Reciprocal Applicants
Applicants with a valid standard certificate issued by another state, a United States territory, or the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DODDS), may be eligible for certification through South Carolina's reciprocity agreement.
Interstate reciprocity does not apply to Career & Technology Education Work-Based Certification.
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 three-page application.
- Complete the electronic fingerprint process.
- Submit the non-refundable $95 processing fee.
STEP 3
- Submit an official, sealed transcript from each college attended.
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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