The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction issues School Administrator licenses in the following categories: Superintendent, Principal, and Assistant Principal. All of these categories require that you first have a Standard Professional 2 (SP2) Educator’s License.
Learn more about the graduate school process. Contact schools offering educational administration degree programs in North Carolina.
To apply for a School Administrator license, file the Application for a North Carolina Professional Educator’s License. Have your college or university’s school administration program complete the Verification by Institution form. Send official transcripts listing degrees obtained and dates. Provide copies of your SLLA test scores. Complete Form OS-HQ for Highly Qualified Status. Complete the Verification of K-12 Educator Experience form. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want any documents returned. Pay application fees of $85 by check, money order or certified check (or credit card via this form) payable to the Department of Public Instruction.
While you do not need to submit to a criminal history background check for school administrator licensure in North Carolina, you will have to undergo such a check prior to employment in any North Carolina public school. You will be provided with instructions on how to go about this at the time of application/hire.
To find state-approved school administrator preparation programs, search this directory.
For more information on administrator licensure in North Carolina, call the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Licensure Section at 919-807-3310 in state and 800-577-7994 out of state.