In order for an educator preparation program to be used to obtain a first time certificate or to add a field to an existing certificate, the program must:

• Be completed at a regionally accredited Institution of Higher Education (IHE);
• Be approved either by that state’s licensing authority or by NCATE/CAEP;
• Be approved for certification by the Department of Education in the state in which the program provider is located; and
• Include a sufficient student teaching or internship component.

An overview of information on Approved Educator Preparation Program and Requirements is available. 

Please note that out-of-state alternative certification programs are not accepted for South Carolina initial certification purposes. Educators that completed out-of-state alternative certification programs must either present a valid, standard certificate from out-of-state to apply for reciprocity or must enroll in a South Carolina Alternative Certification Program.