Welcome to Durham Public Schools Licensure Department! Our #1 Goal is to develop and support highly qualified licensed educators!
Licensure Pathways
NC Instate Graduates License:
Completion of an approved education program through a college/university and have successfully completed all course work and appropriate testing. The university must recommend for the NC license.
Out of State Applicants:
Reciprocal licensing plans allow educators from outside North Carolina to establish eligibility for licensing in this state. Reciprocity applies to the extent that out-of-state education programs from regionally accredited colleges and universities are equivalent to North Carolina’s standards for approved education programs.
Out of state applicants should apply directly with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) using the online licensure site: NCDPI Online Licensure System
Permit to Teach License: ( PtT)
Must be employed by a local school district
Hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from a regional accredited university
One year non-renewable license
Emergency License ( EL)
Must be employed by a local school district
Hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from regional accredited university
18 semester hours in the subjects of Math, Science, Social Studies, English
One year non-renewable license
Residency License ( RL):
Replaces the Lateral Entry
Must be employed by a local school district
Hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from regional accredited university
24 semester hours or NCSBE licensure area exams
Must possess a minimum of a 2.7 GPA
Enrolled in Education Preparation Program ( EPP)
One year, with option to renew twice, within no more than a 3 year period license
Career-Technical Education (CTE)
Career-Technical Education (CTE) licensure pathway is based on full-time documented work experience and high school diploma or degree depending on the licensure area. Licensure completion may be through a NC university approved teacher education program or NCDPI may outline the specific requirements. CTE license completion is required within 3 school years including Praxis II test for specific areas.
Licensure Contact:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who should apply for the NC teaching/educator license?
Out of State Applicants - fully licensed teachers/educators
Instate Graduates (NC graduates of an approved education program with student teaching included in the program).
Apply for your own license online with DPI. NCDPI Online Licensure System.
Provisional License, Career Technical Education License, Permit to Teach, Emergency License and Residency License require employment first and must be submitted by the district’s Licensure Analyst.
How do I qualify for a North Carolina license?
The standard basis for licensure is the completion of an approved education program at a regionally accredited college. Out of State applicants qualify for a North Carolina license based on reciprocity which allows educators to be licensed in North Carolina based on completion of education program and the other state license.
What tests do I need to obtain a North Carolina license?
NC Pearson Test for Elementary Education and Exceptional Children General Curriculum areas are Foundations of Reading and Math subtest 7803 or Praxis II Math test 7803. In addition, for Exceptional Children Praxis II test number 5543.
Praxis II test for Middle Grades, Secondary and other K-12 areas ( including Exceptional Children General Curriculum)
Will my previous experience be credited to my North Carolina license?
Yes. Experience must be properly documented using the Form E (Verification of K-12 Educator Experience Form) for professional educator experience from an out-of-state school, private school, or charter schools. All experience forms should be completed by the previous employer.
Pay is determined by the number of years on your NC license at the time of your hire and once additional years are added, pay is retroactively adjusted back to the start date of employment during the fiscal year of approved experience.
What is the initial fee and form of payment for a North Carolina license application?
Out of State and initial license fees are $100.00
NC Instate graduate license fee $ 70.00
Additional fees required when amending the license.
Fees are paid by Credit Card only and must be submitted online through the NCDPI online system: NCDPI Online Licensure System
How long will it take to receive the North Carolina License?
You will receive your license up to 3–5 months after submission and payment to NCDPI. Once license is process, a hard copy can be printed from the NCDPI online system.
Requirement letters are also sent at the time. Pay close attention to the requirement letter as it will detail your next steps.
What documents are required for a North Carolina license application?
Out of State Applicants: (Have documents ready to submit on the NCDPI online system: NCDPI Online Licensure System
Copy of out of state license or Form V (verification by institution)
All legible official degree dated transcripts
K-12 experience forms from out of state school, charter and or private ( Form E)
Post- Secondary Experience Form ( if applicable)
Instate NC Graduates: contact the college/university licensure officer where the approved education program was completed for instructions.
How do I renew my NC License?
A CPL (Continuing Professional License) license has a 5-year renewal cycle.
Must meet the continuing education credits (CEUs) approved by the North Carolina State Board of Education (see renewal requirements)
Beginning Teachers do not have a renewal cycle until after completion of the Beginning Teacher Induction Program.
Please contact Lois Murphy for guidance on updating your CEU History and available workshops to fulfill the renewal requirements:
Lois Murphy, CEU Specialist Professional Development
A processing fee of $35 is required for all CPL (Continuing Professional License) to renew for the next five year license.
See Master's Level Pay Request - Eligibility Criteria
Renewal Requirements for Continuing License Holders:
Renewal and Reinstatement Requirements Total 8 CEUs or 80 Clock Hours of Professional Development
*As a condition of employment per NC State Board of Education Policy LICN-005 employing school systems reserve the right to assign literacy requirements for any educator.
*Renewal requirements are subject to change based on NC State Board of Education policy updates.
Grades K-5
3 Subject Area
3 Literacy
2 General
Grades 6-12
4 Subject Area
4 General
Student Services Personnel
4 Professional Discipline
4 General
Administrators
4 Executive's Role
4 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.
Currently, Lifetime Licenses may only be requested during the educator’s renewal year.
Renewal Criteria:
A unit of renewal credit (CEU) is equal to 10 clock hours of professional development.
8 units of renewal credit are required to renew both a current and expired CPL
For a CPL to remain current, all renewal credit must be earned by the expiration date of the license.
Activities accepted for renewal credit:
College or university courses
Official transcripts are required as documentation; grade reports are not accepted.
Local in-service courses or workshops
The administrative unit certifies credits.
Classes and workshops approved by an LEA
Documentation of completion is provided by the agency sponsoring the activity.