North Carolina Teaching Licensure

North Carolina Teaching Licensure

All professional employees in public schools must hold a license for the subject or grade level they teach or for the professional education assignment that they hold. Depending on your goals and educational background, there are different pathways for licensure.

Other Licensure Areas

The RCOE also offers licensure pathways for specified counseling and family therapy programs, librarianship, and other educational programs. 

Not all programs guarantee licensure – students or graduates may need to complete additional application, portfolio, examination, supervision, and/or approval.

Prepare for Licensure

RCOE provides resources, workshops, and preparation programs for students working toward licensure in their program of study.

How to Apply for Licensure After Graduation:

Once your degree has been officially conferred:

  1. Submit an online application for licensure through the NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) application portal.
  2. Upload the following documents:
    • Official transcripts
    • Test scores (NES or Praxis II)
    • Work authorization (if not a U.S. citizen)
    • $70 nonrefundable processing fee ($100 for speech pathology licenses)

Processing Time: Applications typically take 8–12 weeks to be reviewed by NCDPI.

Important Notes:

  • Applications cannot be submitted until your degree is conferred and official transcripts are available.
    • Degree conferral dates at App State are:
      • Fall: January 31
      • Spring: May 31
      • Summer: August 31
  • You can verify your degree conferral on your unofficial transcript via AppalNET Self Service.
  • Applications must be completed within 30 days of starting, or a new application may be required.

Learn more about the application process for Initial Professional Licensure (Google Doc)