The deadline to apply varies by academic program, and you will receive information from the certification officer or your faculty program coordinator when it is time for you to apply. For most programs leading to initial certification, the deadline to apply is approximately 9 months prior to the start of your final internship or student teaching semester.
In most cases, if your final internship semester is in a Spring semester, the deadline to apply for certification is April 15th prior to your final internship. If your final internship is in a fall semester, the deadline to apply for certification is December 1st prior to your final internship.
If you are currently a South Carolina certified educator enrolled in a program for add-on certification, you will not need to complete the initial certification application process. Instead, you will submit your college recommendation for certification form and change/action form to the certification officer approximately 1 month prior to your graduation date. Details will be provided by your faculty program coordinator or the certification officer.
If you have questions about the certification application process, please contact the certification officer.