North Carolina Praxis Requirements: Tests, Passing Scores & Teacher Licensure

If you are preparing to become a licensed educator in North Carolina, understanding the Praxis requirements in North Carolina is an important part of planning your pathway. North Carolina uses Praxis assessments for many teacher-licensure areas, but Praxis is not the only testing system candidates may encounter.

Depending on the license you are pursuing, you may need Praxis Core, one or more Praxis Subject Assessments, the North Carolina Foundations of Reading assessment, and a performance assessment such as PPAT or another state-approved option.

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) states that professional educators serving in the state’s public schools must hold the appropriate professional educator’s license for their subject, grade level, or professional assignment.

Candidates should begin by reviewing the official NCDPI Educator Licensure information and the official ETS North Carolina Praxis requirements.

For structured preparation, candidates can also explore the AIProctoredExams Praxis preparation collection and teacher certification preparation courses.

Important: Testing policies, test codes, and passing scores can change. Always verify the latest requirement for your exact North Carolina licensure area before paying for or scheduling an examination.

Quick Answer: What Are the Praxis Requirements in North Carolina?

The Praxis requirements in North Carolina depend on your intended educator license.

North Carolina currently uses different assessments for different licensure areas. Depending on your pathway, you may need:

Praxis Core for admission to an educator-preparation program when an exemption does not apply;
One or more Praxis Subject Assessments;
Elementary Education Mathematics CKT 7813;
North Carolina Foundations of Reading 890;
Praxis 5355 for applicable special-education areas;
Praxis 5511 for certain exceptional-children licenses;
PPAT or another approved performance assessment; or
Another State Board-approved assessment.

ETS states that candidates for initial North Carolina certification must complete an approved educator-preparation program, satisfy Praxis Core requirements when applicable, pass required Praxis Subject Assessments, and complete PPAT or another state-approved performance assessment.

Use the ETS North Carolina overview to confirm general requirements and the ETS North Carolina Required Tests page to identify the test associated with your particular licensure field.

Is Praxis Required to Become a Teacher in North Carolina?

Praxis is required for many North Carolina teacher-licensure areas, but candidates should not assume that everyone takes the same assessment.

North Carolina uses Praxis tests for middle grades, secondary education, special education, reading, world languages, student services, and numerous K–12 content areas.

NCDPI directs candidates to State Board policy for required licensure examinations and specifically identifies both Praxis and Pearson assessments as testing systems used for North Carolina educator licensure.

Review the NCDPI educator licensure portal before registering.

After identifying your test code, browse the AIProctoredExams exam preparation catalog for corresponding preparation resources.

Praxis Core Requirements in North Carolina

One of the most common questions about the Praxis requirements in North Carolina concerns Praxis Core.

Praxis Core can apply to admission into a North Carolina state-approved educator preparation program. ETS currently lists the following qualifying scores:

Praxis Core Assessment	Code	Qualifying Score
Core Academic Skills for Educators: Reading	5713	156
Core Academic Skills for Educators: Writing	5723	162
Core Academic Skills for Educators: Mathematics	5733	150

These scores are currently listed on the official North Carolina Praxis requirements page.

Candidates who actually need these assessments can use the Praxis Core 5713, 5723, 5733 and 5752 preparation course.

Before registering, confirm through your educator-preparation program whether Praxis Core applies to you.

Can You Be Exempt From Praxis Core in North Carolina?

Yes.

ETS currently identifies SAT and ACT exemptions from Praxis Core requirements for admission to North Carolina educator-preparation programs.

For example, candidates may qualify for full or partial exemptions based on their SAT or ACT scores. The thresholds vary depending on the version of the SAT and whether the exemption applies to Reading/Writing, Mathematics, or all Core tests.

Because these provisions can affect whether you need to take Praxis Core at all, review the current ETS North Carolina Praxis Core exemption information and verify the result with your educator-preparation provider.

North Carolina Elementary Education Praxis Requirements

Elementary Education is one of the most important sections of the Praxis requirements in North Carolina because North Carolina does not simply require Praxis 5001 for its current elementary licensure pathway.

ETS currently lists:

Elementary Education: Mathematics CKT (7813)
Qualifying score: 150

for North Carolina Elementary Education.

