Transferring your teaching license from Virginia to North Carolina
Transfer pathway available — expect North Carolina exams + likely an interim license
Virginia and North Carolina both participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, so a transfer pathway exists — but it isn't automatic. Expect North Carolina's certification exams (such as the Praxis Core Academic Skills) and often a time-limited interim license while you complete any remaining requirements.
See 2,633 open teaching jobs in North Carolina →License transfer finder
Your current credential (Virginia)
- Issuing authority
- Virginia Department of Education
- License type
- Provisional License (3 years)
- Reciprocity policy
- Virginia participates in the NASDTEC compact. Out-of-state educators with valid licenses may receive a Virginia Provisional License; VCLA and RVE may still be required for elementary educators.
North Carolina certification
- Issuing authority
- North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI)
- License you'll earn
- Lateral Entry License or Residency License (3 years)
- Typical timeline
- 12–18 months traditional; Lateral Entry allows immediate teaching while completing coursework over 3 years
- North Carolina reciprocity policy
- North Carolina participates in the NASDTEC compact. Out-of-state educators with equivalent licenses may receive an NC license; content exams may still be required.
Exams typically required in North Carolina
Out-of-state applicants are usually asked to demonstrate content-area knowledge on North Carolina's preferred exams, even when basic-skills testing is waived through reciprocity. Plan for one or more of the following:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying SAT/ACT/GRE)Basic reading, writing, and math skills
- Praxis Subject AssessmentsContent knowledge in your licensure area
- edTPAPerformance assessment for initial licensure
Pass the Praxis exam
Mometrix study guide & practice tests for the Praxis — prep with confidence.
Steps to transfer your license
- Verify your Virginia credential is current. North Carolina will request a verification of your active Provisional License from Virginia Department of Education.
- Apply through North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). The application packet typically includes official transcripts, prior teaching service verification, and a fingerprint-based background check.
- Sit for any North Carolina-specific exams. Most states honor out-of-state content-area exams when scores meet their cutoff, but North Carolina may require an additional jurisprudence or state-specific assessment.
- Apply to North Carolina districts that match your endorsement. We're currently tracking 2,633 active openings — browse North Carolina teaching jobs to start identifying districts.
Common questions
Can I teach in North Carolina with a Virginia teaching license?
Virginia and North Carolina both participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, so a transfer pathway exists — but it isn't automatic. Expect North Carolina's certification exams (such as the Praxis Core Academic Skills) and often a time-limited interim license while you complete any remaining requirements.
What exams are required to teach in North Carolina?
North Carolina typically requires the Praxis Core Academic Skills exam(s) for your subject area.
How long does transferring a teaching license to North Carolina take?
Typically 12–18 months traditional; Lateral Entry allows immediate teaching while completing coursework over 3 years.
Who issues teaching licenses in North Carolina?
Teaching licenses in North Carolina are issued by North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI).