Transitioning from Emergency to Professional Teaching Certification in North Carolina
| by Alex Skov
Over the past several years, emergency certified teachers in North Carolina have played a vital role in the state’s educational system. However, transitioning from an emergency certification to a full professional teaching certification is crucial for long-term career growth and stability.
While this may seem intimidating, making the transition from emergency to full certification in North Carolina can be achieved as you continue to work in your own classroom with flexible education pathways like those offered by Moreland University. Whether you are ready to enroll in a North Carolina-approved educator preparation program (EPP) today or you are just looking for more information about making the leap to professional licensure, here’s what you need to know:
How Teachers in North Carolina Can Transition from an Emergency License to Full Certification
There are plenty of pathways that aspiring educators can take to earn professional licensure in North Carolina once they have already obtained emergency certification. Though each of these pathways involves multiple steps, navigating the process can be simple thanks to comprehensive resources provided by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI).
Earning your full teaching license in North Carolina will require steps outlined below. Also, you will want to have completed a background check as required by school district employment guidelines.
Steps for Emergency Certified Teachers in North Carolina to Achieve Full Certification
- Complete a state-approved educator preparation program (EPP)
Like all states, North Carolina requires those with bachelor’s degrees outside of education to enroll in and complete an educator preparation program (EPP) to become eligible to earn full professional teaching certification.
It’s important to select an EPP that’s approved in North Carolina — like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, which is offered in a 100% online learning environment and can be completed in just 9 months. Led by an expert faculty filled with current and former K-12 teachers, the TEACH-NOW curriculum emphasizes practical coursework that candidates can immediately put to use in their own classrooms.
Moreland’s program also includes a clinical learning (student teaching) experience that can be completed in your current classroom over a 12-week period, empowering you to continue your education and professional development while staying on top of your daily responsibilities as a teacher.
- Pass North Carolina’s required exams for professional teaching licensure
NCDPI requires individuals to pass the Praxis II and Pearson tests to become a certified teacher in North Carolina. These exams assess subject-specific content knowledge and teaching skills to ensure individuals are adequately qualified to educate the state’s students. Additional requirements or exams may be required depending on the certification area or subject matter you plan to pursue.
While many these exams can be the most daunting step in teachers journeys to becoming certified educators, Moreland University is proud to provide robust preparation resources and support to our candidates as they get ready to ace certification tests like those required in North Carolina. Our programs feature built-in test prep, and we even partner with organizations that specialize in test preparation services to help you build confidence and feel fully prepared for your certification exams.
- Apply for and obtain your professional teaching certification in North Carolina
Once you have completed your EPP and received passing scores on the required tests, you can apply for your full NC Educator’s License.
In North Carolina, applying for a professional teaching license involves creating an account with the NCDPI Online License System and submitting official documents — usually including your official transcripts, exam scores, proof of EPP completion, and various state-specific forms. Applicants must also pay a processing fee at the time of submission.
For more information about what application packets must include and the requirements for receiving an NC Teacher’s License, visit Moreland University’s comprehensive resource page for becoming a teacher in North Carolina.
How Moreland University Helps Teachers in North Carolina
Teaching in North Carolina is a rewarding career worth pursuing and earning a full professional teaching license is an important part of that journey.
Working teachers are at the heart of our programs at Moreland, as we want to ensure educators can fulfill their certification requirements or enhance their credentials while still working full time (if they choose).
Earn a North Carolina Teaching License on Your Timeline
Our TEACH-NOW program is a North Carolina-approved EPP specifically designed to support emergency certified teachers who want to become fully licensed. With a 100% online learning environment and coursework (including clinical learning) that can be completed in as little as 9 months, the path to earning your NC Educator’s License has never been easier.
Plus, rolling admissions and monthly start dates give you the added benefit of being able to apply now and choose the cohort that best fits your schedule, putting your start date — and finish date — in your control.
Ready to get certified? Start your journey to North Carolina teacher licensure today.
Moreland is ready to support you in the pursuit of professional teaching licensure in North Carolina. Discover why NC teachers trust Moreland and how we support them, and then apply today (our no-cost application takes less than 15 minutes to complete).
