Guidance for Prospective Alternative Route Certification Program Participants
While traditional pathways require the completion of an educator preparation program through an accredited college or university of higher learning, this by no means excludes those with differing backgrounds from achieving South Carolina Educator Certification. Alternative certification programs allow potential educators, who meet the eligibility requirements, to obtain certification and teach in South Carolina public schools while working on program requirements. There are several approved alternative certification programs, but all alternative certification programs lead to issuance of a Professional, renewable certificate upon program completion.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for an alternative certification program, all applicants must first meet the following requirements:
- Holds at least a conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university.
- Did not participate in student teaching in a traditional education preparation program leading to teacher licensure.
- Has not participated in another South Carolina approved alternative certification program.
In addition to the general requirements above, applicants must also meet the eligibility requirements of their chosen program which may include but are not limited to:
- A major or major equivalency in the desired certification field.
- A minimum GPA requirement.
- Passing scores on the appropriate subject area assessment.
- Completion of initial training requirements.
Program Overview and Timeline
Pursuing certification through an alternative certification program consists of three phases: applying to a program, program participation, and program completion.
Individuals interested in an alternative certification program will complete several steps prior to entering the classroom as a certified teacher. The following is general guidance for all programs, and certain providers may require additional steps not included.
- Investigate the various alternative certification providers for a program that meets your needs; considering fields offered, eligibility requirements, and school districts partnered with the program.
- Apply for eligibility directly with your chosen program provider with submission of any requested items.
- Wait for eligibility determination.
- If eligible, complete any next steps indicated by the program provider.
- Once prompted, complete the South Carolina Department of Education application process through My SC Educator Portal which includes submitting:
- An Alternative Route Application
- Official transcripts.
- Official scores for the appropriate subject area assessment.
- The fingerprinting and professional practices review process.
- The $105 non-refundable application fee payment.
- Any remaining requirements set by your program provider.
- Await receipt of the Alternative Route Statement of Eligibility letter from the Office of Educator Services.
- Seek employment in a SC public school district partnered with your program provider.
- Complete any remaining initial training requirements set by your program.
- Receive your first Alternative Route certificate and begin your first year of teaching.
Once an individual has received their first Alternative Route certificate, they are considered a program participant. Alternative Route certificates are valid for one school year, expiring on June 30th, and can be renewed each year with successful program progress and continued employment. Alternative Route certificates can be renewed for three total years with the option of a fourth-year extension depending on the program. (Special Education certification fields are not eligible for a fourth-year extension).
During this time the participant must meet the following requirements:
- Three certified years of program participation with continued employment.
- Evaluated through the ADEPT evaluation process for each year, including one successful year at the Induction-Formative level and one successful year at the Annual-Summative level.
- Passing scores on the appropriate Principles of Learning and Teaching exam.
- Completion of any requirements specific to the program (such as training, seminars, coursework, etc.)
Alternative certification programs are designed to be completed within three consecutive years. Participants who find themselves unable to continue with the program should speak with their program provider regarding the possibility of program readmission at a later date. Alternative Route participants are not eligible to switch programs once they have started a program with issuance of their first certificate.
Once a participant has completed all program requirements, including three certified years of program participation, they may request to be advanced to the Professional teaching certificate. Participants should ensure all program requirements have been received by the Office of Educator Services and then submit the Alt Route Professional Certification Request through My SC Educator Portal.
Professional teaching certificates are valid for 5 years and can be renewed with completion of the appropriate renewal requirements.
For any questions regarding a specific alternative certification program, or to begin the application process, please reach out to the program provider. For general questions regarding alternative certification, please contact our office at altcertification@ed.sc.gov or 803-896-0325 (option 2) during customer support hours.
