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    Get Certified, Step-by-Step

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    Get the Guide

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    Frequently Asked Questions

Steps to a Teaching Certificate

In general, these are the steps to become a South Carolina teacher. But it’s always a good idea to confirm requirements with teaching programs before you enroll!
  1. 1

    Decide what you want to teach

    When you enroll in a teaching program, you'll need to know the subject and grade level you want to teach. These will determine your teaching certificate field. 

    Getting certified in a shortage area can provide more opportunities and even higher pay! 

    Explore SC teacher certification areas.

  2. 2

    Apply to teaching programs and enroll

    South Carolina accepts degrees from a large number of universities, but you should confirm that yours is regionally accredited. Make sure to look for programs that offer the certification subject area you want!

    If you don't have a bachelor's degree, many programs combine teacher certification with undergraduate coursework, so you can get certified and earn a degree at the same time.

    If you already have a bachelor's, you'll look for master's degree + certification, certification-only or alternative certification programs. (1) 

    TeachSC can help you save money on teaching program applications! We’ll reimburse up to $100 for any expenses required for you to apply to a teaching program (like application fees, transcript fees and more). Get $100 back.

  3. 3

    Meet South Carolina teacher testing requirements.

    You’ll have to take a few tests to show you’re ready to lead your own classroom. These include a subject matter exam and a teaching portfolio.

    You’ll have to pass one or more tests designed to show you know your subject well enough to teach it. Depending on your teaching program, you might take a test before you enroll, during your program or after you finish. 

    Not sure where to start with test prep? We've got tools for that! The TeachSC Testing Guide and Praxis Subject Test Guide cover everything from registration to study materials to what to expect on test day. 

  4. 4

    Submit your teaching certificate application to the state.

    Almost there! Confirm with your teaching program that you are eligible to apply for your teaching certificate from the state. After that, contact the South Carolina Department of Education with any questions.

    Learn how to apply for your teaching certificate.

Get the Certification Guide

The cover of the TeachSC Teacher Certification Guide

The TeachSC Certification Guide has everything you need to start your journey. Get details about teaching programs, certification fields and steps to a teaching certificate, all in one place! 

It’s all free.

 

Get the Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about getting certified? We've got answers.

Short answer: Yes. 

Longer answer: To teach in SC public schools, you'll eventually need a teaching certificate. But if you have a bachelor’s degree or vocational work experience, you may qualify for alternative pathways that put you in the classroom faster!

  • Do you have a bachelor’s degree? Alternative certification programs often take less time and cost less than traditional teaching programs. Learn more about alternative certification.
  • Are you a tradesperson? If you have vocational experience, you may be able to get licensed to teach as a Career & Technical Education instructor. Positions are available in fields such as health sciences, skilled trades, business and marketing and others. Learn more about Career & Technical Education.
  • Do you have a degree and professional experience in art, dance, music or theater? You may be eligible for an Advanced Fine Arts teaching certificate. Through this alternative certification pathway, you’ll get certified to teach your fine art special area at any grade level. Learn more about teaching Advanced Fine Arts.

How long your teaching certification takes depends on your background and the type of teaching program you choose. 

Here’s what you can expect for most programs:

  • Bachelor’s degree & certification: About 4 years
  • Master’s degree & certification: 1–3 years
  • Alternative certification: 1–2 years
  • Certification-only: Up to 1 year

If you have a bachelor’s degree in one subject, but want to teach something else, you may need to take a few courses before you can enroll in a teaching program. A post-baccalaureate or "post-bac" program through a college or university can help you get the extra credits you need. 

Check with your teaching program to find out how many credits you need to have in your future teaching subject. 

There are two tiers of South Carolina teacher certificates: Initial and Professional. You’ll receive your Initial certificate after you complete your teaching program. An Initial certificate is good for three years, and your employer can request an extension if needed.

To advance to your Professional certificate (good for five years), you’ll need to gain experience and meet certain criteria, such as completing a formal evaluation of your teaching. 

Learn more about how to advance your teaching certificate.

If you’re a certified educator out of state, you may be able to skip certain exams or other steps to get your SC teaching certificate. Review the South Carolina Department of Education Out-of-State Educators page, and look for info on your specific situation.

If you’re an international student, you’ll need extra documentation when you apply to your teaching program. It’s a good idea to start collecting those documents as soon as possible.

You’ll need: 

  • Documentation that shows you are eligible to work legally in the U.S. This can be a copy of a valid work authorization, permanent resident card or U.S. passport.
  • Test scores, if applicable.
  • If you earned your degree in another country, you’ll also need an International Education Evaluation by an International Evaluation agency.

Learn more.

As a South Carolina educator, your pay will depend on your years of experience and where you work. South Carolina’s average teacher salary is about $60,800. (2) 

You can increase your salary with added credentials, such as a master’s degree. If you’ve taught for at least three years, you can also earn more with a National Board Certification. (3)

Learn more about South Carolina teacher pay.

Wondering how to pay for your program? We can help! Here are a few of the tools TeachSC offers:

  • TeachSC scholarships for future educators
  • $100 back for any application-related costs
  • Information about financial resources with our Finances Guide
  • Explore scholarships and other opportunities with our Financial Aid Explorer.

What’s next

Interactive Feature

SC Program Explorer

Ready to explore teaching programs? Find the right fit with our Program Explorer! Filter by degree, online options, tuition costs and more.

Explore Programs

Career Coaching in South Carolina

Talk to an expert about how to become a certified teacher in South Carolina. Get free advice on what to teach and how to choose and apply to the right program.

Read More

Alternative Teacher Certification in South Carolina

If you have a bachelor’s degree, you may be able to start teaching right away. Learn how TeachSC can help you get started.

Read More

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Earn Your SC Teaching Certificate

To teach in South Carolina, you’ll need to know the certification requirements. Read this page for more info or click the button to download our guide.

Get the Certification GuideLearn About Certification Areas
The cover of the TeachSC Teacher Certification Guide

To teach in South Carolina, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate. At least, that’s the short version.


On this page, we’ll go over the steps to get certified to teach in South Carolina, plus answer some commonly asked questions about certification. Let’s dive in!

References

  1. Guidance for Prospective Educators. South Carolina Department of Education. https://ed.sc.gov/educators/teaching-in-south-carolina/pathways/
  2. “Teacher Pay and Student Spending: How Does Your State Rank?” National Education Association. April 29, 2025. https://www.nea.org/resource-library/teacher-pay-and-student-spending-how-does-your-state-rank
  3. National Board Certification. South Carolina Board of Education. https://ed.sc.gov/finance/financial-services/national-board-certification