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Program of Alternative Certification for Educators (PACE)

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.

  • College or University
  • Columbia

Institution Links

  • Financial Aid Office
Program of Alternative Certification for Educators (PACE)

Certification-only

Program of Alternative Certification for Educators (PACE)

  • 36 months

    Program Duration

  • In-person, Online, Hybrid

    Program Format

  • Pre-Test Required

    Yes

Relevant Links

Program

Program Info

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

  • Jun. 20, 2025

    Summer

  • Oct. 31, 2025

    Winter

Get Deadline Reminders

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.

https://www.scstudentloan.org/school-loans/sc-teacher-loan-programs-forgiveness

For more information visit:Financial Aid Office

Certifications

Agriculture 9-12
Art Pre-K-12
Biology 9-12
Business 9-12
Chemistry 9-12
Chinese Pre-K-12
Computer Science 9-12
Dance Pre-K-12
English 9-12
Family & Consumer Sciences 9-12
French Pre-K-12
German Pre-K-12
Health Pre-K-12
History 9-12
Industrial Technology Education 9-12
Japanese Pre-K-12
Latin Pre-K-12
Libraries Pre-K-12
Mathematics 9-12
Middle Language Arts 5-8

Get Started

Own the application process. Start a checklist to put yourself on track to becoming the best teacher you can be.