The Carolina Collaborative for Alternative Preparation (CarolinaCAP) Program is a partnership among South Carolina school districts, the University of South Carolina, and the Center for Teaching Quality. The objective of this program is to create a quality alternative pathway into teaching that combines the expertise of teachers, schools, districts, and institutions of higher education.
To learn more about this alternative certification program or to apply, please visit the CarolinaCAP website.
Certification Fields
The following certification areas are offered by CarolinaCAP:
- Early Childhood (PK-3)
- Elementary (Grades 2-6)
- Special Education: Multi-categorical (K-12)
Middle Level (Grades 5-8)
- Middle Level Mathematics
- Middle Level Science
High School (Grades 9-12)
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
Eligibility
To be eligible for an alternative certification program, all applicants must first meet the general eligibility requirements in addition to any requirements set by the program. To review the general eligibility requirements, please visit the webpage Guidance for Prospective Alternative Route Certification Program Participants.
Potential candidates for CarolinaCAP must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and meet the GPA and coursework requirements. CarolinaCAP has partnerships with specific school districts. For more information regarding eligibility and partner districts, please visit the CarolinaCAP website.
Certification Overview
Individuals interested in CarolinaCAP will apply directly to the program provider. If eligible, candidates are required to complete the required Praxis subject area examination. Afterwards, the candidate will follow the application requirements for certification with the South Carolina Department of Education. After completion of the application process, the initial training requirement, and a confirmation of employment in the certification field with a partnership school district, candidates will be issued their first CarolinaCAP Alternative Route Teaching Certificate and become program participants.
Participants who complete all program requirements after three years of program involvement will be issued a Professional Teaching Certificate.
Enrollment Inquiries
The South Carolina Department of Education does not facilitate eligibility evaluation or program participation for CarolinaCAP. For information regarding this approved alternative certification program, please contact: CarolinaCAP@sc.edu.
