Educator's Licensure

Special Announcements

Licensure Processing Delays - Processing of licensure applications is taking longer than usual and may exceed 8-12 weeks.  We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we continue to evaluate requests as quickly as possible.

Welcome Professional Educators!

North Carolina sets the stage for your fresh ideas and enthusiasm in the public schools.  North Carolina hires new educators annually who are the catalyst for meeting our Pre-kindergarten - Grade 12 classroom goals. We offer educators excellent working conditions, an abundance of opportunities for professional growth, competitive salaries and strong support from the NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). With a diverse economy, an emphasis on technology and a superior quality of life, North Carolina has become one of the fastest growing states in the country. We are thrilled that you have chosen to make North Carolina your home!

What's New?

See our new video tutorial series for navigating the Online Licensure System.

Interested in changing your career to teaching?  Check out North Carolina's new Residency License.

North Carolina State Board of Education (SBE) required licensure exams are outlined in policy LICN-003. Prepare and register to take SBE required licensure exams:

• Pearson 
• Praxis 

Apply Now for a NC Educator License 

The NCDPI Online Licensure System will assist you through the application process.  Begin by creating a licensure account.  Simply click NCDPI Registration at the bottom left of the online application system main page.

Contact the Licensure office by phone at 800-577-7994 (toll-free within North Carolina) or (919) 716-1800.

• If you are calling because you are having trouble logging in to the online licensure system or for password resets, please press 3.
• If you have general licensure questions, please press 2 to speak to a Licensure Specialist.
• If you are checking on the status of an application that you have already submitted, please press 1.