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.
