Who should apply for the NC teaching/educator license?

Out of State Applicants - fully licensed teachers/educators
Instate Graduates (NC graduates of an approved education program with student teaching included in the program).

Apply for your own license online with DPI. NCDPI Online Licensure System.

Provisional License, Career Technical Education License, Permit to Teach, Emergency License and Residency License require employment first and must be submitted by the district’s Licensure Analyst.

How do I qualify for a North Carolina license?

The standard basis for licensure is the completion of an approved education program at a regionally accredited college. Out of State applicants qualify for a North Carolina license based on reciprocity which allows educators to be licensed in North Carolina based on completion of education program and the other state license.

What tests do I need to obtain a North Carolina license?

NC Pearson Test North Carolina Foundations of Reading General Curriculum for Elementary Education and Exceptional Children General Curriculum areas are Foundations of Reading and Math subtest 7803 or Praxis II Math test 7803. In addition, for Exceptional Children Praxis II test number 5543.
Praxis II test Praxis Middle Grades, Secondary and other K-12 areas (including Exceptional Children General Curriculum)

Will my previous experience be credited to my North Carolina license?

Yes. Experience must be properly documented using the Form E (Verification of K-12 Educator Experience Form) for professional educator experience from an out-of-state school, private school, or charter school. All experience forms should be completed by the previous employer.

Pay is determined by the number of years on your NC license at the time of your hire and once additional years are added, pay is retroactively adjusted back to the start date of employment during the fiscal year of approved experience.

What is the initial fee and form of payment for a North Carolina license application?

Out of State and initial license fees are $100.00
NC Instate graduate license fee $ 70.00
Additional fees required when amending the license.

Fees are paid by Credit Card only and must be submitted online through the NCDPI online system NCDPI Online Licensure System.

How long will it take to receive the North Carolina License?

You will receive your license up to 3–5 months after submission and payment to NCDPI. Once the license is processed, a hard copy can be printed from the NCDPI online system. Requirement letters are also sent at the time. Pay close attention to the requirement letter as it will detail your next steps.

What documents are required for a North Carolina license application?

Out of State Applicants: (Have documents ready to submit on the NCDPI online system NCDPI Online Licensure System)

Copy of out of state license or Form V (verification by institution)
All legible official degree dated transcripts
K-12 experience forms from out of state school, charter and or private (Form E)
Post- Secondary Experience Form (if applicable)

Instate NC Graduates: contact the college/university licensure officer where the approved education program was completed for instructions.

Thomasville City Schools

Licensure

Routes to Licensure

Licensure Renewal

Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)

Frequently Asked Questions

North Carolina Educator Evaluation System (NCEES)

National Board Certification