Credit Programs

Education

Course ContactNikki Leonard
[email protected]
Document(s)
Financial Aid Eligible?
No
Learning Format
On Campus
In-person/Online Hybrid
Schedule
Evening Only

Elementary Education Residency Licensure Certificate

Wake Tech Course ID: C55490

The Educator Preparation Program (EPP) provides comprehensive support for new public school teachers in North Carolina who need a certificate to obtain their teaching license from the state.

Developed in collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI) through the Cultivating Carolina Classrooms program, the EPP certificate offers a streamlined pathway to elementary education licensure:

  • Participants can complete the six required courses in as little as 18 months. All courses are offered online, although individuals can take some in person if they choose.
     
  • Participants work in cohorts with others in the program, and the small class size fosters a collaborative approach and a supportive learning environment.
     
  • Faculty are licensed teachers with extensive experience in elementary school environments who serve as mentors to participants.
     
  • Assignments are coordinated with Wake County Public School System curriculum and are grade-specific so instruction can be tailored to the needs of each participant.
     
  • The estimated cost of the program is less than $2,500, and scholarships and other financial assistance are available.
Program planning guide

Individuals must meet the following eligibility standard for admission to the program:

  • A U.S. citizen or eligible for employment
  • Earned a bachelor's degree with a 2.7 GPA or higher. The degree must meet the 24 hours of general education required by DPI. Provisional admission may be granted with additional coursework for those whose GPA was less than 2.7.
  • Letter of employment or promised placement from a local educational agency (LEA) or public school unit (PSU) in North Carolina
  • Completed professional development training required by the LEA or PSU

To remain eligible once admitted to the program, individuals must remain employed as a lead teacher in a DPI-approved LEA, earn a "C" or higher grade on all courses and maintain a GPA of 2.7 or higher.

Before applying for licensure, participants also must submit a portfolio of work for approval and pass standardized tests.

Follow these steps to apply to the program:

  1. Complete the North Carolina Residency Determination Service (RDS) form to find out if you qualify for in-state tuition. You will need your Social Security number and driver's license number.
  2. Create a College for North Carolina (CFNC) account. You can use the same username and password for both RDS and CFNC.
  3. Click on "Apply to College"
  4. Go to "Application Hub"
  5. Click on "Start an Application"
    – Enter your RDS certification number
    – For campus option, select "NCCCS Residency Licensure Program" and/or "Alternative NC Teaching Licensure: NCCS Cultivating Carolina Classrooms"
  6. Click "Apply"
  7. In the "Educator Prep Program" field, select Wake Technical Community College. (You can select up to three community college options.)
  8. Complete and submit the application

After you submit your application, a representative from the North Carolina Community College System will contact you regarding your next steps.

For more information, contact K-12 Education Director Ileetha Groom at [email protected] or 919-866-5433.

Apply now
Estimated Tuition & Fees
$1,368.00
Locations
  • Southern Wake Campus
Total Credits
18
NOTE: Tuition listed is for in-state students. Out-of-state tuition is higher.
Tuition is set annually by the State Board of Community Colleges.
Wake Tech charges various fees in addition to tuition, and individual programs also have specific costs associated with them.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, as long as it is from an accredited college or university.

You can take a Foundations of Education course at Wake Tech to boost your GPA.

  • You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible for employment.
  • You must have completed a bachelor's degree with a 2.7 GPA or higher.
  • You are required to set up an account with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and apply through the NCDPI Online Licensure System. The Institute of Higher Learning will complete the V Form.

The Wake Tech program is designed to take three semesters.

Both online and in-person classes are available at Wake Tech.

Elementary Education K-6 Teaching Certificate

To enroll in the program, you must be employed as a full-time teacher in a North Carolina public school, so you will already have a job when you complete the program.

You are required to complete edTPA requirements for the State of North Carolina with a passing score these three components:

  • edTPA 13: 34
  • edTPA 15: 40
  • edTPA 18: 48

Before applying for licensure, you must also pass the following exams:

  • Pearson Test 190: Foundations of Reading
  • Either Pearson Test 203: Mathematics Subtest or Praxis Test 7813: CKT Math Subtest

Courses are about $300 each, so the entire program is projected to be $2,000 or less.

No. Participants must work at a public school or public charter school.

You do not need to enroll in the program. A review course might be more helpful.

Wake Tech offers online and in-person classes to obtain an Elementary Education K-6 Teaching License.

Possibly, but Wake Tech has to recommend you for licensure, so all course work must be completed at the college unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Once you are certified, you can attend the Alumni Lunch and Learn or Summer EPP Conference.

Yes, but all licensure requirements must be met within the first three years of teaching.

Wake Tech's courses are designed to align with existing teacher responsibilities and tasks to minimize the time commitment and eliminate duplicate tasks.

Participants must already be employed as teachers. Coursework will include observations and strategies for hands-on learning.

The Wake Tech program has a monthly newsletter to share alumni news, events and opportunities.