North Carolina Teaching License

North Carolina is the best state to become a teacher. But to teach at the public school first of all you need to get a teaching license in NC. The North Carolina State Board of Education controls the teacher licensure process. In order to find a detailed description of how to get a teaching license, continue reading.

How to Become a Teacher in North Carolina

In order to be able to teach in public K-12 schools in North Carolina, first of all, you need to get your teaching license. And to earn it you need to meet some basic requirements. You need to have a bachelor’s degree, take an approved teacher training program and pass the board accredited exam for educators. Also, you will need to submit a background check.

Your license should be in the same subject or grade level you want to teach. Areas of the teacher license include birth through kindergarten, elementary (grades K-6), middle grades (grades 6-9), secondary grades (grades 9-12), special subjects (K-12), exceptional children (K-12), and vocational education.

Note: If you didn’t take the preparation program you can apply for alternative certification in North Carolina.

Finding Approved Teacher Education Programs in North Carolina

In the North Carolina licensure process, the most essential part is to find a good board-approved training program. And to find a list of the approved programs visit the North Carolina DPI website.

Note: If the program that you took is not approved you won’t be able to get a teaching license.

Also, it is important to make sure that your bachelor’s degree program has regional accreditation from one of the six regional accreditation agencies recognized by the US Department of Education. Especially when you take the courses out-of-state.

All the institutions in North Carolina are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).

If you are planning to take an online or out-of-state teacher training program. You also need to make sure that the institution is approved by the education board in the state where the school is located.

In addition, the programs need to have accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). CAEP accreditation is not necessary, but it proves the quality of the institution.

North Carolina Teacher Education Requirements

As you may know, the standard pathway to get a teaching license in North Carolina includes having a bachelor’s degree and a teacher training program. Usually, they need to be in the subject that you wish to teach. You can also get an alternative teacher license immediately after your bachelor’s degree.

North Carolina Teacher Testing Requirements

After meeting all the education requirements, in order to get your certificate, you need to complete the Praxis assessments for middle, secondary, and K-12 licensure areas. If you want to get a certificate for under Exceptional Children: General Curriculum need to pass the Pearson Test for North Carolina: Foundations of Reading and General Curriculum. By the time of submitting the application, you need to have a passing score on your exam.

Additional North Carolina Teacher Certification Requirements

North Carolina is not like other states, it doesn’t require a fingerprint or a background check to be able to get a license. But some school may need the background check as a part of the employment process

North Carolina Teachers Licensing Application Process

After you have met all the requirements. You have reached the final step where you need to complete and submit your application. So, with your application, you need to provide all these documents.

• The North Carolina Professional Educator’s License application.
• Certificate of completed an approved teacher preparation program.
• Official transcripts for each degree and any training program completed
• Proof of passing exam score on the NTE/Praxis.
• Non-refundable payment fee for processing

The North Carolina Board of Education has an online licensure system. For more information visit the NC Department of Education.

How do I get a copy of my NC teaching license?

In order to get a copy of your teaching license, contact the NCDPI Licensure Office. You can do it by the Licensure Online System, by phone at 800-577-7994 (toll-free within North Carolina) or (919) 716-1800 or by email [email protected].

How do I renew my expired teaching license in NC?

In the expiration year, on April 15th or after you can renew your license. You just need to submit credits, official final transcripts, professional development certificates to the NCDPI Licensure Section for renewal. Also, you need to fill an application in the NCDPI Online Licensure System.