Individuals seeking an Initial Professional License (IPL) to teach in North Carolina have several pathways to licensure. Each route carries its own requirements and limitations. Below is an overview of the options available. For full details, always consult the appropriate state offices and resources.
Licensure Pathways
1. Traditional Teacher Licensure
The most common route to licensure is through a four-year undergraduate teacher preparation program.
- Students select a major, follow a prescribed course of study, and complete a degree program designed to prepare teachers in a specific field.
- Upon program completion, students are recommended for Initial Professional Licensure by the Reich College of Education.
- Learn more about App State teacher education programs or explore degree and licensure requirements in the University Bulletin.
2. Graduate Certificate Programs (Initial Licensure)
For individuals who already hold a degree from a regionally accredited university, App State offers online Graduate Certificate programs that lead to eligibility for an A-level teaching license.
- Programs can be completed in as little as three semesters (varies by area of study).
- This option is one of the most cost-effective and convenient pathways to licensure.
Graduate Certificates Offered:
- Birth through Kindergarten
- Career and Technical Education with available concentrations in:
- Agriculture Education
- Business, Finance, and Information Technology Education
- Family and Consumer Sciences Education
- Health Sciences Education
- Marketing and Entrepreneurship Education
- Technology, Engineering, and Design Education
- Trade and Industrial Education
- Elementary Education (K–6)
- Middle and Secondary Education (6–12) with focus areas in:
- Middle Grades: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies
- Secondary English
- Secondary Mathematics
- Secondary Science
- Special Education (K–12) with concentrations in:
- General Curriculum
- Adapted Curriculum
Discover Graduate Certificate programs.
3. Residency Licensure
A Residency License (RL) allows individuals to work as licensed teachers in North Carolina while completing the required coursework.
- App State offers online Residency Licensure Graduate Certificate programs designed to help candidates meet residency licensure requirements.
- This pathway is ideal for individuals hired as teachers while still completing coursework.
Learn more about Residency Licensure programs.
Which Licensure Path is Right for You?
Pathway | Best For | Key Requirements | Program Length | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Traditional Teacher Licensure | Students pursuing their first bachelor’s degree in education |
| 4 years (undergraduate degree) | Qualified for an Initial Professional License (IPL) |
Teacher Education Graduate Certificate (Initial Licensure) | Individuals who have a non-education bachelor’s degree seeking teacher licensure |
| ~3 semesters (depending on the area of study) | Qualified for an Initial Professional License (IPL) |
Residency Licensure | Individuals who are hired as teachers before completing licensure coursework |
| 21 Credit Hours | Work as a teacher under a Residency License (RL), then transition to a full Professional Educator’s license |
✓ All pathways require passing the NC State Board of Education testing requirements to move from an Initial Professional License (IPL) to a Continuing Professional License (CPL).
Testing Requirements for Licensure
Applicants for a North Carolina professional educator’s license must meet the State Board of Education’s testing requirements. Teachers holding an Initial Professional License must complete all exams in the first year and pass them by the end of the third year to qualify for a Continuing Professional License.
We recommend that students complete all required licensure tests before their student teaching internship, when their coursework knowledge is current, and university faculty and staff support is available.
This chart outlines the current testing requirements for all content areas: North Carolina State Board of Education Licensing Testing Requirements.
All students should request that their licensure test scores, including edTPA, be sent to the NC Department of Public Instruction and to Appalachian State University when they register for exams.
Students graduating from the Residency Licensure program must pass all required exams before their license can be converted to a Continuing Professional License.
For questions or more details, please reach out to licensure@appstate.edu.