrip@pgcps.org.
Step 3
Wait for your request to be reviewed.
Requests are processed in the order they are received.
Step 4
If your request is approved, a salary adjustment and retro pay will be issued.
Before You Submit
Before submitting your request, make sure:
✔ Your coursework has been completed
✔ Your institution is regionally accredited
✔ Your official transcript has been sent directly from your institution
✔ Your transcript will arrive before your application is reviewed
If your official transcript is not available when your request is reviewed, your application will be denied.
Processing Time
Most requests are completed within six pay periods after submission.
If approved:
- Your salary will be adjusted.
- Retroactive pay begins with the pay period in which the Licensure Office receives all required documentation.
Salary Lane Requirements
| Salary Lane | Requirements |
| Bachelor's +30 | 30 additional semester hours. Up to 15 may be undergraduate or approved CPDs. Remaining credits must be graduate level. NOTE: If you have 30 graduate courses, you can then apply for the MAQ salary lane. |
| Bachelor's +45 | 45 additional semester hours. Up to 15 may be undergraduate or approved CPDs. Remaining credits must be graduate level. |
| Master's / Master's Equivalent (MAQ) | Master's degree or 30 qualifying graduate credits leading to MAQ. |
| Master's or Master's Equivalent (MAQ) +30 |
Master's or 30 graduate credits from a graduate degree program plus 30 additional qualifying credits. Note: If you already have a MA or MAQ and used 15 CPDS or undergraduate credits to obtain that status, you can not use any additional CPDS or undergraduate credits. If you did not previously use the 15 CPDS or undergraduate credits to obtain that status, you can use the additional 15 CPDS or undergraduate credits. |
| Master's +60 |
Master's or MAQ plus 60 additional qualifying credits. At least 45 must be graduate credits. Note: If you already have a MA or MAQ and used 15 CPDS or undergraduate credits to obtain that status, you can not use any additional CPDS or undergraduate credits. If you did not previously use the 15 CPDS or undergraduate credits to obtain that status, you can use the additional 15 CPDS or undergraduate credits. Of the 60 total credits, 45 of those credits must be graduate level credits. |
| Doctorate / Juris Doctorate (JD) | Official transcript must show the degree has been conferred. |
*A minimum of fifteen (15) hours of the coursework must be graduate level or certified by the registrar as graduate level. A maximum of fifteen (15) hours of undergraduate course credit (taken while employed) with PGCPS and/or state approved workshop may be counted toward salary advancement.
Coursework Requirements
To qualify for a salary lane change, coursework must:
- Be completed at a regionally accredited institution.
- Be approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), when applicable.
- Be documented on an official transcript.
- Be sent directly from the institution to PGCPS.
Credit Limits
Please note the following limitations:
- A maximum of 15 semester hours of undergraduate coursework completed while employed with PGCPS and/or state-approved workshops may be applied toward salary advancement.
- Quarter hours will be converted to semester hours using the approved conversion table.
- Coursework in religion, religious education, or courses and degrees not recognized by the State of Maryland for certification and not related to your school assignment cannot be counted for salary advancement.
- Undergraduate coursework and approved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits are subject to limits based on the salary lane being requested.
Excess Credit Requests
If you are requesting excess graduate credits:
- Complete the Excess Credit Form.
- Submit the Salary Lane Change Request Form.
- Email the completed Excess Credit Form to: licensure.escrip@pgcps.org
Conditional Certificate Holders
Employees holding a Conditional Certificate or Conditional License:
- are placed on the Bachelor's salary lane
- are not eligible for salary advancement until a Professional License has been issued
Once your Professional License is issued, submit a Salary Lane Change Request.
What Happens After I Submit?
You will receive:
- An email confirming your submission.
- An approval or denial notice after review.
Please wait for these automated notifications before requesting a status update.
Didn't Qualify?
If your request is denied because documentation is missing or requirements were not met, submit a new Salary Lane Change Request after you obtain the required documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I submit my request?
As soon as you qualify for a new salary lane.
How soon must my transcript be sent?
Within 48 hours of submitting your request.
Can I upload my own transcript?
No. Official transcripts must be sent directly from your college or university.
When does retroactive pay begin?
Retroactive wages will be issued effective at the start of the pay period in which the Licensure Office of Talent Acquisition and Management receives the required documents.
How long does processing take?
Allow up to six pay periods.
Who should I contact if I haven't received an update?
If six pay periods have passed without an update, contact: licensure.office@pgcps.org