Category: Teacher Certification

Alabama Teacher Certification  – Testing

To get Alabama teacher certification, you will need to complete the Alabama Educator Certification Assessment Program (AECAP).

The basic skills assessments of the AECAP consist of the applied mathematics, reading for information, and writing assessments from the ACT WorkKeys System.

The applied mathematics assessment covers the basic mathematical skills required for work-related problems.

The reading assessment includes texts often encountered in the teaching profession.

So, the reading test can include instructions, policies, memos, bulletins, notices, letters, manuals, and governmental regulations.

The writing assessment is audio-based.

The passing scores for the AECAP are established by the Alabama State Board of Education.

Alabama Teacher Certification – Testing Exceptions

Some teachers may not be required to take the AECAP because there are exemptions in certain cases.

If you take the certification test, but do not pass it, you may be able to satisfy the test requirement in other ways,

You can do this through the successful combination of your test scores and your grade point average (GPA) on certain undergraduate courses.

For official information on the test, please visit the AECAP Webpage.

Alabama Teacher Certification – Other Information

The requirements for obtaining a teaching certificate in Alabama are:

• Completion of an approved teaching program
• Passing the AECAP basic skills test
• Taking a Praxis subject-area test
• Successfully passing background clearance

Alternative certification of teachers may granted if you are a a member of the US military or are pursuing teaching as a second career.

There are also alternative requirements for local educational institutions in urgent need of teachers or for individuals who have been unemployed.

Alabama Teacher Certification – Further Details

The AECAP and WorkKeys are registered trademarks of ACT Inc.

Teacher education and certification in Alabama are regulated by the Alabama State Board of Education.

For further details on teacher certification in Alabama, please visit the official Alabama Department of Education Website.

NOTE: This website is not affiliated with AECAP, WorkKeys, ACT Inc. or the Alabama Department of Education.

Initial Alaska Teacher Certification

In order to qualify for initial Alaska teacher certification, you must have completed a teacher preparation program and have a bachelor’s degree.

Alternative teacher certification is granted in Alaska on condition that you complete your teaching program within 2 years of obtaining your initial teaching certificate.

Your initial teaching certificate will be valid for three years from the date it is issued.

You must also complete a multicultural requirement within two years of obtaining your teaching certificate.

Alaska Teacher Certification – Testing

In order to receive Alaska teacher certification, you will need to take an exam before you file your application.

Teachers in Alaska usually need to take the Praxis Core in order to obtain their teaching certificates.

Praxis Teacher Certification Test – Alaska

Alaska Teacher Certification – How to Apply

The Alaska Education and Early Development office (EED) must receive your Praxis passing scores for reading, writing, and mathematics before you submit your application.

Test scores must be sent to the Alaska EED directly by Education Testing Services (ETS).

Besides the Praxis, Alaska also accepts teacher certification tests from other states.

Alaska Teacher Certification – Exams from Other States

Examples of teaching certification exams from other states which are accepted by the state of Alaska include:

• CBEST
• WEST-B
• Alabama Work Keys
• Florida Teacher Certification Exams
• Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators
• Illinois Certification Testing System (ICTS)
• Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC)
• Oklahoma General Education Test

Alaska Teacher Certification – Further Information

The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development office is in charge of teacher certificates and teaching certification exams.

The State of Alaska has separate requirements for professional and masters teaching certificates, as well as for early childhood, special education, handicapped, gifted, and vocational teaching.

For further information, please visit the official Alaska EED Teaching Certification Website.

NOTE:  This website is not affiliated with ETS, the trademark owners of the Praxis exams, nor with the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development.

Arizona Teacher Certification – Testing

The Arizona teacher certification test is called the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA).

The AEPA certification test for new teachers has three parts:

• Professional knowledge tests
• Subject knowledge test
• Test on the constitutions of the United States and the state of Arizona

Free AEPA math practice

These three parts are required of all new teachers applying for certification in Arizona.

Arizona Teacher Certification – Basic Skills

The State of Arizona Department of Education does not require  a basic skills test in order to get an Arizona teaching certificate.

However, you may need to pass the APEA Basic Skills test before you can begin your education  degree program.

Arizona Teacher Certification – Subject Areas

Teaching certificates are available in the areas of Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, Special Education, Arts Education Pre K-12 (Art, Drama, Dramatic Arts, Music), and Career & Technical Education.

Other Certificates are available in Adult Education, Athletic Coaching, Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, Teacher Intern, and Substitute Teaching.

If you are going to teach in Arizona, you may also wish to consider getting a teaching endorsement.

Endorsements are attachments to teaching certificates and indicate areas of specialization.

Arizona teaching endorsement certificates are available in the following educational areas:

• Art
• Bilingual Education
• Computer Science
• Cooperative Education
• Dance
• Dramatic Arts
• Drivers’ Education
• Early Childhood
• Elementary Foreign Language
• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• Gifted
• Library Media Specialist
• Mathematics Specialist
• Middle Grade
• Music
• PhysicalEducation
• Reading Specialist
• Structured English Immersion (SEI)

Arizona Teacher Certification – Further Websites

For more information on the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment, please visit the official AEPA website.

For more information on teaching certification and testing in Arizona, please visit the official Arizona Department of Education Website.

NOTE: This website is not affiliated with NESINC, the trademark owners of the AEPA exams, nor with the Arizona Department of Education.

Arkansas Teacher Licensure –  Testing

In order to qualify for Arkansas teacher licensure, you need to take the Praxis Core, Praxis Subject Area, and Praxis Pedagogy exams.

