Prepare for SC Certification Tests
Learn about the exams you need to take and how to prepare.
Learn about the exams you need to take and how to prepare.
Learn about the exams you need to take and how to prepare.
Before you can teach in South Carolina, you’ll need to take some tests. If testing stresses you out, you’re definitely not alone! We’re here to help you find the right tools to pass your exams.
What specific tests do you need to take? For South Carolina teachers, the most common exams are the “core skills” test, the subject area content test and the pedagogy assessment. Certain teaching subjects also have additional requirements, such as a reading assessment.
In this guide, we’ll go over each test in detail: what they cover, who they’re for and what resources can help you prepare.
The core skills test is an exam you’ll take before you start an undergraduate teaching program. You do not need to take a core skills test if you already have a bachelor’s degree.
When you apply to a teaching program as an undergrad, you’ll need to submit scores from an approved test that covers basic skills in reading, writing, math and social studies. You may have already taken this exam—the ACT and SAT count!
If you haven’t taken the ACT or SAT, or if you need a higher score, you can also take the Praxis Core exam.
The South Carolina Department of Education’s Educator Preparation Program Admission Requirements page has the most up-to-date required scores for the Praxis Core, SAT and ACT. Remember, if you meet the passing score for either the SAT or ACT, you do not need to take the Praxis Core!
Test | Passing Score (2026–2027) |
ACT | Combined score of 22 For a combined score of less than 22:
|
SAT | Combined score of 1100 For a combined score of less than 1100:
|
Praxis Core | Combined score of 464 Passing scores for each subtest:
For the combined score (also called composite score), no subtest can fall below four points of the passing score. For example, if you scored 164 on both your Reading and Writing exams, you would still need at least 146 on your Math score. |
Usually, you’ll need to include your core skills scores with your teaching program application. That means you’ll need to take the test before you apply.
Some programs only require you to be scheduled to take the test when you send your application. Check with your program to find out their specific testing rules.
To get certified to teach in South Carolina, you’ll need to pass an exam in your teaching subject area. This is to show that you know your subject matter well enough to teach it.
Your subject area exam will depend on the subject you plan to teach. Below, we’ve listed the tests you can expect based on your teaching subject area. The Department of Education’s Certification Assessments page has an up-to-date list of specific exams and passing scores.
The timing of your subject area test will depend on your teaching program. If you’re completing a combined bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate, you’ll usually take your exam while you’re enrolled in your program.
Some graduate-level programs require you to sign up for the test during the application process.
Check with your program to confirm when you need to take your subject area exam.
The pedagogy assessment is a test to show that you have the teaching skills to lead your own classroom. You won’t complete the pedagogy assessment until the end of your teaching program, but it’s good to know about this requirement in advance!
South Carolina has two options for the pedagogy assessment:
To learn more about each, read on in this guide, and visit the Department of Education’s Certification Assessments page.
In general, your teaching program will determine which pedagogy assessment you take and when you take it. Most teaching candidates will take the Principles of Learning and Teaching, or PLT.
Some teaching programs require the edTPA as part of their student teaching process. If that’s the case, you can use the edTPA toward the pedagogy assessment requirement. Check with your program to learn which test they require.
Read on to learn about the differences between these assessments!
If you’re pursuing an alternative certification pathway or if you’re an out-of-state educator, you may not need a pedagogy assessment for your first teaching certificate. However, you may need to pass the pedagogy assessment to advance to a Professional Certificate.
The Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching, or PLT, is the most common pedagogy assessment in South Carolina. The PLT is a written test that covers topics like human development, teaching students with different needs, lesson planning and classroom management.
The PLT is different for each grade level, so the specific PLT you take will depend on the age group you plan to teach.
The Praxis SC Required Tests page lists all PLT options, as well as passing scores for each.
If you don’t take the PLT, you’ll complete the edTPA. This isn’t your typical test. No multiple choice questions here! Instead, during your student teaching experience, you’ll create a portfolio that summarizes what you’ve learned in your teaching program and how you’ve developed as an educator so far.
Your portfolio will include “teaching materials and artifacts,” such as:
Highly trained educators or portfolio raters will score your portfolio. Raters use detailed rubrics to evaluate your teaching.
