Need Help?
Please contact soe.licensure@unc.edu with any questions about the licensure process.
Select UNC-Chapel Hill degree programs satisfy the professional licensure and/or certification requirements in North Carolina and prepare students to sit for these exams. However, requirements in other states may be different.
If considering a degree program that may, would, could, or potentially lead to licensure, please note that at this time UNC-Chapel Hill may or may not be able to advise whether a program meets requirements outside of North Carolina. Prior to enrolling in a degree program, please discuss this important topic with the program of interest.
The following information applies to all UNC-Chpael Hill programs that lead to a license to work in any level in public schools, i.e., teachers, principals, librarians, social workers, school counselors, superintendents, etc., in North Carolina.
Upon successful completion of educator preparation program degree requirements and licensure requirements for the State of North Carolina, such as, but not limited to, testing and national assessments, candidates will be eligible for a UNC-Chapel Hill recommendation for a North Carolina license. However, final licensure granting decisions are the sole responsibility of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, not UNC-Chapel Hill. Program completers should apply for a North Carolina license within 5 years of completing any program leading to licensure. After 5 years, UNC-Chapel Hill cannot guarantee the ability to recommend for a license due to potential changes in licensure requirements and programs.
Candidates who graduate and seek out-of-state employment will have to meet the receiving state’s requirements for licensure. The University’s statement on Professional Licensure Disclosures is available here. There is no automatic licensure reciprocity between states. UNC-Chapel Hill will verify the completion of an approved, accredited program for candidates who seek employment out of state, and those candidates will be responsible for working with the receiving state to complete any additional requirements needed to obtain the license for employment.
Use the online system at vo.licensure.ncpublicschools.gov. Paper applications will not be accepted by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Educators must renew their North Carolina Professional Educator’s Continuing License every 5 years. The 3-year Professional Educator’s Initial License is not renewable.
Educators are responsible for knowing and satisfying license renewal requirements. Failure to renew the North Carolina Professional Educator’s Continuing License may make one ineligible for employment.
UNC-Chapel Hill supports its graduates seeking licensure in other states or who need verification of their program completion.
To request assistance, complete the Licensure and Program Verification Form online.
To ensure timely completion of the uploaded document, ensure completion of the demographic section of the document. Jpegs or picture files will not be accepted.
Note: Please allow 10 business days for completion of any request, and up to 15 days for any request that requires a University Seal.
The UNC School of Education serves as the licensing liaison between the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the State of North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
While the licensure is recommended through the UNC School of Education, the programs are administered through the UNC School of Social Work, UNC School of Information and Library Science, and the UNC Division of Speech and Hearing Science.