Many earthquake studies conducted in Turkey predict that earthquakes will occur in the country in the future. Considering that the occurrence of earthquakes cannot be prevented, the methods of protecting individuals from earthquakes and raising awareness about what to do before, during and after an earthquake are of vital importance in minimizing the effects of the earthquake. This study, which examines the knowledge levels of social studies teacher candidates about earthquakes, is qualitative research oriented. The study group of the research consisted of 79 pre-service teachers studying in the 3rd and 4th grades in the department of social studies teaching at a state university in Turkey. The study data were collected through a 13-item questionnaire. The obtained data were analyzed by descriptive analysis technique. In the research, the number of pre-service teachers who received education or course within the scope of natural disaster management was quite low; it was determined that most pre-service teachers participated in the exercise at least once within the scope of formal education and could define the earthquake scientifically correctly. In addition, it was determined that pre-service teachers had significant deficiencies in terms of both behavioral and cognitive skills in preparing earthquake bags. Besides, it was found that pre-service teachers were knowledgeable about what to do indoors and outdoors during an earthquake, on the other hand, it was detected that their knowledge of what to do while under wreckage remained at a basic level. The results of the research showed that although they did not take a natural disaster education course, the knowledge level of teacher candidates about what to do in case of an earthquake was high.