PRAXIS EXAM STUDY GUIDES

Praxis Teacher Certification Test – Arkansas

You need to take the Praxis Core in Reading, Writing and Mathematics before you will be accepted into your teacher education program.

Once you get your teaching degree, you will also need to take the Praxis subject area test for your teaching area.

The Praxis tests are usually taken in computer-based formats.

To get your license, you will also need to pass the the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching or “Praxis Pedagogy” test .

Arkansas Teacher Licensure – Requirements

For your initial Arkansas teacher licensure, you will need to take the Praxis subejct area exam.

Besides the testing requirements, you will also need a bachelor’s level degree and have a criminal background check.

If you successfully complete these requirements you will be eligible for an initial teaching license in Arkansas.

An Arkansas initial teaching license is valid for one to three years.

Applicants adding additional areas to a current license also need to take the appropriate Praxis subject tests for each new teaching area.

Arkansas Teacher Licensure – Induction and Renewal

During induction, new teachers will have a site-based, trained mentor to support their professional development and work.

Renewal of your teaching license is based upon a five-year cycle.

To apply for renewal, you will need to have a certain amount of professional development hours each year.

You will need to show evidence of your professional development when you apply for renewal.

Arkansas Teacher Licensure – Automatic Renewals

A teacher can have his or her standard Arkansas Teaching License automatically renewed by the State of Arkansas if he or she does the following:

• currently holds a standard teaching license
• has taught in an Arkansas public school during the year the license expired
• has successfully cleared all background and registry checks by the Arkansas State Police and FBI
• has paid the required renewal fee

The new teaching license will be mailed to the school district of employment prior to the expiration date or your current license.

Arkansas Department of Education – Teacher Licensure

NOTE: This website is not affiliated with ETS, the trademark owners of the Praxis Examinations, nor with the Arkansas Department of Education.

California Teacher Certification – Applications

To receive your California teacher certification for the first time, you need to include all of the following:

• a completed application or waiver request form – an employing agency needs to submit a waiver on your behalf
• any supporting documentation such as transcripts and exam scores
• payment for the appropriate fees
• proof that fingerprints were paid for and taken

Do not forget to submit all applicable fees for processing your fingerprints.

The Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) is the official body for teacher certification in California.

Fingerprint cards may be ordered through the CTC’s automated phone system.

California Teacher Certification – Types of Licenses

The Commission uses tests in different areas of certification.

The Credential Requirements section of the CTC website shows the required test for each type of certificate.

The official CTC website also has information on:

• Testing Agencies
• California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
• California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET)
• CSET: Languages Other Than English (CSET:LOTE)
• Single Subject Assessments for Teaching (SSAT)
• Multiple Subject Assessments for Teaching (MSAT)
• Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)
• California Teachers of English Learners (CTEL)
• Bilingual, Crosscultural Language and Academic Development (BCLAD)
• Preliminary Educational Technology Test (PET)
• Teaching Foundations Examination (TFE)
• School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA)
• California Preliminary Administrative Credential Examination (CPACE)
• Speech-Language Pathology

Further information on California Teacher Certification testing can be found on their website.

Commission on Teacher Credentialing – California

California Teacher Certification – Testing

CBEST and CSET Teacher Certification Exams – California

The CTC will select, administer, and interpret your exam results to see if you meet California teaching certification requirements.

The Commission on Teacher Credentialing has contracted with both Pearson and ETS to administer teacher certification examinations required for California teachers.

NOTE:  This website is not assoicated with or endorsed by Pearson, Inc, ETS, the CBEST examinations, or the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Colorado Teaching License – Initial License

You can apply for an initial Colorado teaching license if you have completed a teacher preparation program and you meet these requirements:

• complete an approved educator preparation program
• hold a degree from an accredited college or university
• undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprinting, for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation

Colorado Teaching License – Testing

To begin your degree program, you may need to take the PLACE Test.

“PLACE” stands for Program for Licensing for Colorado Educators.

Many colleges and universities recommend that education students take this exam.

Colorado Teaching License – What is on the PLACE?

The PLACE exam determines if you have the basic skills to be an educator in Colorado schools.

The Basic Skills test has three parts: reading, writing, and mathematics.

The reading and the math parts of the Basic Skills test contain multiple-choice questions.

The writing section includes multiple-choice questions and an essay.

The tests are based on the educational curriculum and Colorado teacher licensing standards.

Study guides are available on the Study Guide link on the PLACE website.

Program for Licensing for Colorado Educators – PLACE Teacher Certification Test

Colorado Teaching License – Other Requirements

If you are from from another state or country, you need to have completed an approved educator preparation program.

Out-of-state teachers must also be eligible for a license in their home state.

There may be additional requirements for some licenses.

You can have a look at the summary of license requirements at the link listed below.

The summaries show the requirements found in the Colorado State Board of Education Educator Licensing Act.

Colorado Department of Education – Licensing Requirements

NOTE: The Program for Licensing for Colorado Educators (PLACE) is a registered trademark of NESINC Pearson Education. This webpage is not endorsed by NESINC, the PLACE examination, or the Colorado Department of Education.

Connecticut Teaching License – Praxis Core

To get your Connecticut teaching license, you will need to complete an approved teacher education program.

In order to start your teaching course, you will need to pass the Praxis Core exam.

FREE PRAXIS EXAM PRACTICE

The Praxis CORE was formerly known as the Pre-Professional Skills Test or PPST.

The Praxis Core includes sections  in reading, writing, and mathematics.

Teachers meeting certain conditions may apply for an exemption from taking the Praxis Core test.

