Choose the Right Licensure Area

Decide what you want to teach, and choose the teaching license that’s right for you. Read this page or download our guide.

Get the Licensure GuideLearn About Licensure
A future NC teacher wearing red glasses and a red shirt. They are smiling and holding a hand to their chin thoughtfully.

Before you can enroll in a teaching program, you’ll need to decide what teaching license you want to earn. Your licensure area will depend on the age group and subject you want to teach. 

On this page, we’ll go over your choices for licensure. 

I'm not sure what I want to teach

If you already know what grade and subject you want to teach: Fabulous! You can jump to the next section. If you’re not sure, consider an NC shortage area or a subject that lets you teach all grades.

Explore Your Licensure Options

Once you know the subject and grades you want to teach, you can choose your licensure area. Click the tabs below for a full list of teaching license options. (2)

Remember, you can add licenses in different grade levels and subject areas throughout your teaching career. You don’t have to get all your teaching licenses at once!

Get the Licensure Guide

The cover of the TeachNC Teaching Licensure Guide

Keep a list of licensure subject areas handy, and get step-by-step details on how to get your North Carolina teaching license.

It’s all free in our Licensure Guide!

Get the Guide

What’s next

Career Coaching in North Carolina

Talk to an expert about how to become a licensed teacher in North Carolina. Get free advice on what to teach and how to choose and apply to the right program.

Read More

Alternative Teacher Licensure in North Carolina

If you have a bachelor’s degree, you may be able to start teaching right away. Learn how TeachNC can help you get started.

Read More

References

  1. North Carolina Teacher Shortage Areas, 2024–2025 Report. U.S. Department of Education. https://tsa.ed.gov/#/reports
  2. Areas of Licensure, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. https://www.dpi.nc.gov/educators/educators-licensure/areas-licensure

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Sign Up for Free Resources

Enter your email to get FREE resources for future North Carolina teachers—from tailored advising to funding opportunities and more. Already signed up? Sign in at the top of the page to access your dashboard.

By signing up, you agree to TEACH.org’sTerms of UseandPrivacy Policy. You understand that you will receive email and/or SMS communications from TEACH.org. You can opt out at any time by updating your Communication Preferences in your Profile. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the GooglePrivacy PolicyandTerms of Serviceapply.