The North Carolina State Board of Education requires teacher candidates to meet key evidences and successfully complete a state approved teacher preparation licensure program to be recommended for a SP1 license in North Carolina. All licensure candidates are encouraged to meet with their program coordinator or advisor for more information.

Requirements

The state requires candidates to take the test associated with one’s licensure area during the first year of classroom teaching.  However, UNC Greensboro Council for Educator Preparation suggests candidates make the opportunity to take the required state test(s) prior to completion of one’s licensure program.  Below are testing requirements for initial teacher licensure areas at UNC Greensboro.

Click here for a list of all testing requirements

Candidates who do not pass the required test(s) during the first year of classroom teaching must do so to convert from a SP1 to a SP2 license.

Testing

Praxis II Testing

Please visit Educational Testing Service for more details on Praxis II test(s), score(s) and testing information required for your licensure area.

North Carolina Foundations of Reading & General Curriculum Exam

Please visit North Carolina Foundations of Reading and General Curriculum or North Carolina Department of Public Instruction for more details on tests, scores, and information required for your licensure area.

Application

Candidates must apply for license once all necessary state requirements have been met. Candidates can click here for the NC online licensure system portal.

• Instructions – Applying for Initial Licensure (Those Who Do Not Already Have NC Licensure)
• Instructions – Applying for Licensure (Those Who Already Have NC Licensure)

The Alternative Licensure programs provide initial teacher certification options to those with an earned 4-year degree and seek to earn a Standard SP1 teaching license. UNC Greensboro offers a wide selection to meet the initial licensure needs of the community.

There are three program options for those seeking an initial teaching license: NC Teach, PAIL, and Licensure Only.

Deadlines

Alternative Programs

Fall: July 1

Spring: October 1

Summer: April 1

International Students

Fall: May 15

Spring: September 15

Summer: February 15

The Licensure Only certification areas prepare applicants for teaching in advance of entering the classroom. Program coursework and duration are dependent upon the degree and previous coursework of the applicant. Once admitted, a detailed plan of study will be provided.

Certification Areas

• Music Education (K-12)
• Health & Physical Education (K-12)
• Art Licensure (K-12)

For information on B-K Licensure, please click here.

Admission Requirements

• Earned 4-year degree in a field related to the teaching area (bachelor degree and 24 credit hours in the area of content may suffice).
• Minimum of 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
• Copy of an official transcript.

Application

Click here for the online application to the Licensure Only Program.

Questions

Please email Amanda Shirk for questions regarding any of the listed alternative options at arshirk@uncg.edu.