Connecticut Teaching License – Praxis Subject Exam

You will also need to take the Praxis subject-area  tests if any of the following apply to you:

• You are first-time teacher applying for certification.
• You are renewing a lapsed Connecticut certificate.
• You are seeking an additional teaching endorsement in a new area.

For more information on the Praxis exams for Connecticut, please click on the link below.

Praxis Teacher Certification Test – Connecticut

Connecticut Teaching License – Additional Requirements

You may also have to follow other testing guidelines to get your Connecticut teaching license.

The other guidelines apply to:

• American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)
• Connecticut Administrator Test (CAT)
• The School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA)

More information on testing requirements can be found on the official Connecticut Board of Education website.

Connecticut State Department of Education

Connecticut Teaching License – Exemptions

There are some exemptions to teacher assessment in Connecticut.

If you are an out-of-state teacher, you may be exempt from taking the tests mentioned above.

You will get an exemption if you have a valid certificate in another state, and you also have one of the following:

• three years of successful experience in the same state within the past ten years
• a Master’s degree in the your academic subject area

Pedagogical degrees in the subject area do not meet the requirements for the exemption.

Out-of-state teachers can also apply for a one-year interim certificate.

These interim teaching certificates are issued with a deferral of the testing requirements.

A certificate issued with a testing deferral is nonrenewable.

If you recieve an interim certificate, you need to take and pass your tests by the time your interim certificate expires.

NOTE:  This webpage is not affiliated with ETS, the trademark owners of the Praxis Examinations, or the Connecticut State Department of Education.

Teaching in Delaware –  Testing

If you are interested in teaching in Delaware, you will need a Delaware teaching license.

In order to get your license, you will have to take the Praxis Core test.

FREE PRAXIS CORE PRACTICE

Teaching in Delaware – Initial License

To get your first license for teaching in Delaware you will need to:

• hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
• complete a student teaching program

There are two possible alternatives to the student teaching requirement mentioned above.

The first alternative is to complete a state-approved alternative route.

The other possible alternative is to have one year of teaching experience in a Delaware school.

Teaching in Delaware from Out of State

Those teaching in Delaware with a current out-of-state license can apply for a reciprocal license with Delaware.

Certified teachers from out of state are exempt from the Praxis Core testing requirement.

You can also avoid taking the Praxis Core if you have qualifying scores on certain other certification examinations.

Other certification exams may be accepted if the testing was completed before you started teaching.

In Delaware, teachers must also pass the Praxis subject area tests for each teaching area.

Teaching in Delaware – Praxis

On the official Praxis website, you can download the official Praxis Information Bulletin.

You can also register for the Praxis and find out more about testing preparation materials on by clicking on the following link:

Praxis Teacher Certification Test- Delaware

 How to Apply for your Delaware Teaching License

Teachers must register online and apply through the Delaware Educator Data System (DEEDS).

All teachers need to send official transcripts and test scores to the Delaware Department of Education.

For further information , please see the Delaware Administrative Code for the Issuance of an Initial Teaching License.

NOTE: This website is not associated with ETS, the trademark owners of the Praxis Examinations, nor with the Delaware Department of Education.

Florida Teacher Certification – Testing

In order to get your Florida teacher certification, you will need to take various tests.

The teacher certification test in Florida is called the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE).

FTCE DOWNLOADS

FREE FTCE EXAM PRACTICE

Florida Teacher Certification – FTCE Exam

The FTCE has three parts:

• General Knowledge
• Professional Education
• Subject Area Exams

You may need to take one, two, or all three of the above certification tests, depending on your background and experience.

The General Knowledge Test (GK) has four parts:

Essay – 50 minutes
English Language Skills (ELS) – 40 minutes
Reading – 40 minutes
Math – 100 minutes

Florida Teacher Certification – PEd

If you are applying for a Professional Certificate, you may need to take the Professional Education Test (PEd).

The PEd test is normally taken in the afternoon and will take most of the afternoon.

The testing time is two and a half hours.

The PEd test is a test of pedagogy and professional practice.

It is possible to combine exams, taking an FTCE subject area test in the morning and the PEd test in the afternoon on the same day.

The PEd test is sometimes administered in the morning though, so you will need to check your admission ticket.

Florida Teacher Certification – SAE

The SAE is a subject area exam for your teaching area.

SAE exams usually consist of multiple-choice questions.

If you are teaching English or a foreign language, you will also need to write an essay or have an interview.

Teachers adding a subject area also have to pass a subject area exam in the new teaching area.

SAEs are normally given in the morning and end before noon.

Like the PEd, the testing time for the SAE is normally two and a half hours.

Florida Teacher Certification – Further Information

The Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE) is administered by NESINC on behalf of the Florida Department of Education.

For further information on teacher certification in the state of Florida, please click on the links below:

Florida NESINC – FTCE Examinations

Florida Department of Education – Teacher Certification

NOTE:  This website is not affiliated with NES Pearson Inc, the official FTCE exam, or the Florida Department of Education.

Georgia Teacher Certification – Testing

In order to get Georgia teacher certification, you will have to take the GACE exams.

The GACE evaluates whether you have the knowledge and skills to teach in Georgia public schools.

Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE)

The GACE exams measure your knowledge and skills in relation to established standards.

The exams do not indicate your performance in relation to the performance of other candidates.

The passing score for each test is established by the Georgia Professional Standards Committee.

There are different types of GACE examinations.

Assessments offered by the GACE program include:

• Basic Skills Assessment
• Content Assessments
• Professional Pedagogy Assessment
• Educational Leadership Assessment
• Paraprofessional Assessment

Georgia Teacher Certification – GACE Basic Skills

The Basic Skills assessment evaluates your skills in reading, mathematics, and writing.

