Alternative Certification

PACE is designed to allow career changers to enter the teaching profession in a PACE approved subject area aligned with their conferred degrees or completed coursework. Over a three-year period, qualified PACE participants work toward full certification while teaching in their content area.

During the 2017 legislative session, the General Assembly authorized Teachers of Tomorrow as an alternative route to certification for individuals with at least a bachelor’s degree but who have not completed a teacher preparation program.

South Carolina recognizes certification through the American Board in English, mathematics, and the sciences. Candidates who earn ABCTE certification are eligible to seek and accept employment in South Carolina while completing the requirements for full certification, such as completing a master’s degree, or in a core subject that includes an approved certification program. 

The Carolina Collaborative for Alternative Preparation (CarolinaCAP) Program is a partnership among South Carolina school districts, the University of South Carolina, and the Center for Teaching Quality. The objective of this program is to create a quality alternative pathway into teaching that combines the expertise of teachers, schools, districts, and institutions of higher education.

The Alternative Pathways to Educator Certification program, called APEC, is ideal for career changers and employees of our partnering school districts who are interested in teacher certification but need a program that supports working adults. Our coursework, classroom experiences, and mentoring prepare students to become successful teachers. 

The Career and Technology Education (CATE) Work-Based Certification program enables individuals with work experience in career and technology areas who do not meet the regular certification requirements to be eligible for employment as a 9-12 grade level teacher in a South Carolina public school district.