Rubric scores represent a continuum from “not quite ready to teach” to “advanced beginning teacher.” Each rubric level shows an expanding repertoire of teaching skills, strategies and rationale.
You can learn more about South Carolina’s portfolio score requirements at the South Carolina edTPA page.
Join one of TeachSC’s free test info sessions and learn about which exams you’ll need, free study tools and more. Visit our Events page to find upcoming test sessions.
Taking the Praxis Core? Join a TeachSC info session and you could receive a Praxis Core reimbursement! Supplies limited.
TeachSC coaches are certified teachers who have been in your shoes. Schedule a 1-on-1 session or join a group advising session to ask questions about the teaching profession, program applications and exams! Learn more.
TeachSC offers $100 in reimbursement for any fees that are required for you to apply to and enroll in a teaching program. That could include test registration fees and prep materials for the Praxis Core or your subject area exam! (Reimbursements do not include tests that you take after you’ve enrolled.) Learn more.
Want more info about the Praxis Core or Praxis Subject Test? Our Praxis 101 articles have more details on testing accommodations, study resources and more!
If you’re certified to teach in another state, the South Carolina Department of Education will need to review your credentials. You’ll need to submit transcripts and other documentation, including any previous test score reports.
If you’ve already taken a subject area and pedagogy assessment in another state, you may not need to take another test.
Visit the Department of Education’s Out-of-State Educators page for more details. You’ll find information about the certification process, as well as checklists to apply for a South Carolina teaching certificate.
State tests are required, but remember: Your scores don’t necessarily reflect the kind of teacher you will be. Tests like the subject area exam and pedagogy assessment are just one more step on your way to teaching, and you can take them more than once.
You’re on a mission, and you’ve got this!
You’ve worked hard to get where you are. You’ve put together an amazing application, and you’re pretty sure you passed your teaching exam. But just as you’re submitting your program application, you find out that your test scores won’t be available until after the application deadline.
Don’t let this happen to you! Making a test schedule can save you application frustration and stress later on. You’ll want to know:
Once you know these important dates, we recommend adding in at least an extra week or two of cushion. That way, if your test is rescheduled or your testing equipment isn’t working, you won’t be scrambling to take the test in time.
After you register for your test, you can work backward: Figure out how much time you have between now and your testing date. Then, make yourself a study schedule that maps out how and when you’ll study for your exam (more on that in Step 5!)
Check with your teaching program to find out when you need to have taken and passed the subject area exam, and to verify which tests you’ll take. Below, you’ll find registration instructions for the three main subject area exams. The test websites will have the most up-to-date pricing information.
Praxis Exams
If you’re taking a Praxis test, head over to the Praxis home page and click Register for a Test.
If you know the specific test you need to register for, you can enter it in the search bar. If you’re not sure, scroll down to “Search State Requirements,” or visit the Department of Education’s Certification Assessments page.
When you register, you can also select where you want your scores sent. Enter your teaching program’s Praxis code if you know it, or you can look up your program by state.
ACTFL Exams
If you’re taking an ACTFL world language test, you’ll register for your exam through Language Testing International. Select your language and click Get Certified. The website will guide you through selecting your specific state, teaching program and teaching age group.
Make sure to read the information about finding a testing site or proctor. In South Carolina, you’ll need both the Written Proficiency Test and the Oral Proficiency Interview.
Pearson Exams (Foundations of Reading & edTPA)
If you’re registering for the Pearson Foundations of Reading assessment, you can do so from the National Evaluation Series website. Read through the information and click Register Now to start the process.
Completing an edTPA portfolio? Get started at the edTPA website. Explore resources and options and click Register to get started.
At-home testing
Some test-makers offer an at-home testing option. This lets you take your exam online through a secure portal or proctoring service.
Praxis online: You can register to take your Praxis at home through your Praxis account. Visit the Praxis At Home Testing page to see which Praxis exams are available for at home testing and what equipment you’ll need.
ACTFL online: You can choose a remote proctoring service when you register for your exam. When you get to the test scheduling page, click the web-based proctoring option.
Foundations of Reading: The Pearson Foundations of Reading assessment offers an online proctoring option. Review the online proctoring rules and system tests when you register.
