Prepare for North Carolina Licensure Tests

Before you can teach in North Carolina, you’ll need to pass some tests. If testing stresses you out, you’re definitely not alone. We’re here to help you find the right tools to ace your exams. 

For North Carolina teachers, the most relevant tests will be the core academic skills test, the content exam and the teaching portfolio. These show that you know three things: Core math and language skills, the subject you want to teach, and key teaching methods. 

We’ll go over each test in detail—what they cover, who they’re for and what resources can help you prepare. 

If you have any questions about your teaching program applications, reach out to a TeachNC coach or admissions staff for support. We’re here for you.

Are you certified to teach in another state or country? If you’re an out-of-state educator applying for licensure in North Carolina, you must have your credentials reviewed by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Even if you’ve taken a content exam elsewhere, you may still need to take one or more of the required North Carolina assessments. To learn more, visit the DPI’s Forms & FAQs page, and scroll down to “NC Testing Requirements” and “Out-of-State Educators.” 

Jump to:

• Learn about the core academic skills test.
• Learn about the content exam.
• Learn about the teaching portfolio.
• Prepare for exams and find study materials.
• Know what to expect on test day.
• Explore more guides.

What is the core academic skills test?

The core academic skills test is an exam that some students take before starting a teaching program. 

You’ll need to take a core academic skills test if you’re applying to a teaching program and have not completed your bachelor’s degree. This test covers basic skills in reading, writing and math. You may already have taken this exam—the SAT counts! 

If you already have a four-year degree, the core academic skills test is not required. 

What counts toward the core academic skills requirement?

The SAT and ACT both count toward the core academic skills requirement. 

If you haven’t taken either of these exams, or if you need a higher score, you can sign up for the Praxis Core through the Educational Testing Service (ETS). 

What score do I need on my core academic skills test?

The chart below shows the required scores for each core academic skills test option. Remember, if you meet the required score for either the SAT or ACT, you do not need to take the Praxis Core.

When do I need to take the core academic skills test?

Usually, you’ll need to include your core academic skills scores with your teaching program application, so you’ll need to take the test before you apply. Some programs only require you to be scheduled to take the test when you apply.

Check with your program to find out their specific testing requirements.

What is the content exam?

To get licensed to teach in North Carolina, you’ll need to pass an exam in your subject area. This is to show that you know your subject matter well enough to teach it.  

In North Carolina, the most common content exams are:

• The Praxis II. This exam covers most subject areas. 
• The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) tests. These exams cover world language licensure. You’ll need to pass both an oral and written exam to teach your language of choice. 
• The Foundations of Reading test. This test is required for elementary and special education licensure.

For some licensure areas, such as American Sign Language, you may need to take exams that are not listed here. 

Which content exam do I take? 

Your content exam will depend on the subject you plan to teach. Visit the North Carolina Licensing Test Requirements page to see a full list of content exams. 

Some subject areas require multiple tests, including elementary education and special education. Others, such as world languages, offer a choice between two different exam options. 

When do I take the content exam? 

The timing of your content exam will depend on your licensure program. If you’re completing a combined undergraduate licensure and bachelor’s degree, you’ll usually take your content exam while you’re enrolled in your program. 

Some graduate-level programs require you to sign up for the test during the application process. 

Check with your program to confirm when you need to take your content exam.

What is the teaching portfolio?

To get your teaching license, you’ll need to submit a portfolio that shows off your readiness to teach your own classroom. You have two options for this assessment: North Carolina accepts both edTPA and the PPAT.   

edTPA and the PPAT aren’t your typical tests—no multiple choice questions here. Instead, during your student teaching experience, you’ll create a portfolio that summarizes what you’ve learned in your teaching program and how you’ve developed as an educator so far. 

Your portfolio will include “teaching materials and artifacts,” such as: 

• Sample lesson plans, including modified curriculum to meet diverse student needs.
• Sample student work.
• Video of you leading a class. 
• Commentary that shows how you work with diverse students, build your classroom learning environment and develop assignments to produce strong learning outcomes. 

You can learn more about specific requirements at the edTPA and PPAT links above.

Which portfolio assessment do I take?