The basic skills test has three parts: reading, writing, and math.

The reading and mathematics basic skills tests have multiple choice questions.

The basic skills writing test consists of multiple choice questions and a writing task.

Georgia Teacher Certification – Other Exams

The content assessments test your subject area knowledge.

The Professional Pedagogy test evaluates your knowledge of student development and learning, instruction, and assessment.

The pedagogy exam also tests your knowledge professional roles and responsibilities.

The pedagogy assessment is not needed if you have completed an approved teacher  preparation program.

The Educational Leadership and Paraprofessional Assessments are for school administrators and paraprofessionals.

Georgia Teacher Certification – Further Information

Committees of Georgia educators review and approve all GACE test questions.

The GACE program works with the Georgia Professional Standards Committee.

The examinationa are based on state and national standards and on state standards for the student curriculum.

For further information on Georgia teacher certification, please visit the official GaPSC website by clicking on the link below:

Georgia Professional Standards Committee – Official Website

NOTE:  This website is not affiliated with NES, the official GACE examination, or the Georgia Professional Standards Committee.

Hawaii Teaching License – Testing

In order to apply for your first Hawaii teaching license, you will need to take the Praxis tests.

You may need to take the Praxis Core Test for your college or university before you start your degree program.

The Praxis Core tests your skills in reading, writing, and math.

PRAXIS CORE STUDY GUIDES

You will also need to take the Praxis test for your subject area.

Even if you want to teach in more than one area, you may only need to take the Praxis subject test for your main subject area.

Those who apply from out-of-state may need only one Praxis subject area test, even to teach more than one subject.

In case you do not have a chosen subject area yet, then you will need to take the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test.

There are different passing scores for the Praxis tests for elementary, middle, and high school teachers.

Praxis subject area passing scores also vary according to the subject area.

Educators certified under National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) may be exempt from all Praxis exam requirements.

Praxis Teacher Certification Test – Hawaii

Hawaii Teaching License – How to Qualify for Certification

In order to qualify for teacher certification in the state of Hawaii, you have to do the following:

• Complete a State Approved Teacher Education Program (SATEP)
• Take and pass the basic skills and content knowledge tests in your SATEP area
• Pass the professional fitness requirements
• Pay your license fees

There are three types of licenses in the state of Hawaii.

Each type of Hawaii teaching certificate has different requirements:

1. Provisional licenses are nonrenewable licenses and granted for up to 3 years.
2. Standard licenses are granted for 5 years to educators meeting the Standard License requirements.
3. Advanced Licenses are renewable licenses that are issued for a 5-year period.

Additional information can be found on the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board website:

Hawaii Teacher Standards Board

NOTE:  This website is not associated with ETS, the Praxis exams, or the State of Hawaii Teacher Standards Board.

Idaho Teaching Certificate – Initial License

To get your first Idaho teaching certificate, you need to do the following:

• Hold a bachelor’s or advanced degree
• Complete a state-approved educator preparation program or alternative educator certification program
• Undergo a criminal background check

In addition, you will also need to meet one of the following requirements:

• Take and pass the required Praxis exams in your teaching subject areas
• Hold National Board for Professional Standards Teaching Certification (NBPSTC)
• Obtain Highly Qualified status in your certification area

Highly Qualified status is defined by the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act.

The Idaho Teaching Certificate is also called the Idaho Teaching License.

Idaho Teaching Certificate – Testing

As mentioned above, you will need to take the Praxis subject test in your teaching area.

Please click on the link below for more information.

Praxis Teacher Certification Test – Idaho

Idaho Teaching Certificate – State of Idaho

For more information on getting your Idaho teaching license and teaching in Idaho, please visit:

Idaho State Department of Education

The Idaho Department of Education website also has information on other testing for teacher certification.

These assessments ensure that qualified teachers are employed in Idaho’s schools.

Idaho Teaching Certificate – Further Information

If you are from out of state and have a current teaching certificate, you can request a waiver from testing.

Waivers can be granted upon providing evidence of passing an approved exam or by holding a valid NBPSTC certificate.

For teaching in Idaho for grades kindergarten through grade 12, you will also need to take an exam in literacy.

Areas included in the comprehensive literacy assessment are:

• phonology
• phonics
• fluency
• vocabulary
• comprehension
• writing, assessment
• intervention strategies

To receive your first Idaho teaching license, you have to demonstrate technology skills and classroom management.

The technology skills tests evaluate an understanding of the technology.

They also assess your ability to apply strategies for the using technology in a classroom environment.

Each Idaho school is accountable for evaluating teaching candidates in their teacher preparation programs.

NOTE:  This website is not associated with ETS, the trademark owners of the Praxis exams, nor with the State of Idaho Department of Education.

Illinois Teaching License – Testing

In order to get your Illinois Teaching License, you need to take the ILTS test.

ILTS stands for Illinois Licensure Testing System.

Specifically, you will have to take and pass the Test of Academic Proficiency.

You will also need to take a subject area test and a teaching assessment test.

Illinois Teaching License – TAP Test

The Test of Academic Proficiency is a basic skills test.

Separate tests are given in reading comprehension, language arts and writing, and math.

Each part of the TAP test consists of multiple-choice questions.

The language arts and writing test also includes a written assignment.

You can find score scales, test information, and practice tests on the official ILTS website.

The Illinois Licensure Testing System website has sample essays for the written assignment portion of the language arts and writing test.

Illinois Teacher Licensure Test – Illinois Certification Testing System

A maximum of five attempts is permitted when taking the ILTS teacher certification test.

