Teacher Education Licensure

The Licensure Section of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction issues licenses for teaching in accordance with the policies and procedures of the State Board of Education and the laws of North Carolina. All teachers in the public schools must hold professional educator's licenses for the subjects or grade levels they teach. In addition, all persons teaching core academic subjects at the elementary, middle school, or high school levels must be “highly qualified” as specified by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

How to apply for your first North Carolina teaching license.

How to obtain a license via lateral entry if you do not hold an undergraduate degree in teacher education.

How to obtain a license if you are a beginning, out-of-state, or international teacher.

How to update or renew your teaching license. (Teaching licenses must be renewed every five years.)

Find answers to frequently asked questions.