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Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Licensing in North Carolina

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in North Carolina

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  3. 3

    An undergraduate degree can be beneficial to those seeking this career option, but it is not required.

  4. 4

    Otherwise, they may pursue a certificate or associate's degree to qual.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • certificate or associate's degree to qual

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    NC State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $56,330 median (11% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #39 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (Otherwise, they may pursue a certificate or associate's degree to qual.).
  5. 5. Submit the application to NC State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in North Carolina

With a median salary of $56,330, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in North Carolina earn 11% below the national median of $63,000. North Carolina ranks #39 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,298

Median annual salary

$56,330

Hourly estimate

$27.08
11% below national median

Difference: -$6,670

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$41,140
  • P2525th percentile$47,310
  • P50Median$56,330
  • P7575th percentile$61,600
  • P9090th percentile$72,120

State vs National Median

State: $56,330
National: $63,000

Total employment: 4,640 | Annual openings: N/A

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Ranking

#39 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$90,530
#2Washington$85,340
#3Connecticut$81,220
#4New York$80,750
#5Massachusetts$78,820

Nearby States Comparison

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
North Carolina$56,330Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$65,000Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Tennessee$61,080Specific course requiredThird-party exam required18 years
Georgia$67,710Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
South Carolina$60,530Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
North Carolina68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Virginia66MediumDocumented experience may be required. Continuing education compliance is required.
Tennessee68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Georgia25LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
South Carolina78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

NC State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners

121 Edinburgh South Drive, Ste 209, Cary, NC, 27511

Phone: 9197366123

Related Careers in North Carolina

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$67,220Degree requiredVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$79,160Degree requiredVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$78,860Degree requiredVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$68,340Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in North Carolina?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in North Carolina?

North Carolina lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools.

What education do you need to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in North Carolina?

The board typically expects Degree required for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure in North Carolina.

What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in North Carolina?

The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in North Carolina is $56,330. Salaries range from $41,140 (10th percentile) to $72,120 (90th percentile).

How does the Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in North Carolina earn 11% below the national median of $63,000, with a state median of $56,330.

How many Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools work in North Carolina?

North Carolina employs approximately 4,640 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license to North Carolina from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in North Carolina?

The licensing agency is NC State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners. Review agency details at https://www.nccosmeticarts.com/licensees.aspx.

How often do you renew a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license in North Carolina?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.