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Teacher / Substitute Teacher · South Carolina
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in South Carolina. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) - Educator Services (formerly Office of Educator Services).
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Degree Required
Bachelor's degree
Primary Exam
Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators
Total Gov Fees
$540–$710
Initial Cert
3 years
| Requirement | Value | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree | Verified |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree | Verified |
| Teacher Prep Program | Required | Verified |
| Student Teaching | Required (60 hours) | Verified |
| Background Check | Required | Verified |
| Fingerprinting | Required | |
| GPA Requirement | 2.75 | Verified |
| Minimum Age | 18 | Verified |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. | Verified |
Not sure if you need a teacher license? Check whether your state requires one.
basic skills
Passing score: Reading: 156, Writing: 162, Math: 150
Basic skills assessment required for all teacher certification candidates unless exempt through qualifying scores on SAT, ACT, or GRE
content knowledge
Passing score: Varies by subject area
Subject-specific content knowledge exam required for each certification area
pedagogical knowledge
Passing score: Varies by grade level
Required pedagogy exam for the appropriate grade level band (K-6, 5-9, or 7-12)
Didn't pass on the first try? Learn what to do if you fail the Praxis.
Overall licensing difficulty: 23/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
Praxis Teacher Certification Exams
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators
Passing Score
Reading: 156, Writing: 162, Math: 150
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $416–$586Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators.
Matched study materials
Study Materials & Exam Prep — Praxis Core Academic Skills
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Issued to beginning teachers who have completed an approved preparation program and passed all required Praxis exams. Valid for 3 years. During this period, teachers participate in an induction program.
Issued after successfully completing the induction program and 3 years of teaching experience. Valid for 5 years and renewable with professional development credits.
Issued to out-of-state applicants while they complete South Carolina-specific requirements
Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree for a standard Substitute Teaching Certificate; some districts may use emergency substitutes with an associate's degree or 60+ college credits
Certificate Required
Substitute Teaching Certificate
Background Check
Required
Permit Fee
$25
Validity
5 years
South Carolina issues Substitute Teaching Certificates through the SCDE. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree and pass a SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division) and FBI background check. Substitutes may serve for up to 30 consecutive days in one assignment unless they hold a regular teaching certificate. School districts may also request emergency substitutes.
| Fee | Amount | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Application FeeStandard certification application fee | $105 | Verified |
| Fingerprint FeeSLED and FBI fingerprint background check fee | $49 | Verified |
| Exam Fees (Total)Praxis Core ($150 combined or $270 individual) + Praxis II content ($120–$170) + PLT ($146) | $416–$586 | Verified |
| Initial CertificateIncluded in application fee | $75 | Verified |
| Renewal FeeProfessional certificate renewal fee | $75 | Verified |
| Substitute PermitSubstitute teaching certificate fee | $25 | Verified |
| Total Government FeesApplication ($75), fingerprinting ($49), and exams ($416–$586) | $540–$710 | Verified |
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Graduate from a CAEP/state-approved teacher preparation program with a bachelor's degree
Pass the Praxis Core (basic skills), Praxis II (content knowledge), and PLT (pedagogy) exams
Fee: $416–$586
Submit fingerprints for SLED and FBI criminal background check
Fee: $49
Apply through the SCDE online certification system with required documentation and official transcripts
Fee: $75
https://ed.sc.gov/educators/certification/
After being hired, participate in a state-approved induction program during the first 3 years of teaching
Required to advance from Initial to Professional Educator Certificate
South Carolina offers the PACE program (Program of Alternative Certification for Educators) as its primary alternative route. Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree with a major or equivalent coursework in the teaching area. PACE participants teach under a Temporary Certificate while completing the program. South Carolina also accepts ABCTE certification.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
120
Renewal Cycle
5 years
South Carolina requires 120 renewal credits during each 5-year renewal cycle for the Professional Educator Certificate. Credits can include graduate coursework, professional development workshops, and other approved activities. One semester hour of graduate credit equals 20 renewal credits.
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Reciprocity Type
Interstate agreement with review
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
South Carolina participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Out-of-state teachers with valid certificates may qualify for a South Carolina certificate, though they may need to pass specific Praxis exams if equivalent tests were not taken. A temporary certificate may be issued while completing remaining requirements.
Additional requirements: Must pass required Praxis exams; SLED/FBI background check required; may receive a Temporary Certificate while completing additional requirements
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Compare South Carolina with other states →
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Unique to South Carolina: South Carolina requires three separate Praxis exams for initial teacher certification (Core, Content, and PLT), which results in higher total exam costs compared to states that only require one or two exams. The state also has one of the more robust alternative certification systems with its PACE program.
Teacher requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (you) | $540–$710 | 216–234 wks | |
| Georgia | $260–$330 | 216–234 wks | → |
| North Carolina | $347–$577 | 216–234 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in South Carolina
See how South Carolina compares: Teacher License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Official Sources
Teacher requirements in South Carolina verified against South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) - Educator Services (formerly Office of Educator Services), March 2026.
Moving to South Carolina? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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