Learn how to become an Education Administrator or School Principal in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction issues School Administrator licenses in the following categories: Superintendent, School principal, and Assistant School principal. These categories require that you first have a Standard Professional 2 (SP2) Educator’s License.

Academic Obligations

Assistant School principal:

• Finish a state-authorized school administration program at the master’s level or above

School principal:

• Finish a state-authorized school administration program at the master’s level or above

Superintendent:

• Hold  an advanced graduate degree (six years) in school administration, OR
• Hold  an undergraduate degree  and 5 years of relevant managerial experience (see below)

Assessments

Assistant School principal:

• Pass the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA)

School principal:

• Pass the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA)

Superintendent:

• Pass the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA)

Classroom Teaching Experience Requirements

Assistant School principal:

• No experience obligations are stated, but it is assumed that you have at least 3 years of teaching experience as you have had an SP2 Educator’s License

School principal:

• Bo experience obligations are stated, but it is assumed that you have at least 3 years of teaching experience as you have had an SP2 Educator’s License

Superintendent:

• It is assumed that you have at least 3 years of teaching experience as you have had an SP2 Educator’s License
• You must also possess at least 1 year of experience as a school administrator
• If you are claiming an undergraduate degree  as your educational qualification, you must also have at least 5 years of relevant managerial experience

Documents and Application Requirements

To apply for School Administrator licensure, file the Application for a North Carolina Professional Educator’s License. Have your institution’s school administration program officer to complete the Authentication by Institution form. Send official transcripts listing degrees acquired and dates. Provide copies of your SLLA test scores. Finish Form OS-HQ for Highly Qualified Status. Finish the Authentication of K-12 Educator Experience form. Pay application fees of $85 by check, money order, or licensed check (or credit card via this form) payable to the Department of Public Instruction.

Background Check Requirements

Before you acquire your education administrator license, you must undergo a criminal history background check.

State Contacts

To find state-authorized school administrator preparation programs, search this directory.

For additional info on education 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.