RESOURCES FOR PRAXIS SUPPORT
Welcome to our Praxis Support Resource Hub, a collaborative initiative by the National Education Association (NEA), The South Carolina Education Association (The SCEA), and Study.com. We are dedicated to providing aspiring educators with the tools, guidance, and support needed to successfully pass the Praxis exam(s) and advance in their teaching careers.​​
About the Praxis Exams
The Praxis exams assess the knowledge and skills required for teaching certification in South Carolina. These tests evaluate subject-specific content knowledge, as well as general teaching competencies. The South Carolina State Department of Education requires educators to pass the appropriate Praxis exam(s) to obtain certification in their respective subject areas. Whether you are preparing for the Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core), Subject Assessments, or pedagogical assessments such as the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam, our resources are designed to help you succeed.
Recommended Order for Taking Praxis Exams
To maximize success and efficiency, educators should take their Praxis exams in the following recommended order:
1. Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core)
This foundational test assesses basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. It is typically taken early in an educator’s preparation program.
2. Subject-Specific Praxis Assessments
Once Core requirements are met, educators should take the appropriate subject-specific Praxis exams required for their certification area.
3. Pedagogy Assessments (Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT); Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers (PPAT); or the Educative Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA)
After mastering content knowledge, educators should take the PLT, PPAT, or edTPA exam, which assesses pedagogical knowledge and teaching strategies. Your teaching pathway will determine which pedagogical assessment you will take.
*Note that ETS will retire the Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers (PPAT) as of December 31, 2025. The edTPA will be used in its place.
4. Additional Endorsements or Specialty Area Exams
If required, educators can take additional Praxis exams to earn endorsements in specialized areas, such as special education or bilingual education.
Did You Know?
You DO NOT need to take a Core skills assessment if you already have a bachelor’s degree (but your program of study may require another exam such as the GRE).
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The ACT/SAT count as a core skills assessment! You need a combined score of 22 on the ACT and 1100 on the SAT to qualify!
Required Praxis Assessments for SC Educators
Aspiring educators in South Carolina must take specific Praxis exams based on their intended grade level and subject area. The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) requires these assessments to ensure educators meet the necessary competencies for teaching certification.
Below are the Praxis assessments required for different teaching levels and specialties:
• Early Childhood Education (Grades PreK-3):
Praxis 5025 (Early Childhood Education)
• Elementary Education (Grades K-6):
Praxis 5001 (Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects)
• Middle Level Education (Grades 5-8):
Subject-specific exams such as Praxis 5089 (Middle School Social Studies) or Praxis 5169 (Middle School Mathematics)
• Secondary Education (Grades 9-12):
Subject-specific exams such as Praxis 5038 (English Language Arts) or Praxis 5161 (Mathematics)
• Special Education:
Praxis 5354 (Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications)
• Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT):
Required for all certification areas (PLT K-6, 5-9, or 7-12 depending on grade level)
For a full list of required Praxis exams for South Carolina educators and registration details, visit the South Carolina Department of Education webpage on Certification Assessments at the following link: https://ed.sc.gov/educators/certification/required-examinations/
Get Started with Free Study Resources!
Through our partnership with Study.com, eligible educators who are members of The SCEA will receive a free Study.com license to access comprehensive Praxis preparation materials, including:
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expert-developed instructional guides
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video lessons covering key exam concepts
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personalized study plans tailored to individual learning needs
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full-length practice tests with detailed explanations
How to Access Your Free Study.com License
Register to request your free license at the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/Uix4SfWkrj. Once enrolled, you'll have access to a wealth of resources designed to boost your confidence and readiness for the exam!
Features of Study.com’s Praxis Support Materials
• Expert-Created Study Guides
In-depth guides that break down complex topics into easy-to-understand material
• Comprehensive Video Lessons
Engaging, expert-led video instruction covering key Praxis exam topics
• Customizable Study Plans
Personalized schedules and progress tracking to keep learners on track
• Flashcards & Quizzes
Interactive learning tools to reinforce key concepts and improve retention
• Full-Length Practice Tests
Timed and untimed practice exams with detailed explanations to simulate real test conditions
• Mobile-Friendly Access
Mobile-compatible lessons and resources for studying anytime, anywhere
• Performance Analytics
Insightful data to identify strengths and areas for improvement
• Live Tutoring & Support
Access to additional guidance for difficult concepts and test-taking strategies
Support for Test-Takers Facing Challenges
We understand that passing the Praxis exam can be challenging, and we are committed to supporting educators who may need additional assistance. Here are some resources designed to help:
Test-Taking Strategies & Tips
Before the Test:
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Create a Study Plan:
Set a consistent study schedule that allows ample time for reviewing all exam content areas.
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Utilize Study Materials:
Take advantage of video lessons, study guides, and practice tests available through Study.com and other resources.
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Familiarize Yourself with the Test Format:
Understand the types of questions that will appear on the exam, including multiple-choice, constructed-response, and scenario-based questions.
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Practice Time Management:
Complete practice tests under timed conditions to improve pacing and ensure you can complete the test within the allotted time.
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Identify Weak Areas:
Focus on improving your understanding of concepts where you struggle the most.
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Take Care of Yourself:
Get adequate rest, eat well, and manage stress leading up to the test day.
