Reciprocal Applicants
Applicants with a valid, standard certificate issued by another state, the District of Columbia, a United States territory, or the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DODDS), may be eligible for certification through South Carolina's reciprocity agreement.Of note: The submission of a completed application packet expedites the certification process. All of the forms referenced below are included in the Certification Application Packet.
Request a Certification Application Packet.
STEP 1
- Evaluate status of existing credentials by reviewing South Carolina's current reciprocity agreement. South Carolina's multi-state agreement (Interstate Agreement on Qualification of Education Personnel) provides a smooth transition for an individual certified in another state to acquire South Carolina educator certification.
- Individuals with National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), upon application and a valid standard out-of-state certificate, will receive a professional certification in their field.
STEP 2
- Complete the two-page application.
- Submit the FBI fingerprint card.
- Submit the non-refundable $75 processing fee.
STEP 3
- Submit an official, sealed transcript from each college attended.
Request for Transcript form (1 page pdf) to send to college officials.
STEP 4
- Submit a front and back copy of the existing, valid out-of-state certificate.
- Submit copies of any subject area or pedagogy test scores.
- Submit completed Verification of Teaching Experience form (2 page pdf).
| Submit completed forms to: |  |
Office of Educator Certification Landmark II Office Building 3700 Forest Drive, Suite 500 Columbia, South Carolina 29204 |
Related Links
View a list of states that have reciprocity agreements.Find out about National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification.
View the requirement for reciprocal certification to discover if specific test scores may be waived.
Find out about recognition for the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) certificate.
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