Praxis 5001 Requirements in South Carolina: Tests, Scores, and the 2026 Transition

date: "2026-08-24"

South Carolina is the state where the "which test code?" question matters most right now. ETS's South Carolina page shows three acceptable elementary options — the familiar 5001 series, the newer 5901 Three Subject Bundle, and the 7811 Content Knowledge for Teaching (CKT) series — and the 5001 options carry expiration dates.[1] If you are preparing for elementary certification in South Carolina, your first job is to figure out which option your program and application window require.

The Transition, Plainly

As of August 2026, ETS's South Carolina page shows:[1]

Because the dates differ by test and subtest — and because states update these pages — do not assume which option applies to you. Confirm with the South Carolina Department of Education and your preparation program before registering.

Elementary Tests and Qualifying Scores (South Carolina)

For candidates on the 5001 path, South Carolina lists these subtest scores:[1]

On the 5901 bundle path, the scores are:[1]

Beyond the Content Test: PLT and Read to Succeed

South Carolina elementary candidates face additional requirements beyond the subject test:[1]

• Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT): Grades K–6 (5622) — qualifying score 160 — is listed for all elementary licenses.
• Teaching Reading: Elementary (5205) — qualifying score 159 — is listed for the Read to Succeed literacy teacher endorsement.

So a typical South Carolina elementary path can involve the content test (5001, 5901, or 7811 family), the PLT K–6, and — depending on your endorsement — the Read to Succeed reading test. Plan for all of them, not just the subject exam.

How to Confirm Your Requirement (Do This Before Registering)

1. Open the ETS South Carolina requirements page and find Elementary Certification Fields.
2. Identify which test family your program requires — 5001, 5901, or 7811 — and check the acceptance dates.
3. Cross-check with the South Carolina Department of Education educator certification guidance.
4. Ask your preparation program which code they expect you to register for, and by what date.
5. Re-check before you register — with the 5001 subtests expiring on different dates, the code you choose today may not be valid for your test date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Praxis 5001 still accepted in South Carolina?

As of August 2026, ETS shows 5002 accepted through August 31, 2026 and 5003–5005 accepted through August 31, 2027 for South Carolina. That window is exactly why you must confirm the current page and your program's requirement before registering.[1]

What is the passing score for Praxis 5001 in South Carolina?

South Carolina lists 157 for 5002, 157 for 5003, 155 for 5004, and 159 for 5005 — the same lines used on the 5903/5904/5905 bundle for math, social studies, and science.[1]

Should I take 5001, 5901, or 7811 in South Carolina?

Whichever one your preparation program and the South Carolina Department of Education require for your application window. If you are early in the process, ask your program advisor which code they accept and by what deadline — do not pick based on which test sounds newest.

Do I need PLT or Read to Succeed in South Carolina?

ETS's page lists PLT K–6 (5622) for all elementary licenses and Teaching Reading (5205) for the Read to Succeed endorsement. Confirm which apply to your certificate and endorsement with the South Carolina Department of Education.[1]

If I take the 5901 bundle, do I still need reading?

The 5901 bundle covers math, social studies, and science only — reading is not part of it. South Carolina's reading-related requirement lives in the Read to Succeed endorsement (5205) and the separate RLA-related options. Confirm the full picture with your program.[1]

The Bottom Line

South Carolina is mid-transition: Praxis 5001 is accepted only through August 2026 (5002) and August 2027 (5003–5005), with the 5901 bundle and 7811 CKT as the newer alternatives. On top of the content test, elementary candidates typically need PLT K–6 (160) and, depending on endorsement, Teaching Reading 5205 (159). Confirm your exact code, deadline, and full test list with the South Carolina Department of Education before you register.

Preparing for a South Carolina elementary test? Our free readiness diagnostic covers the four 5001-style content areas — reading, math, social studies, science — and shows which gate needs work first. The practice bank covers the same categories with original questions and explanations.

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