TEP Required Test(s) for Entry and Exit

All students pursuing a degree in Education (BK, elementary, middle grades, secondary and content areas) must apply to be admitted to the Teacher Education Program (TEP). Please note that this is different and separate from being admitted to the University. All students need to apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program. All students must pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam unless you have an ACT/SAT equivalent or hold a bachelor’s degree. The minimum required scores for individual tests are:

• Praxis Core Reading (5713) = 156
• Praxis Core Writing (5723) = 162
• Praxis Core Math (5733) = 150

The composite score for the Praxis Core is 468. Students can score below the minimum required score on an individual test, yet still meet the composite score, thus satisfying the Praxis Core test requirement for admission to the TEP.

Students who scored the following equivalents on the SAT or ACT are exempt from Core testing requirements for TEP entry.

SAT Equivalents

•    Overall Exemption

• Individuals with a composite SAT score of 1100 taken prior to March 2016 are exempt from all Praxis I testing requirements for teacher education program admission. Note: Writing scores are not included in the composite.
• Individuals with a composite 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 composite SAT score of less than 1100 taken prior to March 2016 but a score of at least 550 on the Reading test are exempt from the Core Reading and Writing tests for teacher education program admission.
• Individuals with a composite 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 (EBRW) test are exempt from the Core Reading and Writing tests for teacher education program admission. 

•    Math Exemption

• Individuals with a composite 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 Core Mathematics test for teacher education program admission.
• Individuals with a composite 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 Core Mathematics test for teacher education program admission.

ACT Equivalents

• Overall Exemption
  • Individuals with a composite ACT® score of 24 are exempt from Core testing requirements for educator preparation program admission.
• Reading and Writing Exemption
  • 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 Core tests in Reading and Writing for educator preparation program admission.
• Math Exemption
  • 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 Core test in Mathematics for educator preparation program admission.

The NCCU Teacher Education Program requires elementary student teaching candidates to take and pass the Praxis CKT7813 or Pearson Mathematics subtests and Pearson Foundation of Reading Test prior to student teaching. The minimum required scores for individual tests are:

• Praxis CKT7813 – 150 or
• Pearson Mathematics Subtest – (227)
• Pearson Foundation of Reading Test  (229)

The NCCU Teacher Education Program requires middle and secondary student teaching candidates to take and pass the Praxis II in their area of concentration prior to student teaching. Passing score(s) vary by area. Passing score requirements are found at https://www.ets.org/praxis/nc/epp/state-requirements/licensure-requirements.html#accordion-3c98bfeed8-item-dab47aaa4e.  

For more information regarding testing requirements for other licensure areas and to review NC State Board of Education Policy (LICN-003), please visit the Policy LICN-003: Licensing Testing Requirements page.