ACT Requirements and Resources
ACT Requirements
An ACT composite score of 21 is required for admission to Teacher Education Programs
in the state of Tennessee. This is a composite score from tests in the subject areas
that were required when you took the test.: English, Math, Reading for all test sessions;
Science is no longer included as of September 2025. For more information on ACT test
administrations on the Southern campus, please visit: www.southern.edu/administration/student-success/testing/act.html
Passing scores on all three Praxis Core tests are an option for admission to a Teacher Education Program if the ACT benchmark has not been met. For information about the content and structure of the Praxis Core tests, visit the ETS website.
In addition to in-person support available in Southern's Tutoring Center, the teacher education program is pleased to provide access to test preparation courses for both ACT and Praxis Core, offered by Study.com. This robust test preparation tool will assess your current likelihood of passing the ACT/Praxis Core and give you an individually-tailored study guide.
Another acceptable alternative to the ACT is the SAT/RSAT, with a minimum combined score of 1080 (EBRW+M). Khan Academy offers free preparation materials for the SAT/RSAT.
Passing scores on all three Praxis Core tests are an option for admission to a Teacher Education Program if the ACT benchmark has not been met. For information about the content and structure of the Praxis Core tests, visit the ETS website.
In addition to in-person support available in Southern's Tutoring Center, the teacher education program is pleased to provide access to test preparation courses for both ACT and Praxis Core, offered by Study.com. This robust test preparation tool will assess your current likelihood of passing the ACT/Praxis Core and give you an individually-tailored study guide.
Another acceptable alternative to the ACT is the SAT/RSAT, with a minimum combined score of 1080 (EBRW+M). Khan Academy offers free preparation materials for the SAT/RSAT.