Candidates should therefore verify their current requirements rather than automatically registering for Praxis 5001.

North Carolina Foundations of Reading Requirement

North Carolina also uses the Foundations of Reading assessment for applicable licensure areas.

The current test is:

Foundations of Reading (890)

The current passing score is:

233

The official North Carolina Licensure Assessments site confirms the 233 passing score and provides registration, testing, and preparation information.

The test code changed to 890 beginning September 1, 2025. The testing program states that this was a code change only and did not alter the test framework or content.

Candidates can review the official North Carolina Foundations of Reading 890 page and the broader North Carolina Licensure Assessments website.

The examination includes multiple-choice questions and written assignments and is available through computer-based and online-proctored testing.

Does North Carolina Require Praxis 5001?

Candidates should be careful about this question.

The current ETS North Carolina requirement for Elementary Education identifies Mathematics CKT 7813, not Praxis 5001 Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects.

Therefore, do not register for Praxis 5001 solely because you want to become an elementary teacher in North Carolina.

AIProctoredExams offers a Praxis 5001 Elementary Education preparation course and a Praxis 5001 practice test and study guide for candidates whose state or certification jurisdiction specifically requires that examination.

Always match your preparation resources to the exact test code identified for your license.

North Carolina Middle Grades Praxis Requirements

Middle Grades candidates currently take subject-specific Praxis assessments.

Licensure Area	Praxis Assessment	Code	Passing Score
Middle Grades Language Arts	Middle School English Language Arts	5047	164
Middle Grades Mathematics	Middle School Mathematics	5164	157
Middle Grades Science	Middle School Science	5442	152
Middle Grades Social Studies	Middle School Social Studies	5089	149

These are the qualifying scores currently published by ETS for North Carolina.

Candidates seeking more than one middle-grades licensure area should confirm whether multiple content tests are required.

North Carolina Secondary Education Praxis Requirements

North Carolina uses Praxis Subject Assessments for many secondary licensure areas.

Current examples include:

Licensure Area	Praxis Assessment	Code	Passing Score
Biology	Biology	5236	154
Chemistry	Chemistry	5246	146
Earth Science	Earth and Space Sciences	5572	154
English	English Language Arts: Content Knowledge	5038	167
Mathematics	Mathematics	5165	159
Physics	Physics	5266	145
Comprehensive Science	General Science	5436	141
Social Studies	Social Studies	5581	153

ETS currently lists these scores for North Carolina secondary licensure.

Before purchasing preparation materials, verify the exact assessment through the official North Carolina Praxis testing table.

North Carolina Mathematics Praxis Requirement

Secondary Mathematics candidates currently use:

Praxis Mathematics (5165)
Passing score: 159

The current North Carolina test table confirms this requirement.

Candidates should be comfortable with major areas such as:

Number and quantity;
Algebra;
Functions;
Calculus;
Geometry;
Probability; and
Statistics.

A diagnostic assessment can help determine which areas deserve the greatest amount of study time.

North Carolina English Praxis Requirement

Secondary English candidates currently use:

English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038)
Passing score: 167

ETS confirms the current North Carolina qualifying score.

The assessment evaluates areas including literature, language, writing, rhetoric, research, and communication.

Candidates can review the official ETS Praxis 5038 examination information before building their study plan.

North Carolina Social Studies Praxis Requirement

North Carolina currently uses:

Praxis Social Studies (5581)
Qualifying score: 153

for several secondary social-science areas, including Social Studies, History, Geography, Political Science, Economics, Sociology, and Anthropology.

ETS states that Praxis 5581 evaluates content across U.S. history, world history, government and civics, geography, economics, and related social-science thinking skills.

Candidates can review the official Praxis Social Studies 5581 information.

North Carolina K–12 and All-Grades Praxis Requirements

Several all-grades licensure areas use Praxis assessments.

Licensure Area	Praxis Assessment	Code	Passing Score
Academically/Intellectually Gifted	Gifted Education	5358	157
Art	Art: Content and Analysis	5135	161
Health Education	Health Education	5551	156
Health & Physical Education	Health and Physical Education	5857	160
Music	Music: Content and Instruction	5114	162
Physical Education	Physical Education: Content Knowledge	5091	152
Reading – Bachelor’s Level	Teaching Reading: K–12	5206	156
Reading – Graduate Level	Reading Specialist	5302	165
Speech Communication	Speech Communication: Content Knowledge	5221	143

These scores are listed on the current ETS North Carolina testing table.

