When registering for any Praxis exam, list both the University of South Carolina (5818)
and the South Carolina Department of Education (8108) as score recipients.
Testing Resources
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) provides several resources including Study Companions.
These packets of information are related to a specific section of the Praxis Core.
They typically include an overview of the exam, practice questions and explanations,
test-taking strategies, and a template study guide. There are Khan Academy Official
Praxis Core Prep resources, as well as study plan resources available on the ETS website.
Professional Organizations
The South Carolina Education Association and the Palmetto State Teachers Association offer Praxis Core workshops. Dates, times, and registration information can be found
on each organization’s web site. These workshops typically require a registration
fee (fees are often lower for organization members).
USC Test Preparation
University of South Carolina Test Prep offers a free Praxis strategy workshop regularly which introduces you to the Praxis Core exams and covers study tips and sample questions. University Test Prep also offers test prep courses delivered by experienced instructors in an easy-to-follow live, online format for both the Praxis Core Math and the Praxis Core Verbal (Reading and Writing) exams. The Praxis Core Math test prep course costs $199 and includes 15 hours of instruction with an extensive review of mathematical concepts. The Praxis Core Verbal test prep course costs $159 and includes 10 hours of instruction including an overview of reading skills and writing conventions. USC students can receive a 10% discount when you register and use PROMO CODE USCstu10. Visit the Office of Continuing Education for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions About Praxis
Students in undergraduate teacher certification programs take the Praxis Core exam to meet the entry requirement for their Professional Program. You will take the Praxis II exam typically during your Senior year as part of the teacher certification process.
You can schedule the Praxis Core exam online.
You can use a qualifying score on the ACT or SAT in place of the Praxis Core:
SAT Exemption Scores
| Exam | Effective Date | SAT Exemption Score | Sections Exempted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old SAT (before redesign) |
Taken prior to March 5, 2016 | Total Score (3 part) = 1650 or higher | All sections of Praxis Core |
| New SAT (after redesign) |
Taken on or after March 5, 2016 | Total Score (2 part) = 1100 or higher | All sections of Praxis Core |
| Reading/Writing score = 550 or higher | Reading and Writing sections of Praxis Core | ||
|
Mathematics score = 550 or higher |
Mathematics section of Praxis Core |
ACT Exemption Scores
| ACT Exemption Score |
Sections Exempted |
|---|---|
| Composite Score = 22 or higher | All sections of Praxis Core |
| English Test Score = 22 or higher | Reading and Writing sections of Praxis Core |
| Math Test Score = 22 or higher | Mathematics section of Praxis Core |
Yes.
Schedule the ACT online at www.actstudent.org. Visit www.collegeboard.com to schedule the SAT.
You must pass the Reading, Writing, and Mathematics sections by the deadline for your program.
Deadlines vary by program. College of Education students can find deadlines in their Advisement Guide/Handbook for their program. If you are a student at another college, consult your advisor for your program-specific deadline.
Depending on when you take the Praxis Core, you need the following scores to pass:
| Praxis Core Passing Scores | |
|---|---|
|
Reading |
156 |
|
Mathematics |
150 |
|
Writing |
158 |
You may also qualify for full program admission with a composite score of at least 464 on the three subtests. No subtest's score can be more than four points below the required passing score for that subtest.
| Required Composite Score: 464 | |
|---|---|
| Praxis Core: Reading | Minimum subtest score: 152 |
| Praxis Core: Mathematics | Minimum subtest score: 146 |
| Praxis Core: Writing | Minimum subtest score:154 |
Please see the Test Retake Policy by downloading The Praxis Tests Information Bulletin.
Find information about Praxis test fees by downloading The Praxis Tests Information Bulletin. There is a section in the Bulletin on test fees.
No. You only have to retake the sections you did not pass.
Access test preparation resources, including Khan Academy® Official Praxis® Core Prep through the ETS website.
You can also check the websites for the South Carolina Education Association and the Palmetto State Teachers Association to see if they are offering workshops.
For additional questions, please contact coestudy@mailbox.sc.edu.