How to Become a Teacher in South Carolina

To meet the basic eligibility requirements to Become a Teacher in South Carolina, candidates must have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, pass the required Praxis assessments, and complete a background check. Additionally, prospective teachers must complete an approved South Carolina teacher preparation program, which is typically included in the bachelor’s degree curriculum for traditional route educators. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree but did not complete a teacher preparation program, you may be eligible for licensure under one of the Online Teacher Certification in South Carolina. South Carolina uses a tiered license structure for educators. Those who meet the minimum certification requirements above are eligible for the Initial Educator Certificate, which is valid for three years and is not renewable. Candidates must complete continuing education, earn satisfactory teacher evaluations, and pass a pedagogical knowledge assessment (usually the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching) to advance the license to a Professional Certificate.

South Carolina Teachers Licensing Application Process:

Once the requirements for South Carolina educator certification have been completed, candidates must send an application to the Educator Licensure Office. The following documentation is required:

• Completed the electronic fingerprint process.
• Official, sealed transcripts from each college or university attended.
• College Recommendation Form signed by the designated teacher preparation program official.
• Passing scores for the required Praxis II content area exams.
• Passing score on the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) in the grade level(s) for which endorsement is sought.
• South Carolina Licensure Application.
• Payment of the application fee.

Additional Requirements: 

South Carolina law states that all prospective teachers must submit fingerprints for a state and federal background check. South Carolina is moving to electronic fingerprinting for all state residents, though out-of-state residents may still submit a manual card scan.