Loading...
Loading...
How to become a certified teacher in North Carolina. Bachelor's degree required. Primary exam: Praxis II - Content Knowledge. Government fees: $347–$577. Substitute requirements: Bachelor's degree (standard); some districts accept associate's degree or 48 college credits for emergency substitutes. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
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) - Licensure Section.
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Most information on this page has been verified.
92% of data points are verified against official sources. 2 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Degree Required
Bachelor's degree
Primary Exam
Praxis II - Content Knowledge
Total Gov Fees
$347–$577
Initial Cert
3 years
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree |
| Teacher Prep Program | Required |
| Student Teaching | Required |
| Background Check | Required |
| Fingerprinting | Required |
| GPA Requirement | 2.7 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. |
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
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 |
|---|---|
| Application FeeNCDPI processing fee for initial license | $70 |
| Fingerprint FeeFingerprinting and background check fee | $52 |
| Exam Fees (Total)Praxis II content exam ($120–$170) plus pedagogy exam ($120–$300); varies by subject area | $240–$470 |
| Initial CertificateIncluded in the processing fee | $70 |
| Renewal FeeLicense renewal fee | $55 |
| Total Government FeesApplication ($55), fingerprinting ($52), and exams ($240–$470) | $347–$577 |
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.
Reciprocity Type
Case-by-case with interstate agreement
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
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
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in North Carolina.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#47 of 51
Cost
#12 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (SOC 25-2021)
Entry Level
$46,880
25th percentile
Median
$49,400
-21% vs. national avg ($62,340)Experienced
$59,100
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
44,040 employed in this state
Note: BLS category covers elementary school teachers only. Secondary, special education, and other teaching specializations have separate SOC codes with different wage data.
Source: BLS OEWS – Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
0%
Below AverageNew Jobs
-500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
103,200
per year (avg.)
1.4M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: NCDPI Educator Licensure
Estimated total: 216–234 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: NCDPI Educator Licensure
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: NCDPI Educator Licensure
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
North Carolina requires completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program to earn your teaching certificate. Explore approved programs and alternative certification routes.
We may earn a commission if you enroll through links on our site. This does not affect our recommendations or the price you pay.