Alternative testing arrangements
All exams have options to request special accommodations, such as alternative testing locations or extra time. Learn more about available accommodations and how to request them for each exam:
Make sure you schedule your exam far enough out so that your accommodations request can get processed. Depending on the exam, this extra processing time can be anywhere from ten days to six weeks.
Join a TeachSC test info session and get real-time answers to questions about which tests to take, how to prepare and more. Plus, you may qualify for a Praxis Core voucher! To learn more, visit our Events page.
Once you’ve registered, make a list of everything you need to do between now and your test day.
Make a study schedule that includes time to:
Whichever test you’re taking, there are study guides to help you prepare. Some come directly from test-makers, while others come from other educational organizations and universities. We’ll share a few resources here.
Before you purchase any test prep materials, check with your program to see if any discount codes are available for your test prep option of choice.
Study materials from test-makers
Most tests come with free preparation materials from the test-maker. These materials cover everything from study tips to sample questions to strategies for answering multiple-choice questions. Find the free prep materials for your test:
Third-party study materials
Numerous companies offer test prep options! Here are a few suggestions to get started. While we have not personally vetted all of these resources, you may find them useful in your test preparation. Visit test prep websites for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Test prep companies generally offer test prep books or monthly subscriptions. If costs are a barrier, head to your local library and check out Praxis prep books from test prep gurus like Kaplan or CliffsNotes. (If you’re planning to mark up your book, you should probably buy the book instead!)
You’ve registered, studied and taken practice tests. Now you’re ready for your exam!
Remember to take care of yourself before your test:
Some of the suggestions above, such as getting enough sleep and eating a good breakfast, are important for at-home testing as well. You can also consider these at-home testing tips:
If you’re testing from home, try setting up your exam space the way it will look on test day, and use it to take practice tests! If you’re studying in your test environment, it can help you recall information when it’s time to take the test for real.
Score availability will depend on which exam you take and when you take it.
When you register for your exam, you can request that your scores get sent to your teaching program or the SC Department of Education.
The Department of Education will need your test scores to evaluate you for certification. Visit the Department of Education’s Certification Assessments page to find links to submit official score reports for each exam.
Program applications have a lot of steps, and we’re here to support you with all of them.
Check out more FREE tools to simplify the process.
Before you can teach in South Carolina, you’ll need to take some tests. If testing stresses you out, you’re definitely not alone! We’re here to help you find the right tools to pass your exams.
What specific tests do you need to take? For South Carolina teachers, the most common exams are the “core skills” test, the subject area content test and the pedagogy assessment. Certain teaching subjects also have additional requirements, such as a reading assessment.
In this guide, we’ll go over each test in detail: what they cover, who they’re for and what resources can help you prepare.
The core skills test is an exam you’ll take before you start an undergraduate teaching program. You do not need to take a core skills test if you already have a bachelor’s degree.
When you apply to a teaching program as an undergrad, you’ll need to submit scores from an approved test that covers basic skills in reading, writing, math and social studies. You may have already taken this exam—the ACT and SAT count!
If you haven’t taken the ACT or SAT, or if you need a higher score, you can also take the Praxis Core exam.
The South Carolina Department of Education’s Educator Preparation Program Admission Requirements page has the most up-to-date required scores for the Praxis Core, SAT and ACT. Remember, if you meet the passing score for either the SAT or ACT, you do not need to take the Praxis Core!
Test | Passing Score (2026–2027) |
ACT | Combined score of 22 For a combined score of less than 22:
|
SAT | Combined score of 1100 For a combined score of less than 1100:
|
Praxis Core | Combined score of 464 Passing scores for each subtest:
For the combined score (also called composite score), no subtest can fall below four points of the passing score. For example, if you scored 164 on both your Reading and Writing exams, you would still need at least 146 on your Math score. |
Usually, you’ll need to include your core skills scores with your teaching program application. That means you’ll need to take the test before you apply.
Some programs only require you to be scheduled to take the test when you send your application. Check with your program to find out their specific testing rules.
To get certified to teach in South Carolina, you’ll need to pass an exam in your teaching subject area. This is to show that you know your subject matter well enough to teach it.
Your subject area exam will depend on the subject you plan to teach. Below, we’ve listed the tests you can expect based on your teaching subject area. The Department of Education’s Certification Assessments page has an up-to-date list of specific exams and passing scores.
