
How to Get Your North
Carolina Teacher Certification
Getting a teacher certification in North Carolina gives you the opportunity to make a lasting impact on students’ lives and communities across the state. Whether you are starting a career as a recent graduate or transitioning from another line of work, North Carolina offers diverse pathways to the classroom.
This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to earn your North Carolina teaching certification, including choosing the right Educator Preparation Program (EPP), passing required certification exams, and applying for your professional license.
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) oversees teacher licensure and provides valuable resources for aspiring and current educators. The department offers detailed information about certification requirements, licensure pathways, and employment opportunities.
Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is one of the state-approved alternative pathways to certification, offering a 100% online, practical, and flexible approach that takes as little as 9 months.
How to Become a Certified Teacher in North Carolina
North Carolina provides multiple pathways to obtaining your teaching certification.
The two main pathways are:
The Direct Pathway
If you have earned or plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in education from an accredited university or college, you only need to take a few more steps to get your teacher certification.
- Pass the required licensure exams, including Praxis tests and reading and general curriculum assessments
- Pass a background check
- Complete your application using the NCDPI Online License System, submit documents including transcripts, and pay an application fee
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The Alternative Pathway
If your bachelor’s degree is not in education, you can take an alternative pathway to teacher certification in North Carolina by completing an approved Educator Preparation Program.
Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program can be completed in as little as 9 months:
- Fully accredited
- 100% online
- Global cohort model
- Rolling admissions
- Monthly start dates
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Benefits of Earning Your North Carolina Teaching Certification

Growing Job Market
North Carolina’s elementary and secondary school teaching community is projected to grow by 7% – more than 3,000 teachers – by 2030, according to O*NET Online.

Demand for Teachers with Specializations
The National Center for Educational Statistics reports that 60% of North Carolina schools have Special Education vacancies while 40% of schools need more English as a Second Language teachers.

Dedication to Student Success
According to the NCDPI, North Carolina schools have an 87% average graduation rate thanks to their teachers’ dedication. The U.S. average was 62% in 2023.

Teach Your Way
Over 80% of NC educators report having some control over the topics they teach while nearly 100% saying they also help decide their teaching methods.
Types of North Carolina Teacher Certifications
North Carolina offers many certificates and endorsement types. However,
the state offers only two teacher certifications, as outlined below:

Initial Professional License (IPL)
An Initial Professional License is valid for 3 years and is not renewable. This license is intended for new teachers. This credential allows educators to teach while completing their EPP.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Enrollment in an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Passing scores on all required tests
- Passing background check


Continuing Professional License (CPL)
The Continuing Professional License is North Carolina’s certification for teachers with 3 or more years of experience. It must be renewed every 5 years.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Completion of an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Passing scores on all state-required exams as well as additional subject area and grade level assessments
- Passing background check
For more information, visit the NCDPI website.
North Carolina Teacher Education Requirements
General Requirements
North Carolina teachers must have at least a bachelor’s degree and meet the following requirements:
- Complete an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Pass the required North Carolina educator assessments, including Praxis exams
- Pass a background check
- Complete and submit all application materials
Testing Requirements
Teachers in North Carolina must pass two exams in order to meet basic certification requirements.

Professional Knowledge Test
This is a required test mandatory for all teachers in North Carolina that measures their instructional skills and knowledge to ensure they meet all state standards.

Subject Area Exams
These assessments are intended to ensure North Carolina teachers have the appropriate grade level and subject area knowledge needed for their specific teaching goals.
For more information on testing, visit the NCDPI website.
Education & Degree Requirements
Teachers in North Carolina must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. university or college. If you
have a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than education, you can become a teacher by completing an
approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP), such as Moreland University’s 9-month TEACH-NOW program.
North Carolina Licensing Application Process

When you have completed the requirements for teacher certification in North Carolina, you can apply online using the NCDPI Online License System by submitting documents such as transcripts, proof of passing exam scores, and an application fee.
North Carolina Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs)

The state department of public instruction provides a list of approved EPPs for North Carolina.
Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is an excellent choice for aspiring North Carolina teachers. Fully accredited and 100% online, TEACH-NOW offers practical, project-based learning and student teaching with experienced mentors to guide you every step of the way.


Moreland University’s Guide to U.S. Teacher Certification provides a detailed overview of everything you need to know to become a certified educator.
FAQs
Still have questions about becoming a certified teacher in North Carolina? We have answers for you.
How do I become a teacher in North Carolina?
To become a certified teacher in North Carolina, you must have a bachelor’s degree; complete a state-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP); pass the state-required exams; and submit an application for certification along with necessary documents like transcripts as well as an application fee.
All teachers in North Carolina must also pass a background check.
More information can be found on the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) website.
Do I need a teaching certification to teach in North Carolina?
Yes, a teaching certification is required to work in public schools in North Carolina. Specific alternative pathways, such as residency licenses, allow you to teach while completing licensure requirements. Details about licensure can be found on the NCDPI website.
What are the requirements for North Carolina teacher certification?
Obtaining North Carolina teacher certification depends on several factors, like the grades and subject areas you want to teach.
Generally, North Carolina teachers must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Complete an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Pass the required licensure exams, including a Praxis test
- Pass a background check
For detailed information about the requirements to earn teacher certification in North Carolina, please visit the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) website.
What are the steps to get a teaching certification in North Carolina?
To earn North Carolina teaching certification, you will have to:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
- Complete a state-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP), such as TEACH-NOW
- Pass the state-required licensure exams as well as a background check
- Apply for certification through the NCDPI Online License System
Please note that additional steps may be required depending on the pathway and subject area you are pursuing. For more information, please visit the NCDPI website.
How do I maintain my North Carolina teaching certification?
To continue teaching in North Carolina, educators with a Standard Professional Teaching Certificate must:
- Complete 8 units of renewal credit (equivalent to 80 clock hours) of professional development, which can come from taking higher education courses, attending valid in-services and local workshops, or completing classes approved by a local educational agency (LEA).
Please note that it is important to check the NCDPI website to find the latest updates on renewal requirements and procedures.
How long does it take to become a certified teacher in North Carolina?
The timeline for teacher certification depends on your educational background and whether you are pursuing a traditional or alternative pathway. For candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field, Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in just 9 months.
How much do North Carolina teachers make?
Several factors go into determining a teacher’s salary in North Carolina, including experience, education, grade level, and subject area.
A teacher’s average starting salary in North Carolina is approximately $40,136 while the average overall salary is about $56,559, according to the National Education Association (NEA). It is important to remember that these salaries usually reflect 9-10 months of work since most teachers receive time off around holidays and during the summer. Cost of living can also be a significant factor when setting a teacher’s salary.
Teachers with additional certifications and advanced degrees, like a master’s in education (M.Ed.), can often earn higher salaries, too. For more information, read our blog Teacher Salaries in North Carolina: An Overview.
How much money can I make starting out as a North Carolina teacher?
The average teacher starting salary in North Carolina is approximately $40,126, according to the National Education Association (NEA).
Several factors are considered when determining starting salaries for North Carolina teachers, including experience, education level, grade level, and subject area. Cost of living is also factored into salary, so salaries that may seem lower than average can often be comparable in terms of practical take-home pay when this is considered.
How can I learn more about becoming a certified teacher in North Carolina?
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) provides a variety of resources for current and future educators, including information about how to become a teacher in the state.
You can also contact Moreland University at admissions@moreland.edu or 844-283-2246 with any questions about North Carolina teacher certification or our educator preparation program, which can take as little as 9 months to complete!