Overview of North Carolina Testing Requirements

How to Qualify for Licensure

For initial certification in North Carolina, all candidates (traditional and alternate routes) must:

• Complete a state-approved teacher education program.
• Pass the Praxis I® Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST®), if required.
• Pass one or more Praxis II® Subject tests for their certification area(s). 

Important Information

ETS is offering several additional tests in a computer-delivered format which will be introduced throughout the testing year. These computer-delivered assessments are given by appointment through a national network of Prometric™ Testing Centers. Visit Test Centers and Dates to find testing centers near you.

For tests available in both formats (paper and computer), the computer-delivered versions cover the same content as the paper-delivered versions and are scored on the same scale, however, the computer-delivered tests have different test codes.

• English Language, Literature, and Composition: Content Knowledge (5041) — available in May 2012
• Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge (5511) — available in May 2012
• Health Education (5550) — available in June 2012
• Mathematics: Content Knowledge (5061) — available in June 2012
• Physical Education: Content Knowledge (5091) — available in August 2012
• Social Studies: Content Knowledge (5081) — available in May 2012

Who Must Take the Tests?

Teacher candidates or those wishing to become certified must take The Praxis Series™ tests.

Prior to entering a teacher education program at your college or university, you may be required to take the Praxis I tests to demonstrate your qualifications. However, individuals with a total SAT® score of 1100 (Verbal and Quantitative only) are exempt from Praxis I testing requirements for teacher education program administration.

• Individuals with a total SAT score of less than 1100 (Verbal and Quantitative only), but a score of at least 550 on the Verbal test, are exempt from the PPST in Reading and Writing for teacher education program admission.
• Individuals with a total SAT score of less than 1100 (Verbal and Quantitative only), but a score of at least 550 on the Math test, are exempt from the PPST in Mathematics for teacher education program admission.

Likewise, individuals with a composite ACT® score of 24 are exempt from Praxis I testing requirements for teacher education program admission.

• Individuals with a composite ACT score of less than 24, but with a score of at least 24 on the English test, are exempt from the Praxis I tests in Reading and Writing for teacher education program admission.
• Individuals with a composite ACT score of less than 24, but a score of at least 24 on the Math test, are exempt from the Praxis I test in Mathematics for teacher education program admission.

In North Carolina, you must take the appropriate Praxis II tests for each licensure area you seek.

See also:

• About the Praxis™ Tests
• The Praxis Series™ Information Bulletin
• Prepare for a Test
• Register for a Test
• Accommodations for Test Takers with Disabilities