The timing of your subject area test will depend on your teaching program. If you’re completing a combined bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate, you’ll usually take your exam while you’re enrolled in your program.
Some graduate-level programs require you to sign up for the test during the application process.
Check with your program to confirm when you need to take your subject area exam.
The pedagogy assessment is a test to show that you have the teaching skills to lead your own classroom. You won’t complete the pedagogy assessment until the end of your teaching program, but it’s good to know about this requirement in advance!
South Carolina has two options for the pedagogy assessment:
To learn more about each, read on in this guide, and visit the Department of Education’s Certification Assessments page.
In general, your teaching program will determine which pedagogy assessment you take and when you take it. Most teaching candidates will take the Principles of Learning and Teaching, or PLT.
Some teaching programs require the edTPA as part of their student teaching process. If that’s the case, you can use the edTPA toward the pedagogy assessment requirement. Check with your program to learn which test they require.
Read on to learn about the differences between these assessments!
If you’re pursuing an alternative certification pathway or if you’re an out-of-state educator, you may not need a pedagogy assessment for your first teaching certificate. However, you may need to pass the pedagogy assessment to advance to a Professional Certificate.
The Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching, or PLT, is the most common pedagogy assessment in South Carolina. The PLT is a written test that covers topics like human development, teaching students with different needs, lesson planning and classroom management.
The PLT is different for each grade level, so the specific PLT you take will depend on the age group you plan to teach.
The Praxis SC Required Tests page lists all PLT options, as well as passing scores for each.
If you don’t take the PLT, you’ll complete the edTPA. This isn’t your typical test. No multiple choice questions here! Instead, during your student teaching experience, you’ll create a portfolio that summarizes what you’ve learned in your teaching program and how you’ve developed as an educator so far.
Your portfolio will include “teaching materials and artifacts,” such as:
Highly trained educators or portfolio raters will score your portfolio. Raters use detailed rubrics to evaluate your teaching.
Rubric scores represent a continuum from “not quite ready to teach” to “advanced beginning teacher.” Each rubric level shows an expanding repertoire of teaching skills, strategies and rationale.
You can learn more about South Carolina’s portfolio score requirements at the South Carolina edTPA page.
Join one of TeachSC’s free test info sessions and learn about which exams you’ll need, free study tools and more. Visit our Events page to find upcoming test sessions.
Taking the Praxis Core? Join a TeachSC info session and you could receive a Praxis Core reimbursement! Supplies limited.
TeachSC coaches are certified teachers who have been in your shoes. Schedule a 1-on-1 session or join a group advising session to ask questions about the teaching profession, program applications and exams! Learn more.
TeachSC offers $100 in reimbursement for any fees that are required for you to apply to and enroll in a teaching program. That could include test registration fees and prep materials for the Praxis Core or your subject area exam! (Reimbursements do not include tests that you take after you’ve enrolled.) Learn more.
Want more info about the Praxis Core or Praxis Subject Test? Our Praxis 101 articles have more details on testing accommodations, study resources and more!
If you’re certified to teach in another state, the South Carolina Department of Education will need to review your credentials. You’ll need to submit transcripts and other documentation, including any previous test score reports.
If you’ve already taken a subject area and pedagogy assessment in another state, you may not need to take another test.
Visit the Department of Education’s Out-of-State Educators page for more details. You’ll find information about the certification process, as well as checklists to apply for a South Carolina teaching certificate.
State tests are required, but remember: Your scores don’t necessarily reflect the kind of teacher you will be. Tests like the subject area exam and pedagogy assessment are just one more step on your way to teaching, and you can take them more than once.
You’re on a mission, and you’ve got this!
You’ve worked hard to get where you are. You’ve put together an amazing application, and you’re pretty sure you passed your teaching exam. But just as you’re submitting your program application, you find out that your test scores won’t be available until after the application deadline.
Don’t let this happen to you! Making a test schedule can save you application frustration and stress later on. You’ll want to know:
Once you know these important dates, we recommend adding in at least an extra week or two of cushion. That way, if your test is rescheduled or your testing equipment isn’t working, you won’t be scrambling to take the test in time.
