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.

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
Explore Your Licensure Options
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

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!
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 MoreAlternative 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 MoreReferences
- North Carolina Teacher Shortage Areas, 2024–2025 Report. U.S. Department of Education. https://tsa.ed.gov/#/reports
- 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.