Illinois Teaching License – Board of Education

You can visit the Illinois State Board of Education website for further information on educator licensure.

You need to pass all education and subject-area courses with a grade of no lower than a C.

Grades of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) will be accepted only if verification is provided by the college or university that the grades are equivalent to a C or higher.

Out-of-state teaching certificate applicants for Illinois teacher certification should download the out-of-state application checklist.

The out-of-state certification checklist is provided in downloadable PDF format.

The Illinois State Board of Education website also has a current list of teaching vacancies in Illinois schools for grades K to 12.

Illinois State Board of Education

NOTE: The ILTS test is administered by Pearson (NESINC) on behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education. This website is not associated with the ILTS test, Pearson (NESINC), or the Illinois State Board of Education.

Indiana Teaching License –  Testing

To get your Indiana teaching license, you will have to take the Praxis subject area test.

You may also have to take the CORE test before you start your college teaching program.

The CORE test assesses your basic skills in reading, writing, and math.

CORE Teacher Certification Test – Indiana

Indiana Teaching License – Initial License

For your first Indiana Teaching License, you  must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree
• Finish an accredited teacher education program
• Take and pass the Praxis subject area exam for your teaching area
• Obtain certification in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver

In addition, teachers in the state of Indiana in any subject area must complete coursework in special education.

Indiana Teaching License – Out-of-State Applicants

Indiana is a member of INTASC (Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium) and the Interstate Certification Compact.

Indiana recognizes accreditation by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Official transcripts must be provided with your application.

You will also need a reference letter of all professional teaching and work related experience from your most recent place of employment.

The Praxis subject test requirement can be waived with three full years of out-of-state teaching experience and with a valid out-of-state teaching license.

Indiana Teaching License – Alternative Paths

Alternative paths to teacher certification in the state of Indiana are available if you hold an advanced degree, i.e. masters level or higher.

The Transition of Teaching program is another alternative certification program in Indiana.

Under this program, you may be exempt from testing requirements if you can show content knowledge in your licensing area.

For further information, please click on the link below:

Illinios Office of Educator Licensing and Development

NOTE: This website is not associated with NES, the Indiana CORE Test, the Praxis Exams, or with the Illinois Office of Educator Licensing and Development.

Iowa Teaching License – Testing

To get an Iowa teaching license, every new elementary teacher must take and pass a content test.

All new teachers in the state of Iowa are usually classified as highly qualified under the No Child Left Behind Act.

You will receive highly qualified status if you have completed an approved teaching preparation program and you are teaching in your license area.

Iowa Teaching License – K to 6

These testing requirement apply to applicants for the K to 3 or the K to 6 teaching, including:

• Endorsement 100 – Pre-kindergarten to Grade 3, including Special Education
• Endorsement 102 – Elementary K–6
• Endorsement 106 – PreK to Grade 3

Iowa Teaching License – Secondary & K-12

Secondary and K–12 programs are not included in the testing requirements.

Iowa Teaching License – Initial License

Initial teaching licenses in Iowa are valid for 2 years and are renewable under set conditions.

In order to receive an initial Iowa teaching license, you need to:

• Have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Complete a teacher preparation program
• Complete the human relations component
• Meet the requirements for a teaching endorsement
• Meet the recency requirement

Iowa Teaching License – Further Information

Class A teaching licenses are valid for 1 year and are not renewable.

Class A licenses are issued if you are in one of the following situations:

1. You have completed a practitioner preparation program, but has not completed all of the components required by Iowa in the professional education core.
2. You have met all of the requirements above except the human relations component.
3. You have met the recency requirements for a valid license but have less than 160 days of teaching in the last five years.
4. You meet all requirements, but will not have a degree granted until the commencement.

For further information, please visit the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners website.

Iowa Board of Educational Examiners

NOTE: This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Iowa Board of Education Examiners, nor by any official examination body.

Kansas Teaching License – Testing

You will need to take the Praxis examinations to get your Kansas teaching license.

Before going to college or university, you may be required to take the Praxis Core tests.

The Praxis Core is a basic skills test in reading, writing, and math.

Click here for Praxis Study Guides

Free Praxis Core Math Practice

When you apply for your Kansas teaching license, you will also have to take the Praxis subject area test for your teaching area.

To get your first Kansas teaching certificate, you need to take the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) Praxis tests.

Be sure to choose the right PLT test for your specialization or level of teaching.

If you want to add a subject area, you will need to take the Praxis subject test for your new area.

Praxis Teacher Certification Test – Kansas

Kansas Teaching License – Board of Education

To teach in Kansas, you must have a Kansas teaching license.

A teaching license requires completion of teacher preparation program in the subject area that you want to teach.

The Kansas State Board of Education sets the requirements for teacher certification in the state of Kansas.

So, teacher preparation programs must be approved by the Kansas State Board of Education.

Your teacher preparation program can be part of a bachelor’s degree or a post-baccalaureate program.

You  can find information on licensing, download application forms, and look for jobs on the State of Kansas website.

To get your first Kansas teaching certificate, you will need to submit a fingerprint card.

You also need to successfully undergo a background check.

Fingerprint cards and instructions can be ordered online on the Kansas Board of Education website.

Kansas State Board of Education

NOTE: This website is not affiliated with ETS, the trademark owners of the Praxis examinations, nor with the State of Kansas Board of Education.

Kentucky Teaching License –  Testing

To get a Kentucky teaching license, you have to complete a teacher preparation program that includes student teaching.

