Program of Alternative Certification for Educators (PACE)
About
The Program of Alternative Certification for Educators (PACE) is the South Carolina Department of Education's alternative route for certification. PACE requires a three-year commitment to the content area and grade level for which you are admitted. Candidates may be evaluated for PK-12, middle level, or secondary certification.
The Program of Alternative Certification for Educators (PACE) is an alternative South Carolina teacher licensure program. The PACE program offers recent college graduates who otherwise do not meet certification requirements, to gain employment in public schools in a PACE-approved subject area teaching position based on their Bachelor's degree concentrations and coursework.
PACE requires a three-year commitment to the content area and grade level for which you are admitted. Candidates may be evaluated for PK-12, middle level, or secondary certification.
Upcoming Deadlines
Deadlines
Program Start
Jul. 01, 2025
Summer
Nov. 01, 2025
Winter
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Ways to Lower Your Costs
Students at Program of Alternative Certification for Educators (PACE) have reduced the cost of their program using these methods. Check with Program of Alternative Certification for Educators (PACE) to see if you can, too!
Amount
Description
Loan Forgiveness
Students who hold a valid alternative route PACE certificate will be eligible to request the PACE Loan with the South Carolina Student Loan office.
Agriculture (Grades 9-12) Art (PK-Grade 12) Biology (Grades 9-12) Business and Marketing Education (Grades 9-12) Chemistry (Grades 9-12) Chinese (PK-Grade 12) Computer Science (Grades 9-12) Dance (PK-Grade 12) English (Grades 9-12) English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) (PK-Grade 12) Family and Consumer Science (Grades 9-12) French (PK-Grade 12) German (PK-Grade 12) Health Education (PK-Grade 12) History (Grades 9-12) Industrial Technology Education (Grades 9-12) Japanese (PK-Grade 12) Latin (PK-Grade 12) Mathematics (Grades 9-12) Middle Level Language Arts (Grades 5-8)
Middle Level Math (Grades 5-8) Middle Level Science (Grades 5-8) Middle Level Social Studies (Grades 5-8) Music Education (PK-Grade 12) Physical Education (PK-Grade 12) Physics (Grades 9-12) Russian (PK-Grade 12) School Librarian (PK-Grade 12) Science (Grades 9-12) Social Studies (Grades 9-12) Spanish (PK-Grade 12) Special Education Emotional Disabilities (PK-Grade 12) Theatre (PK-Grade 12)
Program Semesters/Steps Overview
Summer
PACE I Institute – July (summer Cohort) *hired before the summer deadline
Fall Semester
Winter PACE I Institute – December/January (winter Cohort) *hired after the summer deadline
Spring Semester
Continued learning assignments
Darkness to Light: Sexual abuse awareness online training (all groups)
Spring Seminar
Summer
PACE II Institute – June
Fall Semester
Continued learning assignments
Pass the appropriate PLT exam (School Librarians are exempt)
Fall Seminar
Spring Semester
Continued learning assignments
College Course #1 - Use the pre-approved course, or submit a request for special approval
Summer
College Course #2 - Use the pre-approved course, or submit a request for special approval
Fall Semester
College Course #3 - Use the pre-approved course, or submit a request for special approval
Spring Semester
Submit official transcripts for all three college courses (grades of B or better)
Submit Request for Professional Certificate in late June/early July
Program Hallmarks
PACE participants are able to earn their certificate while actively teaching in the classroom.
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Own the application process. Start a checklist to put yourself on track to becoming the best teacher you can be.
