SC Teacher Certification Navigation Guide
Comprehensive guide to South Carolina teacher certification pathways
Overview
South Carolina requires multiple assessments for initial teacher certification. This guide covers the pathway for elementary education candidates, with notes for other certification areas.
Required Assessments
1. Praxis Core Academic Skills
Basic skills test required before admission to teacher education programs.
| Test | Code | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 5713 | 156 |
| Writing | 5723 | 162 |
| Mathematics | 5733 | 150 |
Combined Test Option: Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (5752) - can take all three in one sitting.
Registration: ETS Praxis Website
Study Resources:
- Khan Academy (free, aligned to Praxis Core)
- ETS official practice tests
- Praxis Core prep books (Kaplan, Barron's)
2. Praxis Subject Assessments
Content knowledge tests specific to your certification area.
Elementary Education:
| Test | Code | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects | 5901 | Varies by subtest |
| - Reading & Language Arts | 5902 | 157 |
| - Mathematics | 5903 | 157 |
| - Social Studies | 5904 | 155 |
| - Science | 5905 | 159 |
Other Common Areas:
- Middle Level English Language Arts (5047)
- Middle Level Mathematics (5164)
- English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038)
- Mathematics: Content Knowledge (5161)
3. Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT)
Pedagogical knowledge assessment.
| Grade Level | Code | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| PLT: Early Childhood | 5621 | 157 |
| PLT: K-6 | 5622 | 160 |
| PLT: 5-9 | 5623 | 160 |
| PLT: 7-12 | 5624 | 157 |
4. Performance Assessment
South Carolina accepts either edTPA or PPAT for the performance assessment requirement.
edTPA
- Portfolio-based assessment
- Completed during student teaching
- Includes video of instruction
- Scored by trained evaluators
Components:
- Planning (Task 1)
- Instruction (Task 2)
- Assessment (Task 3)
Passing Score: 37 (elementary education)
PPAT (Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers)
- Alternative to edTPA
- Four tasks completed during student teaching
- Similar structure to edTPA
Tasks:
- Knowledge of Students and the Learning Environment
- Assessment and Data Collection
- Designing Instruction for Student Learning
- Implementing and Analyzing Instruction
Recommended Timeline
Year 1-2 (Freshman/Sophomore)
Year 3 (Junior)
Year 4 (Senior/Student Teaching)
Registration and Scores
How to Register
- Create an ETS account at ets.org/praxis
- Select your test(s) and testing date
- Choose score recipients (include SC Department of Education)
Score Reporting
- Scores typically available 10-16 days after testing
- Official scores sent to institutions you designate
- SC Department of Education code: 8099
Retake Policy
- Must wait 28 days between attempts of the same test
- No limit on number of attempts
- Must pay full fee for each attempt
Costs
| Assessment | Cost (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Praxis Core (each) | $90 |
| Praxis Core (combined) | $150 |
| Praxis Subject Assessment | $120-170 |
| PLT | $120 |
| edTPA | $300 |
| PPAT | $275 |
Total Estimated Cost: $700-900
Study Strategies
For Praxis Core
- Use Khan Academy's free Praxis prep
- Take official ETS practice tests under timed conditions
- Focus on areas of weakness identified in practice tests
For Subject Assessments
- Review your program's content courses
- Use ETS study companions (free)
- Form study groups with peers
For edTPA/PPAT
- Start early—don't wait until the last week
- Use your program's rubrics and exemplars
- Get feedback on drafts before submission
Support Resources
At Your Institution
- Testing center for accommodations
- Academic advisors for timeline planning
- Writing center for edTPA commentary