Earn Your NC Teaching License

How long your teaching licensure takes depends on your background and the type of teaching program you choose. 

Some colleges and universities combine licensure and bachelor’s degree programs. That lets you earn both a bachelor’s and teaching license in four years (give or take). 

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can typically complete a licensure-only program in a year or less. A master’s degree and licensure program may take longer, usually 1–3 years. Residency licensure, also known as alternative licensure programs can take 1–2 years. (4)

Have more questions about earning a teaching license? Visit the NC DPI Forms & FAQs page for a comprehensive list of licensure topics and questions.

Your total licensure costs will depend on your teaching program and your licensure tests. But here are some of the costs you can expect, in addition to your program tuition: (5) 

• Initial educator license: $70
• Out-of-state initial educator license: $100
• edTPA Portfolio assessment: $300
• Content-specific exams: Starting at $120

You may be able to get financial support to help cover expenses like testing and licensure! Talk to your teaching program staff to find out if there are any waivers or other aid options.

If you’re already licensed to teach — in North Carolina or elsewhere — you may be able to skip certain exams or other steps. You should review the Department of Public Instruction Forms and FAQs page for information on your specific situation.  

This page will connect you with resources if you are:   

• An out-of-state or international educator who wants to transfer your teaching credential to North Carolina.
• A licensed North Carolina educator who wants to renew or advance your teaching license.
• A licensed North Carolina educator who wants to add teaching areas to your license or earn an administrative license.

If you’re an international student, you’ll need extra documentation when you apply to your teaching program. It’s a good idea to start collecting those documents as soon as possible.

You’ll need: 

• Documentation that shows you are eligible to work legally in the U.S. This can be a copy of a valid work authorization, permanent resident card or U.S. passport.
• Test scores, if applicable (copies are okay).
• If you earned your degree in another country, you’ll also need an International Education Evaluation by an International Evaluation agency.

If you have a bachelor’s degree in one subject, but want to teach something else, you may need to take a few courses before you can enroll in a teaching program. A post-baccalaureate program, or “post-bac,” through a college or university can help you get the extra credits you need. 

Check with your teaching program to find out how many credits you need to have in your future teaching subject. 

Short answer: Yes.

Long answer: There are many different types of licensure, depending on where and what you want to teach. If you have a bachelor’s degree or vocational work experience, you may be eligible for alternative pathways to licensure that put you in the classroom faster.

• Do you have a bachelor’s degree? Licensure-only or residency licensure programs can get you licensed to teach without earning an additional degree. These programs may take less time and cost less than traditional licensure programs. Head over to our Alternative Licensure page and download our Residency Licensure guide to learn more.

• Are you a tradesperson? If you have vocational experience, an alternative program can get you licensed to teach as a Career & Technical Education instructor. Positions may be available in fields such as automotive repair, manufacturing, construction, culinary arts, hospitality, plumbing and others. Look for programs with the TeachNC Program Explorer.

Your pay will depend on your years of experience and where you work. 

North Carolina has a standardized state salary schedule for all teachers. That means the state pays a base salary to all teachers in the state. Most districts pay an additional salary supplement on top of the state salary. The supplemental salary is often a percentage of your overall base salary, so it will increase as you gain experience. (6)

You can also increase your salary with added credentials, such as a master’s degree or National Board Certification. 

Teachers who have participated in National Board Certification have overwhelmingly stated it is the most powerful professional development experience of their careers. They say the experience changes them as professionals and that through the process they deepen their content knowledge and develop, master and reflect on new approaches to working with their students.

— North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (7)

For more information on supplemental salaries, benefits and other teacher perks, check out the TeachNC Salary and Benefits page.