Overview:

  • Renewal applications will be opened automatically by DPI in mid-April to early May for licenses expiring on June 30, 2022.  An email will be sent to the educator when the renewal application is opened in the system.  There is no need to open other application types.  Simply wait for the email notification from DPI stating the renewal application has been opened, and then proceed to login at vo.licensure.ncpublicschools.gov to complete the process and pay the fee online. 

  • The renewal process ensures that North Carolina Continuing Professional License (CPL) educators engage in on-going updates of their professional knowledge and technical competence. The CPL must be renewed every five years on or after April 15th of the year that a license expires. 

  • If your license expired in previous years, the renewal request can be submitted at any time. 

  • Each educator is responsible for knowing and satisfying their license renewal requirements.

Credits for Licensure Renewal

Credits Required for Licensure Renewal

Grades K-5

  • 3 Subject Area

  • 3 Literacy

  • 2 Digital Learning

Student Services Personnel

  • 3 Professional Discipline

  • 2 Digital Learning

  • 3 General

Grades 6-12

  • 3 Subject Area

  • 2 Digital Learning

  • 3 General

Administrators

  • 3 Executive's Role

  • 2 Digital Learning

  • 3 General

North Carolina Lifetime License The State Board of Education shall issue a lifetime license, which shall require no renewal, to an individual currently licensed as a professional educator who has met at least one of the following criteria:

  • Completed at least 30 or more years of creditable service with the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System.

  • Completed a combined total of 30 or more years of employment as a licensed teacher. administrator, or student services personnel in one or more public school units in North Carolina.

Helpful Links

  • NCDPI Licensure Homepage

    View forms, learn about types of licenses, read state licensure policies, and more.

  • NCDPI Online Licensure System

    The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) online licensure system is a one-stop shop for educators, school systems, and the general public to verify North Carolina educators' licenses. Additionally, educators and school systems can submit license applications, renew a license, and update their contact information, among other services.