North Carolina accepts scores from both edTPA and the PPAT. However, your teaching program may use one exam or the other. Check with your program to find out if they have a specific requirement for the teaching portfolio.

How is my portfolio scored?

Highly trained educators or portfolio raters will score your portfolio. Raters use detailed rubrics to evaluate your teaching. 

Getting licensed to teach grades 7-12? If you don’t submit the teaching portfolio, or if it’s not nationally scored, you may need to take the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching exam.

Ask your program staff about whether your portfolio will be scored nationally or regionally.

What do the rubrics include? 

Rubric scores represent a continuum from “not quite ready to teach” to “advanced beginning teacher.” Each rubric level shows an expanding repertoire of teaching skills and strategies, as well as deepening rationale for instructional choices. 

Visit edTPA’s candidate support resource or the PPAT How Tasks are Scored page for more information about scoring and the rubrics. 

You can learn more about North Carolina’s portfolio score requirements at the North Carolina edTPA page, the PPAT Scores page or the NC Board of Education policy manual. 

When do I create my portfolio?

You won’t begin the portfolio process until you’re student teaching—but it’s good to know about this requirement in advance! 

You don’t have to prepare for the portfolio before you apply to your teaching program, but you may want to research how your prospective programs will help you prepare for this assessment.

You’ve registered, studied and taken practice tests—and you’re ready for your exam! 

How should I prepare for test day?

Remember to take care of yourself before your test:

• Verify your test location. Even if you think you know where your exam is being held, double-check that the test center schedule hasn’t changed.
• Get plenty of sleep the night before.  
• Eat a decent breakfast the day of the test.
• Bring a water bottle.
• Show up early. If you’re late for your test, you won’t be allowed in. Hanging outside the testing center for 20 extra minutes is better than stressing yourself out minutes before you have to think critically for an exam.
• Dress in layers. Test centers can be chilly, and you’d rather be able to remove a jacket than be uncomfortable for the duration of your exam. 
• Bring required materials. You’ll need identification when you arrive for your test. Depending on your specific exam, you may also need other materials, like a calculator. Check out the Praxis On Test Day page or the Foundations of Reading Day of the Test page for more details. 

Testing from home? 

Some of the suggestions above, such as getting enough sleep and eating a good breakfast, are important for at-home testing as well. You can also consider these at-home testing tips:

• Check your equipment. If you’re testing through your home computer, the testing company may require you to download specific software or other computer equipment. Make sure everything is running smoothly before test day, to save yourself a headache the day of the exam. Check your equipment at different times of day to ensure that you’ll have enough bandwidth to take your exam without interruptions. 
• Set up your examination space ahead of time. The test-maker may have specific requirements about how your computer or desk needs to be set up and what your testing room should look like. Make sure you understand these requirements ahead of time so you can start testing with confidence. 
• Find a quiet space. You may not be allowed to wear earbuds or headphones for your test—so make sure you’re in a place where you’ll be able to focus without distractions. 
• Log on early. Just like an exam at a test center, you’ll need to start your at-home test on time. Log on with plenty of time to spare, to make sure your computer won’t suddenly freeze or restart right when you need to start testing. 

If you’re testing from home, try setting up your exam space the way it will look on test day, and use it to take practice tests! If you’re studying in your test environment, it can help you recall information when it’s time to take the test for real.

When can I see my scores? 

Score availability will depend on which exam you take and when you take it. 

• Praxis: You can find your exact score report date on the Getting Your Praxis Scores page.  
• World Languages: Your score may be available as soon as the same business day, but the exact reporting time varies depending on your exam. 
• Foundations of Reading: Get your score report date on the Scores page.

How do I report my scores?

When you register for your exam, you can request that your scores get sent to your teaching program when they are available. You may also need to report your scores on your program application itself. (Your application checklist has a step for submitting scores!) 

You can order extra copies of your score report or have copies sent to programs at any time after you take the test and receive your scores.  

When you apply for licensure, you’ll need to upload your score report to North Carolina’s Department of Public Instruction portal. 

Programs may have different deadlines to receive test scores. Make sure to check your program’s deadline, and schedule your test early enough that your scores will be available on time!