Western Carolina University

The following are some questions we get most often from students concerning the NC teaching and school professional licensing process.

Who needs a license in North Carolina?
All professional employees of public schools must hold a license for the subject or grade level they teach or for the professional education assignment that they hold.

In what areas are licenses issued?
Licenses are issued in administrative, supervisory, student service, and teaching areas.  The teaching areas encompass birth through kindergarten, elementary (K-6), middle grades (6-9), secondary grades (9-12), special subjects (K-12), exceptional children (K-12).

How do I apply for my teaching or school professional license?
You need to complete forms from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI).  You can find licensing information, required forms, supporting material, and mailing instructions from WCU’s Teacher and School Professional Licensure by selecting your specific license area.

What is the Praxis II?
Praxis II Subject Assessments measure knowledge of specific subjects that K–12 educators will teach, as well as general and subject specific teaching skills and knowledge.  Before you register for a test, confirm our state testing requirements. 

Do I need to take the Praxis II for my initial license?
Currently, the NC Department of Public Instruction requires qualifying Praxis II scores to accompany initial teaching license applications for students who major in elementary education or special education.  This is a licensing requirement, not a graduation requirement.  To verify that the Praxis II requirement applies to you, contact the CEAP licensure specialist.

When should I take the Praxis II?
Praxis II testing dates and locations are set by Educational Testing Service (ETS).  Tests can be taken any semester but the decision of when is a personal one.  Ideally, students should select a test date that will permit their qualifying score(s) to be available by the time they finish their certification/degree requirements.  Note that it takes the university several weeks to receive scores from ETS.  Mailing or faxing your scores to the CEAP licensure specialist is always most efficient and will help expedite your application process.

Can I receive my diploma from WCU without being licensed?
Yes.  Completion of your degree program requirements is separate from the NC licensing requirements.

When do I send my license application forms?
You can send your license application forms and supporting material to the CEAP licensure specialist the semester you are completing your degree or certification/alternative licensure program requirements.

How much does it cost to apply for a license?
There is a DPI fee of $55.00 for in-state applicants. You may pay by personal check, money order, or certified check made payable to the Department of Public Instruction. You may also pay by Visa or MasterCard.

Are copies of transcripts acceptable?
No. Originals are required. Grade reports and computer-generated copies are not acceptable.

Can WCU use the transcripts I submitted when I applied to the university to go with my license application?
No. Because DPI requires original transcripts that have not been altered in any way, we are unable to use transcripts that were submitted as part of the university admission process.

Do I need to include a Health Examination Certificate for my license application?
No.

How do I add an area to my license?
If you hold a clear teaching license with no restrictions, you can add an area to your license by taking the Praxis II Test for that area or complete a state approved teacher education program that leads to licensure. If you hold a student services license you must complete the teacher education program to add a teaching area to your license. Update or Renew Your License.

How do I find out the licensing requirements for states other than NC?
Check the State Department of Education listings for contact information.

Will my license ever need to be renewed?
Yes. Updating or Renewing Your License.

Do I need a license to substitute teach?
No state license is required to substitute teach in North Carolina. Contact each LEA you would like to teach in, as they may have requirements for substitutes.

How do I become National Board Certified Teacher?
See National Board Certification. North Carolina ranks as the #1 State in the nation for the overall number of National Board Certified Teachers!