For your first Kentucky teaching certificate, you will need to:

• Complete an approved teacher preparation program
• Pass the appropriate Praxis subject area test
• Complete the Kentucky Teacher Internship Program
• File the appropriate application form and pay the fees
• Check whether you are eligible for any alternative routes to Kentucky educator certification

In addition, you may have to take the Praxis Core Skills Test in reading, writing, and math as part of admission to your teacher preparation course.

PRAXIS CORE STUDY GUIDES

You can visit the Praxis website below for more information on testing dates and test preparation materials.

Praxis Teacher Certification Test – Kentucky

Kentucky Teaching License – Further Information

When you apply for your Kentucky teaching license, you will need to submit the following:

• A completed application form
• Official undergraduate or graduate transcripts
• Proof of full-time classroom teaching experience at the appropriate grade level
• Passing scores for the Praxis subject area tests for each area of certification
• Recommendation letter from your college or university
• If you have less than two years of full-time teaching experience, you also have to submit a Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test score

Your application should be sent to the Education Professional Standards Board for teaching certification in the state of Kentucky

The state of Kentucky requires a recommendation from the college or university where you have received your instruction.

The recommendation should describe the specific teacher preparation program that you have completed, the grades achieved, the degree that was earned, and the completion date of the program.

There are separate application requirements for out-of-state teaching certificate applicants.

Please see the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board website for more information.

Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board

NOTE: This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by ETS, the trademark owners of the Praxis exams, nor with the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board.

Louisiana Teaching Certificate – Testing

In order to receive a Louisiana teaching certificate, you have to do the following:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree
• Complete a teacher preparation program at a college or university or an alternative route of certification
• Successfully complete the Praxis Core sub-tests in reading, writing, and mathematics
• Pass the Praxis test for your subject area
• Take and pass the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam or another pedagogy exam

Praxis Teacher Certification Test – Louisiana

Louisiana Teaching Certificate – Free Exam Practice

You will need to have practice in math, reading, and English in order to take the Praxis Core exams.

Please feel free to visit our free exercises by clicking on the links below:

Free Praxis Core Math Practice

Praxis Core Reading Exercises

Advice on English Language and Writing Skills

Louisiana Teaching Certificate for Out-of-State Teachers

There are separate requirements for getting a Louisiana teaching certificate if you are an out-of-state teacher.

If you have completed a teacher preparation program out of state, and/or have a teaching certificate in another state, you may qualify for an Out-of-State Certificate.

The Louisiana Out-of-State Teaching Certificate is valid for three years.

When you receive a Louisiana Out-of-State Teaching Certificate, it is not renewable.

If you are interested in teaching certificates in other states, please visit the following page:

Requirements for Teaching Licenses in Other States

Louisiana Teaching Certificate – Further Information

You can also visit Teach Louisiana for teaching jobs, as well as for the following information:

• Fees for Certification
• Information of the Different Kinds of Teaching Certificates
• Download Certification Application Forms
• How to Add a Certification Area to Your Existing Certificate
• Praxis Exam Requirements
• Create an Employment Profile
• Check the Status of Your Application
• Information about Highly Qualified Status
• How to Renew Lapsed Certificates
• Teacher Salary Schedules
• State Board of Education News
• Regional Institutional Accrediting Associations
• Special Education Booklet
• Resources for Educational Leaders

NOTE:  This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Educational Testing Service, also known as ETS, which is the trademark owner of the Praxis Examinations. This website is also not affiliated with or endorsed by the Louisiana State Department of Education.

Teaching in Maine  – Testing

If you are interested in teaching in Maine, you will need to pass the Praxis Core exam in reading, writing, and math.

Those applying for their first Maine teaching license need to pass all three sections of the Praxis Core.

PRAXIS CORE STUDY GUIDES

For your first teaching license, you will also need to pass the Praxis PLT test.

Teaching in Maine – Your Initial Certificate

If you are getting certified to teach in Maine for the first time, you have to do the following:

1. complete the application form for teacher certification
2. send an official transcript of all undergraduate or graduate courses, showing the the degree and the date it was earned
3. pay the application fee
4. include an explanation of questions answered with yes on the application from

Teaching in Maine – Other Requirements

Before teaching in Maine, you will need to have your fingerprints taken and submitted to the Maine Department of Education.

There are special requirements for out-of-state teachers and educational specialists.

If you are certified in another state, you will not need to retake the Praxis Core and PLT exams.

Certified educational specialists from another state will not need to retake the PLT exam.

Out-of-state applicants need to submit a copy of their teacher or educational specialist certificate from that state.

Out-of-state applicants must also list the certificate or subject area code and the grade level on their application form.

Teacher Certification – Maine

NOTE: This website is not affiliated with ETS, the Praxis exams, or with the Maine Department of Education.

Maryland Teaching Certificate – Initial Certificate

To get your first Maryland teaching certificate, you need to:

• Have a bachelor’s degree or higher
• Complete an approved or alternate teacher education program at an accredited college or university
• Submit passing scores on the Praxis Core Test, or the ACT, SAT, or GRE
• Take and pass the Praxis subject area for your teaching area
• Take and pass a pedagogy exam, such as the Praxis PTL

Maryland Teaching Certificate – Praxis Exams

You can take the subtests for the Praxis Core individually in reading, writing, and math.

Alternatively, you can take the entire Praxis Core at one sitting and submit a composite score.

Praxis Core Study Guides

The state of Maryland accepts scores from other exams, apart from the Praxis.

The above tests may be taken at any test site in the United States.

Praxis Teacher Certification Test – Maryland

Maryland Teaching Certificate – Other Information

Foreign language teacghers may submit ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) scores in lieu of Praxis subject exam scores.

