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
Jun. 20, 2025
Summer
Oct. 31, 2025
Winter
Loading...
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.
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
Middle Math 5-8 Middle Science 5-8 Middle Social Studies 5-8 Music Pre-K-12 Physical Education Pre-K-12 Physics 9-12 Russian Pre-K-12 Science 9-12 Social Studies 9-12 Spanish Pre-K-12 Special Education / Behaviorally & Emotionally Disabled Pre-K-12 TESOL Pre-K-12 Theatre Pre-K-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.
Get Started
Own the application process. Start a checklist to put yourself on track to becoming the best teacher you can be.
