Prepare for SC Certification Tests

Before you can teach in South Carolina, you’ll need to pass some tests. If testing stresses you out, you’re definitely not alone. We’re here to help you find the right tools to ace your exams. 

For South Carolina teachers, the most relevant tests will be the core skills test, the subject area assessment and the pedagogy assessment. These show that you know three things: Core math and language skills, the subject you want to teach and key teaching methods.

We’ll go over each test in detail—what they cover, who they’re for and what resources can help you prepare. 

Jump to:

• Core skills assessment
• Subject area assessment
• Pedagogy assessment
• Requirements for out-of-state educators
• Exam preparation and study materials
• What to expect on test day
• Submitting your scores
• Explore more guides

What is the core skills assessment?

The core skills assessment 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 (but your program may require another assessment, such as the GRE).

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 Academic Skills for Educators exam. 

What score do I need?

The chart below shows the required scores for each core skills test option. Remember, if you meet the passing score for either the SAT or ACT, you do not need to take the Praxis Core!

When do I take the core skills assessment?

Usually, you’ll need to include your core skills scores with your teaching program application—so 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. 

What is the subject area assessment?

To get certified to teach in South Carolina, you’ll need to pass an exam in your content area. This is to show that you know your subject matter well enough to teach it.

In South Carolina, the most common subject area assessments are:

• The Praxis. This exam covers most subject areas. 
• The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) tests. These exams cover world language certification. You’ll need to pass both an oral and written exam to teach your language of choice.

Which subject area assessment do I take?

Your subject area exam will depend on the subject you plan to teach. Visit the SC Department of Education’s Required Certification Assessments page to see a full list of subject exams and passing scores for each.

Some subject areas require multiple tests, including elementary education and special education. Others, such as certain world languages, offer a choice between two different exam options.

When do I take the subject area assessment? 

The timing of your subject area test will depend on your certification 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.

What is the pedagogy assessment?

The pedagogy assessment is a test to show that you have the teaching skills to lead your own classroom.   

South Carolina has three options for the pedagogy assessment:

• Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching
• PPAT 
• edTPA 

In general, your teaching pathway will determine which pedagogy assessment you take and when you take it. If you’re in a standard teaching program, your pedagogy assessment will probably be either the PPAT or edTPA.  

If you’re pursuing an alternative certification pathway, you’ll most likely take the Principles of Learning and Teaching exam, or PLT. (Learn more about the differences between standard and alternative certification programs in our Teaching Certificate Program Eligibility Guide.)

Student support staff, such as school counselors or librarians, don’t need to take a pedagogy assessment.

Principles of Learning and Teaching

The Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam is the most common pedagogy assessment in South Carolina. The PLT is a written test that covers topics like human development, teaching diverse learners, 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 Test Requirements page lists all PLT options, as well as passing scores for each.

PPAT and edTPA  

If you don’t take the PLT, you’ll complete either the PPAT or edTPA. Like we mentioned earlier, these assessments are for teacher candidates in a standard teaching program (not an alternative certification pathway).

These aren’t your typical tests—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:

• Sample lesson plans, including modified curriculum to meet diverse student needs.
• Sample student work.
• Video of you leading a class. 
• Commentary that shows how you work with diverse students, build your classroom learning environment and develop assignments to produce strong learning outcomes. 

You can learn more about specific requirements at the edTPA and PPAT links above.

How are the PPAT and edTPA scored?

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. 

Visit the PPAT How Tasks are Scored page or edTPA’s candidate support resource for more information about scoring.

When do I complete the pedagogy assessment?

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!

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 SC Department of Education 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.

You’ve registered, studied and taken practice tests—and you’re ready for your exam! 

How should I prepare for test day?

Remember to take care of yourself before your test:

• Verify your test location. Even if you think you know where your exam is being held, double-check that the test center schedule hasn’t changed.
• Get plenty of sleep the night before.  
• Eat a decent breakfast the day of the test.
• Bring a water bottle.
• Show up early. If you’re late for your test, you won’t be allowed in. Hanging outside the testing center for 20 extra minutes is better than stressing yourself out minutes before you have to think critically for an exam.
• Dress in layers. Test centers can be chilly, and you’d rather be able to remove a jacket than be uncomfortable for the duration of your exam. 
• Bring required materials. You’ll need identification when you arrive for your test. Depending on your specific exam, you may also need other materials, like a calculator. Check out the Praxis On Test Day page for more details.

Testing from home? 

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:

• Check your equipment. If you’re testing through your home computer, the testing company may require you to download specific software or other computer equipment. Make sure everything is running smoothly before test day, to save yourself a headache the day of the exam. Check your equipment at different times of day to ensure that you’ll have enough bandwidth to take your exam without interruptions.
• Set up your examination space ahead of time. The test-maker may have specific requirements about how your computer or desk needs to be set up and what your testing room should look like. Make sure you understand these requirements ahead of time so you can start testing with confidence. 
• Find a quiet space. You may not be allowed to wear earbuds or headphones for your test—so make sure you’re in a place where you’ll be able to focus without distractions. 
• Log on early. Just like an exam at a test center, you’ll need to start your at-home test on time. Log on with plenty of time to spare, to make sure your computer won’t suddenly freeze or restart right when you need to start testing. 

When can I see my scores? 

Score availability will depend on which exam you take and when you take it. 

• Praxis: You can find your exact score report date on the Getting Your Praxis Scores page.  
• ACTFL: Your score may be available as soon as the same business day, but the exact reporting time varies depending on your exam. 
• edTPA: Visit the edTPA Scores page to see when you can expect your score report.

How do I report my scores?

When you register for your exam, you can request that your scores get sent to your teaching program and 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.