Alternative exams may also be taken in other certification areas since there are other national and state-approved tests.

Maryland Teaching Certificate – Department of Education

You can see the Maryland State Department of Education website for further information.

The Maryland State Department of Education website has information for out-of-state and foreign applicants.

You can also download application forms and check the status of your certification application on the state of Maryland website.

The Department of Education website has further information on:

• what to submit with an initial application for teacher certification
• credential types and areas for elementary and secondary school teaching
• reinstating and renewing educator licenses
• how to apply for professional and advanced professional teaching certificates

Maryland State Department of Education – Official Website

NOTE:  This website is not affiliated with ETS, the Praxis Examinations, the Maryland State Department of Education, or with any official examining body.

Massachusetts Teaching License – Testing

In order to receive your Massachusetts teaching license, you have to take and pass the MTEL test.

The MTEL is the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure.

One purpose of the test is to evaluate your skills in reading comprehension and writing.

Another purpose is to evaluate your subject area knowledge.

The tests contain multiple-choice items and short-answer questions.

The short-answer questions are open-response questions that involve problem solving or essay writing.

Massachusetts Teaching License – What’s on the MTEL?

As mentioned above, the MTEL includes a subject area test.

These subject tests have to be taken for your teaching area.

There are different types of MTEL exams for the various academic subjects for certification.

You can visit the official MTEL website at the following link for further information:

MTEL Teacher Certification Test – Official Site – Pearson NESINC

Massachusetts Teaching License – Other Information

There are other requirements for getting a Massachusetts Teaching License.

You also have to pass the MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills test.

For foreign language teaching, you will need to take tests in listening and reading comprehension and pass an oral interview in the foreign language.

Massachusetts Teaching License – Initial Requirements

To get your first Massachusetts teaching license, you must hold a bachelor’s degree.

You also must have completed a Massachusetts educator preparation program.

Your initial Massachusetts teaching license is valid for 5 years of employment.

The initial teaching license may be extended one time for 5 additional years of employment.

Massachusetts Teaching License – Other Requirements

Additional coursework may be required if you have not completed an Approved Educator Preparation Program.

You can contact the Massachusetts Department of Education liaison at your college or university for more information.

You need to submit an application to the Office of Educator Licensure to obtain a complete evaluation of the license requirements for your particular area.

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education – Teacher Certification

NOTE:  The MTEL test is administered by NESINC (Pearson) for the Massashusetts Department of Education.  This webapge is not affiliated with or endorsed by NESINC (Pearson) or the Massashusetts Department of Education.

Michigan Teacher Certification – MTTC

To get Michigan teacher certification, you will need to pass the Michigan Test of Teacher Certification, also called the MTTC.

The MTTC Test has a basic skills test and subject-area tests.

The basic skills test has multiple-choice questions in the reading and math subtests.

There is a short answer assignment in the basic skills writing test.

For teachers of foreign languages, the MTTC also contains a World Languages Test.

Michigan Teacher Certification – Test information

Subject-area tests contain multiple-choice questions.

The world language tests contain multiple-choice questions, as well as short answer assignments.

Some questions are included in the test as pilot questions for future exams.

The pilot questions are not counted towards your score.

Michigan Teacher Certification – Application Information

In order to get your first Michigan teacher certificate, you have to:

• complete a state approved teacher preparation program
• pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) subject-area and basic skills exams

Your initial teaching certificate is valid for up to 6 years.

If you are applying from out-of-state, you will need to have completed an approved educator program from a college or university.

Once you have completed the out-of-state program, you can apply for Michigan teacher certification.

Out-of-state applications will be evaluated by the Office of Professional Preparation Services (OPPS).

For the official Michigan Department of Education, please click on the link below:

Michigan Department of Education (OPPS) – Teacher Certification Bulletin

Michigan Teacher Certification – How to Visit Official Site

The official MTTC website had information on how to register for the exam.

You can download official information bulletins and practice materials.

This website also explains how your score is calculated and reported.

For more information, please visit the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification website at the following link:

Michigan Test for Teacher Certification – Official Website

NOTE:  The Michigan Test of Teacher Certification is administered by NESINC (Pearson) on behalf of the Michigan Department of Education. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by NESINC (Pearson) or the Michigan Department of Education.

Minnesota Teaching License – MTLE

To get a Minnesota teaching license, you will need to take the MTLE.

The Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examination (MTLE) is the required assessment for basic skills.

There are also MTLE’s for pedagogical and subject-area knowledge for K–12 teachers in the state of Minnesota.

You have to have  passing scores for the MTLE basic skills test, as well as pedagogy and subject-area tests to teach in Minnesota.

The basic skills test includes examinations in reading, writing, and math.

You are given 60 minutes to complete the basic skills reading test, 90 minutes for the writing test, and 75 minutes for the math test.

Minnesota Teaching License – Pedagogy Tests

Pedagogy tests are given for Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Secondary Education.

Each one of the pedagogy tests lasts for 60 minutes.

Minnesota Teaching License – Other Tests

Further information on the subject-area tests, also known as the content-area tests, is provided on the official MTLE examination website.

For licensed teachers wishing to add another area to their licenses, the subject knowledge test in the new area will be required.

You can find testing centers and register for the exam on the MTLE website.

Please visit the official Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examination (MTLE) website below for further information:

Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examination

Minnesota Teaching License – Dept. of Ed.

You can apply for a Minnesota teaching license through the Minnesota Department of Education website.

The Minnesota Department of Education website has information on the state requirements for initial certification.

