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TEP (Elementary) Entry and Exit: Program Entry Testing: Praxis Core

This guide is meant to educate and inform students on the process to be admitted to Teacher Education Program (TEP) as a teacher licensure candidate. This guide also provides information on graduating and exiting the program to become a licensed teacher.

Exams Overview

There have been recent changes to the requirements of teacher education programs across the state:

  1. All teacher candidates must take and pass Praxis Core (or provide equivalent scores on the SAT or ACT).
  2. Praxis Core is taken early in the program, prior to enrolling in restricted classes (i.e., EDU 3150 and higher).
  3. Praxis II has been replaced with the Pearson Tests for Licensure.
  4. All teacher candidates must take and pass the Pearson Tests for Licensure before beginning student teaching.

NCCU offers a 2-credit course which can be helpful as you prepare for the Praxis tests: EDU 2010: Praxis Core Preparation. The course is available face to face.

HELPFUL WEBSITES

Praxis Core NC Requirements

Praxis Core Reading, Writing, and Math are required. See below for SAT/ACT equivalents.

Pearson Testing for Elementary Educators

Pearson Testing  is required in North Carolina. You should prepare for and take Foundations of Reading, General Curriculum - Math, and General Curriculum - Multi Subjects. Please note that the Pearson tests have replaced Praxis II for students seeking licensure in Elementary Education and Special Education.

NC Department of Public Instruction

This is the link to NCDPI's Licensure Overview website. You will use this site when you are the end of your program; however, if you have questions along the way, feel free to consult the site for more information.

For help specifically with Praxis Core Math:

http://www.ets.org/s/praxis/pdf/khan_academy.pdf

SAT Equivalents:

  • OVERALL EXEMPTION
    • Individuals with a total SAT score of 1100 taken prior to March 2016 are exempt from all Praxis I testing requirements for teacher education program admission.
    • Individuals with a total redesigned SAT score of 1170 taken after March 2016 are exempt from all Praxis I testing requirements for teacher education program admission.
  • READING AND WRITING EXEMPTION
    • Individuals with a total SAT score of less than 1100 taken prior to March 2016, but a score of at least 550 on the Verbal test are exempt from the Preprofessional Skills Tests in Reading and Writing for teacher education program admission.
    • Individuals with a total redesigned SAT score of less than 1170 taken after March 2016, but a score of at least 600 on the evidence-based reading and writing test are exempt from the Preprofessional Skills Tests in Reading and Writing for teacher education program admission. 
  • MATH EXEMPTION
    • Individuals with a total SAT score of less than 1100 taken prior to March 2016, but a score of at least 550 on the Math test are exempt from the Preprofessional Skills Test in Mathematics for teacher education program admission.
    • Individuals with a total redesigned SAT score of less than 1170 taken after March 2016, but a score of at least 570 on the Math test are exempt from the Preprofessional Skills Test in Mathematics for teacher education program admission.

The Praxis Tests

The Praxis® tests measure subject-specific content knowledge required for teaching, in addition to academic skills. Praxis® Core (formerly Praxis I) is a test designed and administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS). It tests candidates’ knowledge of basic writing, reading, and math concepts.

Library Resource: Database

Q & A

Q. Who is required to take Praxis Core? *
 

  • All undergraduate pre-education majors, second-degree, and licensure only students.
    • Unless you have a minimum SAT score of 1100(prior to March 16, 2016)/1170(after March 16, 2016) or ACT score of 24.
       

Q. How much does the test cost?
 

  • Testing Fees:   $90 per individual subtest or $150 for combined tests
  • No cash is accepted. Please see information on the website in regards to fee waivers.
     

Q. When and where can I take the test?
 

  • NCCU has a Testing Center in the Taylor Education building in Rm 113; however, there are other centers available throughout the state.
  • The computer-based test is offered during different testing windows throughout the year. Check the website for available times by registering for an account at www.ets.org.

 *Passing this test is required for admission into the Teacher Education Program.*

Library Resource: eBooks

Praxis Exam Prep

Contact:

Mrs. Kia Eason