After you register for your test, you can work backward: Figure out how much time you have between now and your testing date. Then, make yourself a study schedule that maps out how and when you’ll study for your exam (more on that in Step 5!)
Check with your teaching program to find out when you need to have taken and passed the subject area exam, and to verify which tests you’ll take. Below, you’ll find registration instructions for the three main subject area exams. The test websites will have the most up-to-date pricing information.
Praxis Exams
If you’re taking a Praxis test, head over to the Praxis home page and click Register for a Test.
If you know the specific test you need to register for, you can enter it in the search bar. If you’re not sure, scroll down to “Search State Requirements,” or visit the Department of Education’s Certification Assessments page.
When you register, you can also select where you want your scores sent. Enter your teaching program’s Praxis code if you know it, or you can look up your program by state.
ACTFL Exams
If you’re taking an ACTFL world language test, you’ll register for your exam through Language Testing International. Select your language and click Get Certified. The website will guide you through selecting your specific state, teaching program and teaching age group.
Make sure to read the information about finding a testing site or proctor. In South Carolina, you’ll need both the Written Proficiency Test and the Oral Proficiency Interview.
Pearson Exams (Foundations of Reading & edTPA)
If you’re registering for the Pearson Foundations of Reading assessment, you can do so from the National Evaluation Series website. Read through the information and click Register Now to start the process.
Completing an edTPA portfolio? Get started at the edTPA website. Explore resources and options and click Register to get started.
At-home testing
Some test-makers offer an at-home testing option. This lets you take your exam online through a secure portal or proctoring service.
Praxis online: You can register to take your Praxis at home through your Praxis account. Visit the Praxis At Home Testing page to see which Praxis exams are available for at home testing and what equipment you’ll need.
ACTFL online: You can choose a remote proctoring service when you register for your exam. When you get to the test scheduling page, click the web-based proctoring option.
Foundations of Reading: The Pearson Foundations of Reading assessment offers an online proctoring option. Review the online proctoring rules and system tests when you register.
Alternative testing arrangements
All exams have options to request special accommodations, such as alternative testing locations or extra time. Learn more about available accommodations and how to request them for each exam:
Make sure you schedule your exam far enough out so that your accommodations request can get processed. Depending on the exam, this extra processing time can be anywhere from ten days to six weeks.
Join a TeachSC test info session and get real-time answers to questions about which tests to take, how to prepare and more. Plus, you may qualify for a Praxis Core voucher! To learn more, visit our Events page.
Once you’ve registered, make a list of everything you need to do between now and your test day.
Make a study schedule that includes time to:
Whichever test you’re taking, there are study guides to help you prepare. Some come directly from test-makers, while others come from other educational organizations and universities. We’ll share a few resources here.
Before you purchase any test prep materials, check with your program to see if any discount codes are available for your test prep option of choice.
Study materials from test-makers
Most tests come with free preparation materials from the test-maker. These materials cover everything from study tips to sample questions to strategies for answering multiple-choice questions. Find the free prep materials for your test:
Third-party study materials
Numerous companies offer test prep options! Here are a few suggestions to get started. While we have not personally vetted all of these resources, you may find them useful in your test preparation. Visit test prep websites for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Test prep companies generally offer test prep books or monthly subscriptions. If costs are a barrier, head to your local library and check out Praxis prep books from test prep gurus like Kaplan or CliffsNotes. (If you’re planning to mark up your book, you should probably buy the book instead!)
You’ve registered, studied and taken practice tests. Now you’re ready for your exam!
Remember to take care of yourself before your test:
Some of the suggestions above, such as getting enough sleep and eating a good breakfast, are important for at-home testing as well. You can also consider these at-home testing tips:
If you’re testing from home, try setting up your exam space the way it will look on test day, and use it to take practice tests! If you’re studying in your test environment, it can help you recall information when it’s time to take the test for real.
Score availability will depend on which exam you take and when you take it.
When you register for your exam, you can request that your scores get sent to your teaching program or the SC Department of Education.
The Department of Education will need your test scores to evaluate you for certification. Visit the Department of Education’s Certification Assessments page to find links to submit official score reports for each exam.
Program applications have a lot of steps, and we’re here to support you with all of them.
Check out more FREE tools to simplify the process.