Complete guide to North Carolina's CEU requirements, literacy credit rules, and Continuing Professional License renewal through NCDPI.
North Carolina educators holding a Continuing Professional License (CPL) must renew every five years by completing 8 CEUs (80 clock hours) of professional development. The specific distribution of credits depends on your school level and licensure area.
Renewal applications open on April 15th of your expiration year. NCDPI will initiate the application—you'll need to log in, complete the Statement of Applicant questions, and pay the $35 processing fee.
North Carolina's CEU distribution requirements vary based on the grade levels you serve. Literacy credits are required for elementary teachers but not for those who exclusively teach middle or high school.
Elementary teachers must complete 3 credits in their content area, 3 literacy credits, and 2 general credits (total: 8 CEUs).
Teachers with only middle or high school licensure areas do NOT need literacy credits. Complete 4 content and 4 general credits.
K-12 specialists (Music, Art, PE, AIG, ESL, Reading, etc.) must complete 3 literacy credits, following the elementary structure.
Required: Teachers in PreK-5 schools, K-8 schools, or with K-12 licensure areas.
Not Required: Teachers with ONLY middle grades (6-8) or high school (9-12) licensure.
Literacy credits focus on evidence-based reading instruction, including topics such as:
8 CEUs required: 4 credits aligned with NC School Executive Standards 2, 4, and 5 (instructional, HR, and managerial leadership), plus 4 general credits at PSU discretion.
8 CEUs required: 4 credits in professional discipline, plus 4 general credits at PSU discretion.
Educators completing National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification may earn all 8 renewal credits for completion of the process, regardless of passing.
North Carolina accepts professional development from various approved sources:
Important: Credits must be relevant to your license field(s) and professional duties. At least 3 credits must be in your academic subject area.
Finish your required CEUs during your 5-year renewal cycle, ensuring proper distribution of content, literacy (if required), and general credits.
Starting on your expiration year, NCDPI will initiate your renewal application in the online licensure system.
Access your online licensure account on or after April 15th of your expiration year to complete the renewal process.
Answer required questions, confirm your CEU completion, and submit your application.
Submit the $35 renewal fee to complete your application. Your new CPL will be issued once processed.
The Initial Professional License (IPL) is a 3-year, non-renewable license for new educators. After completing requirements, you receive a Continuing Professional License (CPL), which is renewable every 5 years.
No. CEUs must be earned within your current 5-year renewal cycle. Extra credits do not carry over to the next renewal period.
If your CPL expired in previous years, you can submit a renewal request at any time. You'll still need to complete 8 CEUs within the most recent 5 years before renewal.
If your licensure spans K-8 or includes K-12 areas, you must complete the literacy credit requirements (3 Content, 3 Literacy, 2 General).
Contact NCDPI Licensure at asklicensure@dpi.nc.gov (include your full name and last 4 SSN digits) or call 919-807-3310 (Monday-Friday 8am-5pm).
Classroom Walkthroughs helps North Carolina educators track CEUs, ensure proper credit distribution, and prepare for NCDPI renewal.
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