Candidates preparing for a reading assessment should note that North Carolina currently lists 5206, not Praxis 5205.

AIProctoredExams offers Praxis 5205 Teaching Reading: Elementary preparation for candidates whose jurisdiction specifically requires test 5205.

North Carolina Special Education Praxis Requirements

Special education is particularly important when understanding the Praxis requirements in North Carolina because different Exceptional Children license areas may require different combinations of assessments.

Special Education: General Curriculum

ETS currently lists:

Elementary Education: Mathematics CKT 7813 — Passing score 150

and

Special Education: Foundational Knowledge 5355 — Passing score 145

for Special Education: General Curriculum K–12.

Candidates can prepare for the special-education component using the Praxis 5355 Special Education Foundational Knowledge course.

NCDPI also directs candidates in Elementary Education and Special Education: General Curriculum to its testing resources for Foundations of Reading and Praxis.

Praxis 5355 Requirements in North Carolina

Praxis 5355 assesses foundational knowledge for special-education practice.

For applicable North Carolina license areas, the current qualifying score is:

145

For Special Education: Cross Categorical, ETS currently lists both:

Praxis 5355 — 145
Praxis 5511 — 148

For Special Education: General Curriculum, ETS currently lists:

Praxis 7813 — 150
Praxis 5355 — 145

This is why candidates should verify the full testing package rather than searching only for “the North Carolina special education Praxis test.”

Praxis 5511 Requirements in North Carolina

Praxis Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge 5511 is also required in several North Carolina special-education pathways.

The current qualifying score is:

148

The test covers broad knowledge in:

English Language Arts;
Mathematics;
Citizenship and Social Science; and
Science.

Candidates who need this examination can prepare with the Praxis 5511 Fundamental Subjects preparation course.

Always confirm whether your specific exceptional-children license requires Praxis 5511 in addition to another assessment.

World Language Praxis Requirements in North Carolina

North Carolina currently uses Praxis assessments for several world-language areas.

Language	Test Code	Passing Score
French	5174	162
German	5183	163
Spanish	5195	168
Latin	5601	146
English to Speakers of Other Languages	5362	155

These current scores are listed by ETS for North Carolina.

Candidates should verify whether their specific pathway includes additional proficiency or program requirements.

PPAT and North Carolina Performance Assessment Requirements

Understanding the Praxis requirements in North Carolina also means recognizing that licensure testing is not limited to traditional selected-response examinations.

ETS states that North Carolina candidates must complete PPAT or another state-approved performance assessment as applicable.

NCDPI currently explains that edTPA or PPAT are required performance/pedagogy assessments for applicable candidates who complete initial educator-preparation programs under the relevant policy.

The current North Carolina PPAT passing score is:

ETS confirms this score on its official PPAT scoring page.

Candidates can review the official PPAT passing-score information from ETS.

Initial Professional License and Testing

North Carolina allows some candidates to receive an Initial Professional License (IPL) before every required licensure examination has been completed.

NCDPI states that when other requirements are met, an IPL may be issued even when required licensure testing remains outstanding.

If that occurs, the required examination must generally be:

Attempted during the first year of the license, and
Passed before or during the third year of the license.

This flexibility does not eliminate the examination requirement. It changes when some candidates may complete it.

Review the NCDPI licensure FAQ and testing guidance for the latest rules.

Converting an IPL to a Continuing Professional License

To convert an Initial Professional License to a Continuing Professional License, NCDPI states that an educator generally needs at least three years of teaching experience and must satisfy all applicable North Carolina State Board-approved or comparable licensure examinations.

Candidates should therefore treat test preparation as part of a longer licensure pathway rather than postponing it indefinitely.

Use the NCDPI information on converting an IPL to a CPL for current guidance.

North Carolina Residency License

North Carolina’s Residency License is the state’s current alternative pathway for qualified individuals who want to begin teaching while completing an approved educator-preparation program.

