TEACHER CERTIFICATION

Before completion of a USC Teacher Education, Administration, Library Media, Counseling, or Speech Pathology program, students should apply for certification through the College of Education, Office of Certification. You will find the certification application process outlined by following links:

This is my first certification in SC.

I am already a certified educator in SC and completing a program at the University of South Carolina in Counselor Education, Educational Administration, Library Media, or Speech Pathology.

I am already a certified educator in SC and need information about add-on certification.

Praxis Exam Requirements

First South Carolina Certification

Frequently Asked Questions

Students should apply for certification according to the deadlines outlined below.   If you have not been previously certified as a teacher in South Carolina, you will need to obtain the Certification Application Packet from the College of Education, Wardlaw 113. Below is the certification application deadline schedule:

Return your completed application packet to the Office of Student Affairs. The packet MUST include all of the following:

Completed "Application for Education Certificate" form. Please answer all questions and sign. Return the "Verification of College Preparation" form with only the top portion completed.

Completed FBI Fingerprint card (instructions are inside this packet). The USC police station will complete the Fingerprint card for free on Mondays from 8:30 - 10:30.  USC police can be reached 777-4215.  You may also get your fingerprint card completed at the SC Law Enforcement Division (SLED) on Broad River Road.  Do not fold this card.

Completed "Request for Transcript" form (transcript not accepted). Complete this form to reflect your academic time at USC and turn it in with your application packet.  If you have received a degree from another institution, please contact that institution and have your transcript forwarded directly to the SC Department of Education, Division of Teacher Quality. The SC Department of Education will not accept a copy of your undergraduate transcript from USC. DO NOT have a copy of your undergraduate transcript sent to USC.

Please enclose a $75.00 check or money order payable to the SC Department of Education.  An additional $98.00 fee will be billed to your university account the semester of your internship II.  You should pay this through VIP or at Petigru just as you do your tuition fees.  This fee covers all standard South Carolina Department of Education and University processing fees.

When you take the Praxis II, one copy of the Specialty Area test score(s) should be sent to BOTH of the following addresses using the Praxis registration codes below:

The Office of Student Affairs must have a copy of your passing scores on the required portion(s) of the Praxis Area Examination prior to making a recommendation for your certification.

For a current list of South Carolina required tests published by the SC Division of Teacher Quality, click here.

Once you have completed all the requirements for certification (including successful completion of student teaching or practicum/internship, passing required portion(s) of the Praxis, and the posting of your initial certification degree), USC will send your paperwork (transcript and recommendation form) to the South Carolina Department of Education.  Please allow six to eight weeks to receive your certificate. Applications received after the deadline may be delayed in processing.

Completed application packets must be returned to: Office of Student Affairs, Attention: Certification Office, College of Education, Wardlaw 113, Columbia, SC 29208.

Seeking Additional Certification

Students should apply for certification before completion of their program. If you have previously been certified as a teacher in South Carolina, you will need to obtain the Advanced Certification Application Packet from the College of Education, Wardlaw 113. Below is the certification application deadline schedule:

Return your completed application packet to the Office of Student Affairs. The packet MUST include all of the following:

Completed "Request for Change/Action" form. If you are applying for certification in guidance or administration, please specify elementary, secondary, or both. Return the "Verification of College Preparation" form with only the top portion completed.

Completed "Request for Transcript" form (transcript not accepted). Complete this form to reflect your academic time at USC and turn it in with your application packet.

A $65.00 fee will be billed to your university account during your internship or practicum semester.  You should pay this through VIP or at Petigru just as you do your tuition fees.

When you take the Praxis II (formerly NTE), you should request that one copy of the test score be sent to BOTH of the following addresses using the Praxis registration codes below:

The Office of Student Affairs must have a copy of your passing scores on the required Specialty area portion(s) of the Praxis prior to making a recommendation for your certification.

For a current list of South Carolina required test published by the SC Division of Teacher Quality, click here.

Once you have completed all the requirements for certification (including: successful completion of practicum/internship, passing required portion(s) of the Praxis, and the posting of your advanced certification degree, if applicable), USC will send your paperwork (transcript and recommendation form) to the South Carolina Department of Education. Please allow at least four weeks from the time this information leaves USC for the State Department to issue your updated certificate.

Completed application packets must be returned to: Office of Student Affairs, Attention: Certification Office, College of Education, Wardlaw 113, Columbia, SC 29208