The website also provides the following information:

• Reading Programs Approved in Minnesota
• Science Licensure by Test
• Licensure Fields and Rule Requirements
• Alternative Pathway Information
• Information on Teacher Shortage Areas
• Adding a Field to an Existing Educator License
• Out-of-state Teaching Licensure Information and Forms
• Downloadable Forms and Bulletins

For further information, please visit the Minnesota Department of Education, Teacher Certification Division, by clicking on the link below.

Minnesota Department of Education – Teacher Licensure

NOTE:  This webpage has no affiliation with the Pearson Education Inc, the trademark owners of the MTLE exams, or with the Minnesota Department of Education.

Mississippi Teacher Licensure – Praxis Core

If you want to apply for Mississippi teacher licensure, you will have to take the Praxis Exams.

Prior to entering a teacher education program at your college or university, you may be required to take the Praxis Core Test.

The Praxis Core will assess your basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.

If you are applying through an alternative route, you are also required to take the Praxis core test.

Praxis Core Study Guides

Mississippi Teacher Licensure – PLT

Teacher education program graduates for all subject areas have to take and pass the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test.

The PLT test will be taken for the grade level that most closely corresponds to the one you are going to teach.

The PLT test is not necessary if you are applying through an alternate route.

Mississippi Teacher Licensure – Subject Areas

Traditional and alternate route teaching candidates have to take the  Praxis subject-area tests for each of their subjects.

You can find out how to register for the Praxis exams by clicking on the link below:

Praxis Teacher Certification Test – Mississippi

Mississippi Teacher Licensure – Dept. Of Ed.

The Mississippi Department of Education Educator Licensure Home Page has information on:

• Praxis Test Requirements
• Teacher Education Route Licenses
• Alternate Route Licenses
• Special Five Year Educator Licenses
• Vocational Educator Licenses
• Licenses by District Request Only
• Administrator Licenses
• Reciprocity – Two Year Licenses
• Reciprocity – Five Year Licenses
• Information for Foreign Teaching Applicants
• Supplemental Endorsements
• Renewal and Reinstatement of Teaching Licenses

Mississippi Teacher Licensure – Further Information

For further information, visit the Mississippi Department of Education Educator Licensure Division Home Page:

Mississippi Department of Education Educator Licensure Home Page

NOTE:  This webpages is not affiliated with or endorse by ETS, the trademark owners of the Praxis Exams, or with the Mississippi Department of Education.

Missouri Teaching Certificate – Testing

In order to get a Missouri teaching certificate, you may have to take the CBASE test.

The CBASE test is the College Basic Academic Subjects Examination.

You may have to take the test before you begin your course of study.

The College Basic Academic Subjects Examination is a test of general knowledge.

Click Here for Free CBASE Test Practice in Math

To apply for a Missouri teaching certificate, you also have to take the appropriate Praxis subject area tests for each of your teaching areas.

Missouri Teaching Certificate – Initial License

The requirements for getting your initial Missouri teaching certificate are as follows:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree
• Complete an approved teacher education program
• Take and pass the Praxis test for your subject area

For more information on the Praxis exams, please visit the official Praxis website:

Praxis Teacher Certification Test – Missouri

Missouri Teaching Certificate – Routes

On the State of Missouri Department of Education website, you can get further information on:

• Routes to educator licensure in Missouri, including traditional and alternative routes
• Out-of-State Certified Route
• American Board of Certification for Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) Route
• Doctoral Route
• Other Routes to Certification
• Information on Providing Fingerprints and Your Background Check
• Subject Area Requirements
• Reactivating Teaching Certificates
• Renewing Teaching Certificates
• Replacing Teaching Certificates
• Professional Development
• FAQs

You can update your personal and educational information on the Department of education website.

 Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

NOTE: This webpage is not affiliated with the Praxis Exam, the CBASE Exam, or with the Missouri Department of Education.

Teaching in New Jersey – Testing

If you are interested in teaching in New Jersey, you will need to:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university
• Complete an approved teacher education program
• Maintain the cumulative Grade Point Average requirement
• Submit passing scores for the Praxis exam for your subject certification area
• File the appropriate forms and pay the application fees

For information on the Praxis exams, please click on the link below:

Praxis Teacher Certification Test – New Jersey

Teaching in New Jersey – Physiology & Hygiene

To become certified for teaching in New Jersey, you will also need to pass an examination in physiology and hygiene.

You will take the examination in physiology and hygiene at the county offices of education.

Instead of the examination in physiology and hygiene, you can present basic military training or college level study in related subject areas.

Teaching in New Jersey – Other Exams

The State of New Jersey Educator Licensing Code lists the requirements for obtaining provisional and standard initial teaching certificates.

If you are applying for certification in New Jersey in elementary education or in secondary education subject fields, you will have to pass the Praxis Subject Area Test.

All teacher have to take the Praxis subject area tests, including teachers who are certified in other states.

There are certain exemptions from taking the Praxis subject test.

For the Speech-language Specialist certificate, you have to pass the Speech-language Pathology Specialty Area test.

Teaching in New Jersey – Further Information

Applicants for Principal certificates must pass the School Leadership Series: School Leaders Licensure Assessment test (SLLA).

In order to obtain the School Administrator certificate, you must pass the School Leadership Series: School Superintendent Assessment test (SSA).

The SLLA and SSA tests are part of the School Leadership Series.

It is your responsibility to register for the correct test that you need to take, so be sure to check the test requirements carefully.

For further information on teaching certification and licensure in the state of New Jersey, please click on the link below:

New Jersey Department of Education – Teacher Certification and Licensing

NOTE:  This webpage is not affiliated with or endorsed by ETS, the Praxis Exams, or the New Jersey Department of Education.