testing for certification

Each state has its own requirements for teacher licensing or certification, and in most states, testing is part of those requirements whether you are in a traditional teacher education program or in an alternative program. The required tests typically fall into three categories: testing for general knowledge (basic skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics), testing for specific subject areas, and testing for professional knowledge (educational pedagogy and professional responsibilities).

There is no nationally accepted certification exam. However, the Praxis Series provides tests and other services for states to use as a part of their teacher licensing and certification processes.

• Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Tests measure basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.
• Praxis II: Subject Assessments measure content knowledge of the subjects you teach.

State requirements change frequently, but a recent review of Praxis registration information shows the Praxis Series being used in 39 states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DOODS), and Guam. Other states have developed their own teacher certification examinations (examples include the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification program, the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations, and the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations).

Significant changes in testing requirements are the result of the No Child Left Behind legislation. Under this law, the “highly qualified teacher” must meet the testing requirements based on the grade level being taught.

• New elementary teachers must have a bachelor's degree and also must pass a state test to demonstrate their knowledge and teaching skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and other areas of the elementary curriculum. If the state certification or license tests measure such subject matter knowledge, it will meet this requirement.
• New middle and high school teachers must have a bachelor's degree. They can prove competence in their subject area either by passing a state subject matter test, which can be the state's license exam, or by having an academic major, a graduate degree, an advanced certificate, or coursework equivalent to an academic major in the subject area. This new requirement applies to "core academic subjects," which include English, reading or language arts, mathematics, science, foreign language, civics and government, economics, arts, history, and geography.

For information about the Praxis Series, visit the Educational Testing Service.

State requirements change frequently; therefore it is recommended that you visit each state’s department of education site for current testing requirements. The following sites provide links to each state:

• National Center for Alternative Certification
• RNT National Teacher Recruitment Clearinghouse