Initial Teacher Certification

In South Carolina, teacher certification is administered by the SC Department of Education (SCDE). For undergraduate teacher candidates in the College of Education, the certification process begins in the junior year. Regardless of the state in which a teacher candidate plans to teach, admission to the Professional Program and clearance from the South Carolina Department of Education are required to continue in the degree program.  Below is an overview of the key steps involved to receive South Carolina teacher certification:

Admission to the Professional Program:
Teacher candidates must be admitted to the Professional Program before entering the junior spring semester.

Student Teaching Clearance:
In the junior spring semester, teacher candidates apply for Student Teaching Clearance through the SCDE. This process includes an FBI and SLED background check, with out-of-pocket fees totaling approximately $160.

• Note: Teacher candidates must receive SCDE clearance prior to beginning the student teaching internship.

Certification Assessments:
Candidates must complete certification exams required by the SCDE for their specific certification area. Most undergraduate certification areas require three exams.

• While these assessments are not required for graduation, candidates pursuing SC teacher certification are strongly encouraged to complete them during the senior fall semester.

Student Teaching Internship:
The student teaching internship is completed during the senior spring semester.

• Candidates must earn a successful score on the SC Teaching Standards 4.0 rubric to be recommended for certification.

Graduation:
Candidates typically graduate after fulfilling all degree requirements, which generally occurs at the conclusion of the student teaching internship.

Certification Application:
Following graduation, candidates submit the SCDE’s Standard Application for teacher certification.

 

Gamecock EdQuarters provides dedicated support for every stage of the teacher certification process.
Our academic advisors guide teacher candidates through the Professional Program admission requirements and ensure they remain on track for graduation. The certification officer oversees the application processes for SCDE clearance and South Carolina teacher certification. Clinical placement coordinators collaborate with partner schools and districts to arrange student teaching internships for all candidates.

 

Planning to Teach in Another State?

Teacher candidates interested in pursuing certification outside South Carolina are encouraged to review the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement to better understand the requirements in their intended state. While certification requirements—such as required exams and administrative procedures—vary by state, graduates of our program are generally eligible for certification nationwide. Candidates considering out-of-state certification should schedule a meeting with the certification officer during their junior year. The certification officer can provide guidance and assist with researching the specific requirements for your desired state.