South Carolina Teacher Certifications

How to Become a Teacher in South Carolina

SC teacher certification doesn't start with the exam. Instead, it begins with education. You'll need to be sure that you attend an approved teacher education program at an accredited university. Below, we break down both the criteria you have to meet with your educational background and the tests you'll need to pass in order to get your South Carolina teaching

South Carolina Teacher Education Requirements

The first step in how to become a teacher in SC is to get at least your bachelor's degree through an approved program. Also, prospective South Carolina teachers are required to undergo a period of student teaching via an internship.

Once you have completed those criteria, your next step is to obtain a letter of recommendation from one of the officials in your approved South Carolina teacher education program. A letter of recommendation is required for SC teacher certification.

South Carolina Teacher Testing Requirements

Officially, you are required to take several exams in the Praxis family of certification tests before becoming a South Carolina teacher. The first, called the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam, gauges your knowledge of pedagogy in general. Then, you must also pass a subject-matter test on the specific area that you plan to teach.

For example, a biology teacher will need to pass a Praxis exam on biology before getting their South Carolina teaching license. In addition to the Praxis tests, you may also want to get certification through other organizations as a way to increase your prospects on the job market. One popular line of certification tests is that provided by the American Board for the Certification of Teacher Excellence.

South Carolina Teaching License Application Process

The process for getting your SC teacher certification is simple after you have completed the education and testing requirements. Send an application, along with payment, to the Department of Education through the Educator Portal. Be sure to include your Praxis and Praxis II scores, transcripts from your accredited college or university, and the recommendation letter from your teaching program.

Also, you will need to go through a fingerprint identification process. This is part of the official background check that is required for SC teachers.

Why Take South Carolina Teaching Certification Exams?

South Carolina teaching requirements, like the certifications required in other states, are necessary before you are legally allowed to be a teacher in the Palmetto State It's also important because certification tests ensure that new teachers are up to the task of instructing young people. Teaching is still one of the most important jobs, so it's necessary to make sure the best candidates fill those roles.

How to Prepare for Teaching Certifications in South Carolina

When preparing for teaching certifications in South Carolina, the best method is to take practice exams. By definition, you'll already have gone through the necessary instruction through your teacher education program. Study your existing materials, then take Exam Edge's practice teaching certification tests to see how you would do if you were to take the real exam today.

Our practice tests provide explanations for wrong answers, allowing you to pinpoint where and how you went wrong. Then, you can create a personalized study plan that focuses on those areas in which you are struggling. Purchase a set of South Carolina teacher certification practice exams today and check out other helpful tips on our blog.

Why use Exam Edge for your South Carolina Teacher Certifications

With Exam Edge online practice tests, youll find an almost exact replica of the real testing experience, with one important exception: we give you valuable feedback on why you got questions right or wrong. Our exams feature easy-to-understand explanations for each answer. This allows you to take extensive notes and build a customized study guide tailored to your precise study needs.

We know everybody studies a little differently, so we offer three different options for taking online practice tests:

Timed - If you're concerned about using your time wisely on exam day, youll want to take a timed practice test. They turn on the same pressure youll feel when you have to complete an exam during a strict time frame. This method defaults the test timing to the same time limit per question as you would have on the day of the actual exam. This is a great way to practice your pacing, particularly if you're worried about not having enough time to finish the test. Exam Edge exam prep can be as laid-back or as disciplined as you prefer!

No Time Limit - This option allows you the freedom to take your time and really ponder each question before responding. Rush-free online exam prep is a good idea for anyone just starting to prepare for an exam. Its the ideal way to test your existing knowledge while illuminating blind spots you may need to revisit in your studies.

Explanation - Unsure of how to kickstart your studies? A practice test in explanation mode can do wonders for your confidence. The questions serve as a study guide, giving you the freedom to see the answers as you take the practice test. Study guide mode is a great way to review the tests content before you take it in a more controlled format. Take notes as you go - its one of the best study methods for those just beginning to prepare.

Standardized tests gauge what you know. They also test your ability to perform under pressure. While its easy to psych yourself out about the entire test-taking process, confidence is often half the battle. By practicing the same set of skills youll use on the day of the real exam, youre sure to rise to the occasion. Examedge.com has everything you need to prepare. Dont take our word for it, though – look to our testimonials page for reviews from satisfied Exam Edge users!