Skip to main content

Praxis Core

WCU's School Code: 5897


What are the Praxis Core Tests?

The North Carolina State Board of Education (SBE) requires undergraduate degree-seeking teacher candidates to satisfactorily complete the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Tests, referred to as Praxis Core, which measure critical thinking and academic skills in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. The tests were designed to provide comprehensive assessments that measure the skills and content knowledge of candidates entering teacher preparation programs.

Teacher candidates or those wishing to become certified are required to take the Praxis Core tests to demonstrate their qualifications. The SBE sets minimum scores that must be met for admission to teacher education.

Students who already hold a four year degree and are seeking a second degree or licensure-only certification are not required to fulfill this requirement .

IMPORTANT:

Your qualifying scores are sent to WCU if you've listed WCU as a score recipient at the time of registration. To be considered official, test scores should be delivered directly to WCU from the testing agency. Score reports are available through the ETS online account for ten years.


Test Score Requirements

5713 Reading ($90) passing score: 156
5723 Writing ($90) passing score:162
5733 Mathematics ($90) passing score: 150

5752 All Three Tests $150

A combined Praxis Core score of 468 meets the Praxis Core requirement. If individual test scores do not meet each requirement above, a combined score of 468 satisfies the requirement.

Moreover, individuals with a total SAT score of 1100 (Verbal and Quantitative only) taken prior to March 2016 are exempt from Praxis Core testing requirements for teacher education program admission.

  • Individuals with a total SAT score of less than 1100, but a score of at least 550 on the Verbal test are exempt from Praxis Core in Reading and Writing.
  • Individuals with a total SAT score of less than 1100, but a score of at least 550 on the Math test are exempt from Praxis Core in Mathematics.

Individuals with a total SAT score of 1170 (Verbal and Quantitative only) taken after March 2016 are exempt from Praxis Core testing requirements for teacher education program admission.

  • Individuals with a total redesigned SAT score of less than 1170, but a score of at least 600 on the evidence-based reading and writing test are exempt from Praxis Core in Reading and Writing. 
  • Individuals with a total redesigned SAT score of less than 1170, but a score of at least 570 on the Math test are exempt from Praxis Core in Mathematics. 

Likewise, individuals with a composite ACT score of 24 are exempt from Praxis Core 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 are exempt from Praxis Core in Reading and Writing.
  • Individuals with a composite ACT score of less than 24, but a score of at least 24 on the Math test are exempt from Praxis Core in Mathematics.

Registering for Tests

WCU's School Code: 5897

The Praxis series is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). 

Computer-delivered tests are given year round by appointment by calling ETS or registering online. WCU's Division of Educational Outreach offers testing sessions at the Camp Building on select dates. Visit WCU's Testing Center for a list of testing dates. The next testing center closest to WCU is in Asheville.

Prometric Testing Center
31 College Place
Building D, Suite 107
Asheville, NC 28801
(828)-253-4224


Preparation Materials

Licensure exam preparation tips, strategies, and resources

Office of Web Services