The Professional Practices Unit is responsible for investigating the prior criminal histories of all initial certification applicants as well as applicants for student teaching. Applicants must undergo a criminal records check by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and a national criminal records check supported by fingerprints conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. If the applicant does not complete the initial certification process within eighteen months from the original date of application, the FBI fingerprint process must be repeated. Background checks from other states are not transferable to South Carolina. All applicants who have prior criminal histories that cannot be cleared under State Board of Education guidelines are presented to the Board.

The unit also maintains disciplinary action histories and the reinstatement of suspended certificates.

Educator Certification

• Educator Qualification Search
• Criteria for Review of Fingerprint Examination of Applicants for Initial Educator Certification (PDF)
• Fingerprinting Process and Criminal Records Review
• Required Credentials for Professional Staff Member

Educator Conduct

• Standards of Conduct for South Carolina Educators (PDF)
• Confidential Complaint of Educator Misconduct (PDF) Please send completed form to Office of General Counsel, SC Department of Education, 849 Learning Lane, Lexington, SC 29172.

Certification Hearings & Reinstatement

• Educator Certification Committee (PDF)
• Procedures for Educator Certification Hearings (PDF)
• Laws and Regulations Concerning Disciplinary Actions for Educator Certification (PDF)
• Procedures for Educator Certificate Reinstatement or Reapplication