To teach in North Carolina, you'll need to know the license requirements. We can help you each step of the way. Read this page or download our guide.
To teach in North Carolina, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree and a teaching license. At least, that’s the short version.
On this page, we’ll go over all the steps to get licensed to teach in North Carolina, plus answer some commonly asked questions about licensure. Let’s dive in!
Are you licensed to teach outside of North Carolina? Head to our FAQs for more information about your next steps.
In general, you’ll need to complete the steps on this page to get licensed to teach. That said, some programs may have slight differences in how they do things. It’s a good idea to confirm the requirements with teaching programs before you apply and enroll.
North Carolina accepts degrees from many colleges and universities, but you should confirm that yours is regionally accredited. Ideally, your bachelor’s degree will be in a field closely related to the subject you want to teach.
Keep in mind that you can earn your bachelor’s degree and teaching license at the same time — so if you're an undergraduate, skip to Step 2.
The teaching license you earn will depend on the subject and grade level you want to teach. At any level, getting licensed in a high-demand area provides more job opportunities . ( 1 ) Explore your licensure options at our Areas of Licensure page!
Make sure to find a program that offers your chosen licensure area. You can look for teaching programs with the TeachNC Program Explorer .
Many programs combine a teaching license with a bachelor’s degree, so you can get licensed while you finish your undergraduate coursework. If you have vocational experience, you may also be able to teach a Career & Technical Education subject without a degree. Check out the FAQs on this page to learn more.
To be accepted into a North Carolina teaching program, you’ll generally need an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.7. (2)
The TeachNC Application Guide has all the info you need to complete your program application! Find out how to order your transcripts, ask for a recommendation letter, win over your interviewer and more. Visit our Fee Reimbursement page to find out how you can get $100 back for your application costs.
Wondering how to pay for your program? TeachNC offers $1,000 scholarships for future educators! Visit our Scholarship page to learn more. You can also find scholarships and financial resources through our Financial Aid Guide and Financial Aid Explorer .
As a future teacher, you’ll need to pass a few assessments to show you’re ready to teach your own classroom. These include the content exam and the teaching portfolio.
The timing of your tests will depend on your teaching program. For some programs, you’ll take the content exam before you enroll. Others have you take the test shortly after you begin or during your program. Check with your program to confirm when you’ll need to take your content exam. In general, you'll complete your teaching portfolio toward the end of your program.
Not sure where to start with test prep? TeachNC can help! The TeachNC Testing Guide and Praxis Subject Test Guide cover everything from registration to study materials to what to expect on test day.
Almost there! Once you’ve completed your teaching program and passed your exams, it’s time to formally apply for your teaching license.
Not sure how to get your official transcripts and test scores? Check out our Application Guide and Testing Guide for information on requesting these documents.
Need to take a teaching test? We'll cover up to $500 in test prep and test registration fees.
How long your teaching licensure takes depends on your background and the type of teaching program you choose.
Some colleges and universities combine licensure and bachelor’s degree programs. That lets you earn both a bachelor’s and teaching license in four years (give or take).
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can typically complete a licensure-only program in a year or less. A master’s degree and licensure program may take longer, usually 1–3 years. Residency licensure, also known as alternative licensure programs can take 1–2 years. (4)
Have more questions about earning a teaching license? Visit the NC DPI Forms & FAQs page for a comprehensive list of licensure topics and questions.
How much will my NC teaching license cost?Your total licensure costs will depend on your teaching program and your licensure tests. But here are some of the costs you can expect, in addition to your program tuition: (5)
You may be able to get financial support to help cover expenses like testing and licensure! Talk to your teaching program staff to find out if there are any waivers or other aid options.
What if I’m already licensed to teach?If you’re already licensed to teach — in North Carolina or elsewhere — you may be able to skip certain exams or other steps. You should review the Department of Public Instruction Forms and FAQs page for information on your specific situation.
This page will connect you with resources if you are:
If you’re an international student, you’ll need extra documentation when you apply to your teaching program. It’s a good idea to start collecting those documents as soon as possible.
If you have a bachelor’s degree in one subject, but want to teach something else, you may need to take a few courses before you can enroll in a teaching program. A post-baccalaureate program, or “post-bac,” through a college or university can help you get the extra credits you need.
Check with your teaching program to find out how many credits you need to have in your future teaching subject.
Do I have to get licensed to teach?Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: There are many different types of licensure, depending on where and what you want to teach. If you have a bachelor’s degree or vocational work experience, you may be eligible for alternative pathways to licensure that put you in the classroom faster.
Your pay will depend on your years of experience and where you work.
North Carolina has a standardized state salary schedule for all teachers. That means the state pays a base salary to all teachers in the state. Most districts pay an additional salary supplement on top of the state salary. The supplemental salary is often a percentage of your overall base salary, so it will increase as you gain experience. (6)
You can also increase your salary with added credentials, such as a master’s degree or National Board Certification.
Teachers who have participated in National Board Certification have overwhelmingly stated it is the most powerful professional development experience of their careers. They say the experience changes them as professionals and that through the process they deepen their content knowledge and develop, master and reflect on new approaches to working with their students.
— North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (7)
For more information on supplemental salaries, benefits and other teacher perks, check out the TeachNC Salary and Benefits page .