NCDPI states that a Residency License:

Is issued for one year;
Can be renewed twice;
Can therefore cover a maximum three-year residency cycle;
Requires enrollment in an approved North Carolina educator-preparation program; and
Requires employment by a North Carolina public school system or charter school.

Review the official NCDPI Residency License guidance before pursuing this pathway.

The current Residency License rules also allow qualification through relevant coursework or passage of the appropriate State Board-approved content examination in applicable circumstances.

Do Residency License Candidates Need Praxis?

They may.

The specific requirement depends on the licensure area.

NCDPI states that applicable Residency License candidates must satisfy content-exam and performance/pedagogy requirements under State Board policy.

Candidates should verify their test requirements with:

Their approved educator-preparation program;
Their employing North Carolina public school unit; and
NCDPI.

Do not assume that the Praxis examination required for one Residency License field applies to another.

Out-of-State Teachers and North Carolina Testing

The Praxis requirements in North Carolina may operate differently for experienced educators who completed educator preparation in another state.

North Carolina recognizes approved educator-preparation programs from other states and may accept comparable out-of-state licensure examinations in certain circumstances.

NCDPI explains that educators with at least three years of classroom teaching experience may have options to use comparable examinations when North Carolina has a corresponding license area.

Out-of-state candidates should allow NCDPI to evaluate their credentials before paying for additional testing.

How to Register for Praxis in North Carolina

Once you have confirmed your test requirement, Praxis registration is completed through ETS.

Step 1: Identify Your License Area

Determine whether you are seeking:

Elementary Education;
Middle Grades;
Secondary Education;
K–12;
Exceptional Children;
Career and Technical Education;
Student Services; or
Another license.

Step 2: Identify the Correct Testing Provider

North Carolina uses multiple testing providers.

Your requirement may involve:

ETS Praxis;
North Carolina Licensure Assessments/Pearson;
PPAT;
edTPA; or
Another approved assessment.

Step 3: Confirm the Exact Test Code

For example:

Praxis Core Reading — 5713
Praxis Core Writing — 5723
Praxis Core Mathematics — 5733
Mathematics CKT — 7813
Special Education — 5355
Fundamental Subjects — 5511
Secondary Mathematics — 5165
Social Studies — 5581

Step 4: Confirm the Passing Score

Always use North Carolina’s current qualifying score.

Step 5: Register Through ETS

Use the official ETS North Carolina Praxis registration and testing information.

Step 6: Begin Structured Preparation

Candidates can use the AIProctoredExams Study Guides collection to organize exam review.

How Are Praxis Scores Sent to North Carolina?

Score reporting is another important component of the Praxis requirements in North Carolina.

ETS states that if:

You test in North Carolina, including at home where applicable; and
Your Praxis profile address is in North Carolina,

your Praxis scores are automatically reported to NCDPI.

Candidates who test outside North Carolina or whose Praxis profile address is outside North Carolina should select NCDPI as a score recipient.

The current state code is:

7846

Confirm the recipient information during registration to reduce delays in your licensure application.

How to Apply for a North Carolina Educator License

NCDPI uses an online licensure system for educator applications.

The department currently identifies the general process as:

Complete an approved educator-preparation program.
Obtain official degree-dated transcripts.
Obtain applicable licensure content-area examination results.
Gather any existing educator licenses and required verification forms.
Register for the NCDPI Online Licensure System.
Upload the required documents.
Submit the appropriate application.
Pay the applicable licensing fee.

Use the official NCDPI application instructions when you are ready to apply.

How to Prepare for Your North Carolina Praxis Test

After confirming your exact test, your preparation should become exam-specific.

1. Review the Official Test Blueprint

Identify:

Your test code;
Number of questions;
Test duration;
Content categories;
Weight of each category;
Question formats; and
Required North Carolina passing score.

2. Take a Diagnostic Practice Test

Before spending weeks studying, determine your baseline.

Identify:

Strong content areas;
Weak domains;
Repeated conceptual errors;
Timing problems; and
Difficult question formats.

3. Build a Targeted Study Plan

Allocate more study time to weak areas rather than reviewing every topic equally.

4. Practice Questions Consistently

For each missed question:

Identify the concept being tested.
Explain why your response was incorrect.
Determine why the correct answer is stronger.
Review the underlying concept.
Complete another related question.

