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Teacher / Substitute Teacher · North Carolina
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in North Carolina. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) - Educator's Licensure.
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Degree Required
Bachelor's degree
Primary Exam
Praxis II - Content Knowledge
Total Gov Fees
$347–$577
Initial Cert
3 years
| Requirement | Value | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree | Verified |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree | Verified |
| Teacher Prep Program | Required | Verified |
| Student Teaching | Required | Verified |
| Background Check | Required | Verified |
| Fingerprinting | Required | |
| GPA Requirement | 2.7 | Verified |
| Minimum Age | 18 | Verified |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. | Verified |
Not sure if you need a teacher license? Check whether your state requires one.
content knowledge
Passing score: Varies by subject area
Subject-specific Praxis II exam required for each licensure area; passing scores are set by North Carolina
pedagogical knowledge
Passing score: Varies
North Carolina accepts either edTPA or a Praxis pedagogy exam (such as Praxis PLT) depending on the program pathway
Didn't pass on the first try? Learn what to do if you fail the Praxis.
Overall licensing difficulty: 23/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
Praxis Teacher Certification Exams
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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Praxis II - Content Knowledge
Passing Score
Varies by subject area
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $240–$470Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Praxis II - Content Knowledge.
Matched study materials
Study Materials & Exam Prep — Praxis Core Academic Skills
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Issued to beginning teachers who have completed all requirements. Valid for 3 years. Teachers must complete a Beginning Teacher Support Program during this period.
Issued after completing 3 years of teaching and the Beginning Teacher Support Program. Valid for 5 years and renewable with continuing education credits.
For career changers with a bachelor's degree in the teaching subject area who have not completed a traditional teacher preparation program
Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree (standard); some districts accept associate's degree or 48 college credits for emergency substitutes
Certificate Required
No separate certificate
Background Check
Required
Validity
Determined by hiring district
North Carolina does not issue a state substitute teaching license. Local school districts and charter schools hire their own substitutes and set local requirements. All substitutes must pass a criminal background check. Most districts require a bachelor's degree for long-term substitute positions.
| Fee | Amount | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Application FeeNCDPI processing fee for initial license | $70 | Verified |
| Fingerprint FeeFingerprinting and background check fee | $52 | Verified |
| Exam Fees (Total)Praxis II content exam ($120–$170) plus pedagogy exam ($120–$300); varies by subject area | $240–$470 | Verified |
| Initial CertificateIncluded in the processing fee | $70 | Verified |
| Renewal FeeLicense renewal fee | $55 | Verified |
| Total Government FeesApplication ($55), fingerprinting ($52), and exams ($240–$470) | $347–$577 | Verified |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Register on the NCDPI online licensure system to begin the application process
Graduate from a state-approved or CAEP-accredited teacher preparation program with a bachelor's degree
Pass the Praxis II content knowledge exam and applicable pedagogy exam for your licensure area
Fee: $240–$470
Submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal background check
Fee: $52
Submit the online application for an Initial Professional License through the NCDPI system with required documentation and fee
Fee: $55
After being hired, participate in the 3-year Beginning Teacher Support Program to advance to the Continuing Professional License
Includes mentoring, observations, and professional development
North Carolina offers lateral entry for individuals with a bachelor's degree in a licensure area who have not completed a teacher preparation program. Lateral entry teachers receive a Residency License and must complete an approved educator preparation program within 3 years while teaching. Teach For America participants also qualify for a Residency License.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
80
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Teachers must earn 8 continuing education credits (CEUs, equivalent to approximately 80 contact hours) during each 5-year renewal cycle to renew the Continuing Professional License. Credits can include college coursework, workshops, and approved professional development activities.
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Reciprocity Type
Case-by-case with interstate agreement
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement (confirmed)
North Carolina participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement and will evaluate credentials from other states. Out-of-state teachers with comparable licenses may qualify for a North Carolina license, but additional Praxis exams or coursework may be required.
Additional requirements: May need to pass required Praxis exams for North Carolina; must complete the Beginning Teacher Support Program if not previously done in another state
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare North Carolina with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Unique to North Carolina: North Carolina is notable for offering a 12% salary supplement for teachers who earn National Board Certification, one of the highest supplements in the nation. The state also requires a 3-year Beginning Teacher Support Program with formal mentoring before teachers can receive their continuing license.
Teacher requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in North Carolina
See how North Carolina compares: Teacher License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Official Sources
Teacher requirements in North Carolina verified against North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) - Educator's Licensure, March 2026.
Moving to North Carolina? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Teacher license to North Carolina →
Transfer your Teacher license from North Carolina to: Georgia → | South Carolina → | Tennessee → | Virginia →
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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