On Test Day:
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Arrive Early:
Plan to arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled test time.
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Bring Necessary Materials:
Ensure you have the required identification and any permitted materials for the exam.
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Read Questions Carefully:
Take your time to understand each question before selecting an answer.
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Use Process of Elimination:
Narrow down answer choices by eliminating obviously incorrect responses.
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Manage Your Time Wisely:
Don’t spend too much time on any one question—mark difficult questions and return to them later if time allows.
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Stay Calm and Focused:
Take deep breaths and maintain confidence in your preparation.
After the Test:
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Review Your Performance:
If retaking the test is necessary, use your score report to identify areas for further study.
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Seek Additional Support:
Consider joining study groups, working with a tutor, or accessing additional resources if needed.
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Prepare for Next Steps:
If you passed, start preparing for the next required Praxis exam in your certification process.
FAQs: Common Praxis Questions
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Have questions about the Praxis exam? Check out the FAQ section below!
Q: How do I register for the Praxis exam?
A: You can register for the Praxis exam through the Educational Testing Service (ETS) website at www.ets.org/praxis. Be sure to check the test dates, locations, and registration deadlines.
Q: What is the cost of taking the Praxis exam?
A: Exam fees vary depending on the specific Praxis test you are taking. You can find updated fee information on the ETS Praxis website.
Q: Can I retake the Praxis exam if I don’t pass?
A: Yes. If you do not pass, you must wait at least 28 days before retaking the same Praxis test. Use your score report to identify areas for improvement before attempting the exam again.
Q: What accommodations are available for test-takers with disabilities?
A: ETS provides accommodations for individuals with documented disabilities or health-related needs, including extended testing time, additional breaks, and alternative test formats. You can request accommodations through the ETS Disability Services page.
Q: How long does it take to receive my Praxis scores?
A: Score reporting times vary depending on the test format. Most computer-based tests provide score reports within 10-16 days, while constructed-response exams may take longer.
Q: What score do I need to pass the Praxis exam in South Carolina?
A: Passing scores vary by test and certification area. You can check the South Carolina Praxis requirements on the SCDE website or the ETS Praxis South Carolina page at the links below.
SCDE:
https://ed.sc.gov/educators/certification/required-examinations/
ETS Praxis South Carolina:
https://praxis.ets.org/state-requirements/southcarolina-tests.html
Q: What happens if I pass only part of a multi-subject Praxis exam?
A: For multi-subject exams (e.g., Praxis 5001), you only need to retake the individual subtest(s) you did not pass rather than the entire exam.
Q: How can I prepare effectively for the Praxis exam?
A: Utilize study resources such as Study.com’s Praxis prep courses, practice tests, and instructional guides. Creating a structured study plan and joining a study group can also be helpful.
Q: Where can I take the Praxis exam?
A: You can take the Praxis exam at an approved testing center or via the Praxis At Home option, which allows for remote proctoring. At-Home Testing requirements can be found here: https://praxis.ets.org/test-takers/at-home-test-equipment.html.
Instructional Guides & Practice Tests
Access in-depth study guides and interactive practice tests to reinforce learning and identify areas for improvement. These resources are designed to mirror the actual exam experience, helping you to build confidence and proficiency.
Preparing for the Praxis exams is a crucial step in your teaching career, and utilizing the right resources can make a significant difference in your success. Access in-depth study guides and interactive practice tests to reinforce learning and identify areas for improvement. Here are some recommended study guides and practice tests to helping you to build confidence and proficiency
1. Study.com Praxis Test Prep
Study.com offers comprehensive resources, including video lessons, step-by-step explanations, personalized study plans, and full-length practice tests. These materials are designed to diagnose your strengths and weaknesses, helping you focus on areas that need improvement.
https://teachinglicense.study.com/praxis/
https://praxis.ets.org/5900001100.html
2. ETS Praxis Test Preparation Materials
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) provides official test preparation materials, including study companions, practice tests, and interactive practice questions. These resources are tailored to each Praxis test and offer authentic practice experiences.
https://praxis.ets.org/storehome.html
3. Mometrix Praxis Study Guides
Mometrix provides study guides that include video tutorials, practice questions, and test-taking strategies. Their resources are designed to help you review key concepts and improve your test performance.
4. Kathleen Jasper Praxis Study Guides
Kathleen Jasper offers in-depth study guides containing full-length practice tests and mini-practice tests at the end of each content category. These guides are aligned with test specifications and include detailed answer explanations.
By incorporating these resources into your study plan, you can enhance your understanding of the exam content and increase your confidence on test day. Remember to create a consistent study schedule, focus on areas where you need improvement, and utilize practice tests to assess your progress.
https://kathleenjasper.com/pages/free-praxis-and-slla-webinars
Connect with a Support Network
The SCEA and its Center for Educator Wellness and Learning (CEWL) is committed to supporting you!
Check out CEWL Coaching here.
Additional Links & Resources
Teach South Carolina
https://southcarolina.teach.org/guides/prepare-sc-certification-tests
Get Started Today!
Don't let the Praxis exam stand in the way of your teaching career. Take advantage of these valuable resources and support systems to achieve success to begin your journey toward Praxis success!