5. Use Timed Practice

Timed practice develops:

Pacing;
Endurance;
Concentration;
Question prioritization; and
Test-day decision-making.

Learn more about structured preparation through How AIProctoredExams Works.

Additional Praxis Preparation Resources

Candidates can also explore:

Always verify that a preparation resource corresponds to the actual assessment required for your license.

What Happens if You Do Not Pass the Praxis?

Not passing on the first attempt does not automatically end your licensure pathway.

Use the score report diagnostically.

Before retesting:

Review your performance by content domain.
Identify your weakest subjects.
Compare your weaknesses with the official test blueprint.
Complete targeted content review.
Work through additional practice questions.
Complete timed practice.
Confirm ETS’s current retesting rules.
Register again when your practice results improve consistently.

Candidates who need assistance with AIProctoredExams resources can visit the AIProctoredExams Help Center.

Frequently Asked Questions About Praxis Requirements in North Carolina

Is Praxis required for teachers in North Carolina?

Praxis Subject Assessments are required for many North Carolina licensure areas. However, the state also uses Pearson-administered examinations and approved performance assessments, so requirements vary by license.

Is Praxis Core required in North Carolina?

Praxis Core can be required for admission to a North Carolina state-approved educator-preparation program when a candidate does not qualify for an applicable exemption.

What are the Praxis Core passing scores in North Carolina?

The current qualifying scores are:

Reading 5713 — 156
Writing 5723 — 162
Mathematics 5733 — 150

What test is required for North Carolina Elementary Education?

ETS currently lists Elementary Education: Mathematics CKT 7813, with a qualifying score of 150, for Elementary Education. Candidates may also have an applicable Foundations of Reading requirement.

What is the North Carolina Foundations of Reading passing score?

The current passing score for Foundations of Reading 890 is 233.

Does North Carolina require Praxis 5001?

The current ETS North Carolina testing table identifies Mathematics CKT 7813 for Elementary Education rather than Praxis 5001. Always follow the current test requirement associated with your license.

What is the North Carolina Praxis 5355 passing score?

The current qualifying score for applicable special-education areas is 145.

What is the North Carolina Praxis 5511 passing score?

The current qualifying score for Praxis 5511, when required, is 148.

What is the North Carolina Mathematics 5165 passing score?

The current qualifying score for secondary Mathematics 5165 is 159.

What is the North Carolina Social Studies 5581 passing score?

The current qualifying score is 153.

Does North Carolina require PPAT?

North Carolina requires an approved performance/pedagogy assessment for applicable candidates. PPAT is one approved assessment, and ETS currently lists a North Carolina passing score of 38.

What is North Carolina’s Praxis score recipient code?

The current NCDPI Praxis score recipient code is 7846.

Can I receive a North Carolina teaching license before passing all required exams?

In some circumstances, yes. NCDPI states that an IPL may be issued when other licensure requirements have been met, with outstanding exams generally required to be attempted during the first year and passed before or during the third year.

What is the North Carolina Residency License?

The Residency License is an alternative pathway that permits qualified individuals to teach while enrolled in an approved educator-preparation program. It is issued for one year and may be renewed twice.

Final Thoughts on Praxis Requirements in North Carolina

Understanding the Praxis requirements in North Carolina begins with identifying the exact educator license you want.

North Carolina does not use one universal Praxis examination.

An elementary candidate may need Mathematics CKT and Foundations of Reading.

A Middle Grades candidate may need a subject-specific Praxis examination.

A secondary Mathematics candidate may need Praxis 5165.

A Special Education candidate may need Praxis 5355, Praxis 5511, Mathematics CKT, Foundations of Reading, or a combination depending on the license.

Applicable candidates may also have to complete PPAT or another approved performance assessment.

The safest process is:

Choose your North Carolina licensure area → review the official NCDPI requirement → confirm the test provider → confirm the test code → verify the qualifying score → determine whether exemptions apply → prepare → register → take the assessment → submit your licensure application.

Because requirements can change, candidates should verify the current Praxis requirements in North Carolina through NCDPI Educator Licensure and ETS North Carolina Praxis Requirements before paying for an examination.

For structured preparation, practice questions, study guides, and exam-focused review, explore the AIProctoredExams Praxis preparation collection.

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