South Carolina Credential Guide
English for Speakers of Other Languages Endorsement Requirements in South Carolina
Issued by South Carolina Department of Education.
South Carolina separates its ESOL endorsement from full ESOL certification. The endorsement route uses two university courses and a practicum, while full certification uses five courses and a practicum. The endorsement does not expand the grades on your teaching certificate.
Official sources reviewed . Requirements can change, so confirm your route with the issuing agency before enrolling.
South Carolina ESOL Choice
Separate the ESOL Endorsement From Full ESOL Certification
South Carolina publishes different routes for an ESOL endorsement and full ESOL certification. Its flowchart shows two university courses plus a practicum for the endorsement and five courses plus a practicum for full certification. It also shows a professional-learning route to the endorsement.
Ask a provider to map its two ESOL courses and practicum to the endorsement. Full certification requires a different five-course plan.
The state flowchart lists 21 Ellevation modules and a 42-hour practicum for this endorsement path. Ask your district whether it offers the approved modules.
An endorsement does not expand the grade range on your underlying certificate. Apply through My SC Educator Portal and account for fee and fingerprint steps. Clinical placements require separate SCDE clearance, including placements through an out-of-state program.
South Carolina Department of Education, checked September 29, 2026: add-on guidelines, ESOL route flowchart, application and clinical clearance.
South Carolina Requirements
Check Your South Carolina Certificate Level
The add-on rule lists the qualifying certificate types and teaching levels. Confirm yours before selecting courses.
Certificate eligibility
Applicants need a bachelor's degree or higher and a South Carolina Initial, Professional, or Alternative Route certificate covering an early childhood, elementary, middle, secondary, or PK-12 level.
South Carolina Requirements
Map the Endorsement Courses and Practicum
Ask a provider to map two university courses and the practicum to the endorsement. A separate professional-learning route uses 21 modules and 42 practicum hours.
Endorsement study
South Carolina's university-course endorsement route uses two ESOL courses and a practicum. Its full ESOL certification route instead uses five courses and a practicum.
Practicum
The university-course endorsement route includes a practicum. The separate professional-learning endorsement route lists 42 practicum hours.
South Carolina Requirements
Compare the University and Professional-Learning Routes
The state also offers an endorsement route through approved professional learning and practicum. Ask your district whether it provides the modules.
Endorsement routes
South Carolina publishes two ESOL endorsement pathways: two university courses plus a practicum, or 21 professional-learning modules and a 42-hour practicum. Full ESOL certification is a separate five-course route.