South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 43 - STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Article 3 - REQUIREMENTS FOR TEACHER EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION REGULATIONS
Section 43-62 - Areas of Certification

I. INITIAL CERTIFICATION AREAS AND GRADE SPANS

In consultation with the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE), the State Board of Education (SBE) has the authority to establish initial certification areas or fields as well as certification grade spans, to revise or amend certification areas, and to abolish certification areas that no longer reflect professional practice or needs of South Carolina schools and students.

II. ADDING AREAS OF CERTIFICATION

In consultation with the SCDE, the SBE has the authority to establish certification areas that may be added to a valid educator certificate, to revise or amend these areas, and to abolish add-on certification areas that no longer reflect professional practice or needs of South Carolina schools and students. In order to add an additional area of certification to a valid South Carolina credential, an educator must complete the specific requirements for that area as outlined by the SBE's guidelines.

III. SPECIALIZED ENDORSEMENTS

In consultation with the SCDE, the SBE has the authority to establish specialized endorsements that may be added to a valid educator certificate, to revise or amend specialized endorsements areas, and to abolish specialized endorsement areas that no longer reflect professional practice or needs of South Carolina schools and students. In some instances, an endorsement may be required to teach specific courses. In other instances, the endorsement represents additional training and study to enhance an educator's professional practice. In order to add an endorsement to a valid South Carolina teaching credential, an educator must complete the specific requirements for that area as outlined by the SBE.

IV. SPECIALIZED ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATION

In consultation with the SCDE, the SBE has the authority to establish alternative certification areas and routes that are based on specialized training and do not lead to an alternate route certificate, revise or amend these specialized areas, and abolish specialized alternative certification areas that no longer reflect professional practice or needs of South Carolina schools and students. In order to be issued an educator certificate in one of these areas, the applicant must complete the specific requirements for that area as outlined by the SBE.