How to Get Your North
Carolina Teacher Certification
Your North Carolina teaching license opens the door to a meaningful and rewarding career in education. Whether you’re a recent graduate or considering a career change, North Carolina offers diverse classrooms, a strong job market for teachers, and a high quality of life.
This guide will walk you through the steps to becoming a teacher in North Carolina — from choosing the right Educator Preparation Program (EPP) to passing your exams and applying for your license.
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) oversees teacher licensure and provides valuable resources for current and aspiring educators. The department offers detailed information on licensure pathways, requirements, and employment opportunities.
How to Become a Certified Teacher in North Carolina
North Carolina offers two main pathways to licensure:
The Traditional Pathway
If you’re a high school graduate and you know you want to be a teacher, you could earn a bachelor’s degree in education from a 4-year college or university.
You would then need to:
- Pass the required licensure exams
- Complete a background check
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The Alternative Pathway
If your bachelor’s degree is in something other than education, you could earn your license through an alternative Educator Preparation Program (EPP). Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in as little as 9 months.
TEACH-NOW:
- Fully accredited
- 100% online
- Global cohort model
- Rolling admissions
- Monthly start dates
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Benefits of Earning Your North Carolina Teaching Certification
Strong Teacher Workforce
North Carolina is home to more than 92,600 K-12 teachers who educate more than 1.5 million students each year, per state data.
Growing Job Market
Jobs for elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers in North Carolina are expected to grow 8% by 2032, compared to 2022.
Diverse Classrooms
North Carolina students speak 389 different languages. The student body is 46% white, 25% Black, 19% Hispanic, and 5% multiracial.
High Quality of Life
Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham are among the best places to live for young professionals, according to a ranking from U.S. News & World Report.
License Types in North Carolina
North Carolina offers multiple license types to support teachers at different career stages.
Residency License
This is a 1-year license that allows a candidate to teach in North Carolina while completing their Educator Preparation Program (EPP). The Residency License can be renewed twice, for up to three years total.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Enrollment in an approved EPP
- Employment in a North Carolina public school
- Clear background check
Initial Professional License (IPL)
An Initial Professional License is valid for 3 years and is not renewable. This license gives teachers additional time to pass their licensure exams.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Completed EPP
- Clear background check
- Licensure exams must be attempted in the first year of the IPL and passed before or during the third year of the license.
Continuing Professional License (CPL)
The Continuing Professional License is for teachers with 3 or more years of experience. It must be renewed every 5 years.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Completed EPP
- Passing scores on the required licensure exams
- Clear background check
For more information, visit the NCDPI website.
North Carolina Teacher Education Requirements
General Requirements
North Carolina requires teachers to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. They must also:
- Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Pass the required licensure exams
- Clear a background check
Testing Requirements
North Carolina teachers pass a series of licensure exams. These include a professional knowledge test along with content exams, depending on the subject and grades you wish to teach.
For more information on specific tests, visit the North Carolina State Board of Education website.
Education & Degree Requirements
If your bachelor’s degree is in something other than education, you could earn your license through an alternative EPP, such as Moreland University’s 9-month TEACH-NOW program.
North Carolina Licensing Application Process
Once you have completed the requirements for teacher licensure in North Carolina, you can apply for your license through the state’s online system. You’ll upload your transcripts, exam scores, and any other required documents, along with paying the application fee.
North Carolina Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs)
North Carolina maintains a list of state-approved EPPs so you can find a program that fits your needs and timeline.
Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is an excellent choice for aspiring North Carolina teachers. TEACH-NOW is accredited, 100% online, and can be completed in just 9 months.
Moreland University’s Guide to Teacher Certification in North Carolina offers a streamlined overview of what it takes to become a certified teacher in the Tar Heel State.
FAQs
Still have questions about becoming a licensed teacher in North Carolina? We have answers.
How do I become a teacher in North Carolina?
To become a teacher in North Carolina, you need to earn a bachelor’s degree, complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP), pass the required licensure exams, and clear a background check.
For more information, visit the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) website.
Do I need a license to teach in North Carolina?
Yes, a teaching license is required to work in public schools in North Carolina. Specific alternative pathways, such as a Residency License, allow you to teach while completing licensure requirements. You can find more details on the NCDPI website.
What are the requirements for North Carolina teacher certification?
Specific requirements vary depending on the type of license you’re seeking and the subject and grades you wish to teach.
Generally, North Carolina teachers must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Pass the required licensure exams
- Clear a background check
For more information, visit the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) website.
What are the steps to get a teaching certification in North Carolina?
To earn a North Carolina teaching license, you will need to:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree.
- Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP).
- Pass the required licensure exams.
- Complete 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, visit the NCDPI website.
How do I maintain my North Carolina teaching certification?
An Initial Professional License in North Carolina is valid for three years but must then be converted to a Continuing Professional License.
A CPL needs to be renewed every 5 years by completing the required professional development.
Note: It’s important to check the NCDPI website for 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.
The average teacher salary in North Carolina is $60,323, according to the National Education Association. That’s No. 43 in the nation.
How much money can I make starting out as a North Carolina teacher?
The average teacher starting salary in North Carolina is $44,952, according to the National Education Association. That’s No. 38 in the nation.
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. We’re happy to answer your questions and provide information about our 9-month, online Educator Preparation Program (EPP).