Teacher Certification Exams State-by-State

• Instructor Certification Examination Overview
• Knowledgeable Suggestions and Recommendation for Instructor Certification Exams
• State-by-State Testing Necessities for 2026
• Instructor Certification Exams FAQs
• Don’t neglect to seize your free instructing portfolio templates earlier than you go!

It takes quite a lot of work to turn into a instructor. Along with coaching, learning, and scholar instructing, in lots of circumstances you additionally need to move instructor certification exams. Each single U.S. state requires certification of some type, however every one is completely different.

Whether or not you might be learning for the Praxis, NES, or a state-required examination, check out this record to get an thought of the assessments you could must take to earn your certificates or license by state. Plus, get suggestions for taking (and passing!) your exams from the consultants!

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Instructor Certification Examination Overview

Listed here are a number of notes on instructor assessments on the whole:

• For those who’re incomes your preliminary instructing license or certificates via your faculty coaching program, excellent news! They’ll let you know which assessments you should take and will enable you organize for them.
• Whereas most new lecturers earn their licenses via faculty instructor coaching packages, many states provide different routes. Most often, required assessments stay the identical, however this may differ by state.
• For those who’re transferring from one state to a different and want a brand new license, you could or might not must take instructor certification exams. Use the state-level hyperlinks on this web page to seek out extra data.
• Many states use at the very least some nationally standardized assessments, often from organizations like ETS Praxis or Pearson NES. You’ll discover extra data about these assessments on the businesses’ web sites, linked right here in your comfort.
• Some states provide endorsements on licenses or certificates, which might require further assessments. Not all of these assessments could also be listed right here, so make sure to examine with the state when you’ve got questions.
• Some states require assessments for substitute lecturers and lecturers’ aides, which aren’t listed right here. Verify along with your state for necessities.

And at last: States are continuously altering, revising, and updating their testing necessities. This data is correct as of spring 2026 however can change at any time. So at all times confirm the assessments you’ll must take earlier than signing up.

Knowledgeable Suggestions and Recommendation for Instructor Certification Exams

For complimentary suggestions and techniques that you should utilize in any state, take a look at The Educator’s Must-Have Guide to Excel at U.S. Teacher Certification Exams from Moreland College. Moreland additionally supplies many free state-specific guides for teacher certification processes together with certification exams.

7 Suggestions From the Consultants

Dedicate simply 20 minutes a day to review. Constant each day observe over an extended interval yields higher outcomes than three-hour cram periods.
—Kathleen Jasper, Ed.D. (@kj_kathleenjasper)

We requested two test-prep professionals to provide us their prime suggestions for prepping for and taking your instructor certification exams: Kathleen Jasper, Ed.D. (@kj_kathleenjasper) and Robin Cornecki (@robin.cornecki). Each have in style Instagram accounts the place they recurrently share useful recommendation—make sure to comply with them for extra nice suggestions!

1. Entry the take a look at blueprint.

“Seek for and obtain the precise take a look at blueprint and specs by looking for your take a look at title, quantity, and the time period ‘take a look at blueprint and specification,’” Kathleen recommends. The take a look at blueprint outlines the content material, studying goals, and cognitive ranges of an examination, so that you’ll know precisely what data the take a look at covers.

2. Examine the classes—not simply random issues.

“Certification exams just like the Praxis are constructed round particular content material domains,” Robin explains. “As an alternative of leaping between random questions, arrange your learning by class (algebra, capabilities, statistics & likelihood, instructing duties). Once you do that, you begin to acknowledge the patterns of questions that present up repeatedly—and that’s when the take a look at begins to really feel predictable.”

3. Assume like a take a look at maker.

“Evaluation the specs within the blueprint and notice key phrases and phrases,” advises Kathleen. “These phrases typically seem within the right reply selections. This shift in perspective helps you strategy the examination from the maker’s viewpoint somewhat than the take a look at taker’s.”

4. Examine incrementally.

Kathleen additionally affords this easy tip: “Dedicate simply 20 minutes a day to review. Whether or not it’s studying a brief part or finishing a part of a observe take a look at, constant each day observe over an extended interval yields higher outcomes than three-hour cram periods.”

5. Concentrate on understanding, not simply solutions.

“These exams don’t simply take a look at if you may get the appropriate reply—they take a look at for those who perceive why,” Robin stresses. “Follow explaining your reasoning out loud or writing a fast justification. That is particularly vital for teaching-task questions, the place your clarification issues simply as a lot as your math.”

6. Work backward from the reply selections.

“Search for ‘good phrases’ in potential solutions and eradicate selections containing ‘unhealthy phrases,” Kathleen suggests. “This technique is especially efficient for scenario-based questions. Follow this technique whereas learning to see if it really works for you earlier than making use of it on take a look at day.”

7. Follow prefer it’s the true take a look at.

“Lots of people examine passively however by no means construct test-day stamina,” cautions Robin. “Use a timer, work via a full set of questions with out notes, after which evaluate your errors. Additionally take note of pacing. For instance, the center faculty math examination has 66 questions in 180 minutes—that’s about 2.5 minutes per query. Coaching your timing forward of time makes an enormous distinction in confidence.”

Dealing With Instructor Certification Check Nervousness

Scuffling with a certification examination does NOT imply you’re a nasty instructor. You’ll move! Simply hold making an attempt and you’ll succeed!
—Robin Cornecki (@robin.cornecki)

Each Robin and Kathleen supplied one main tip which will enable you for those who’re feeling nervous concerning the take a look at: It’s OK for those who don’t move the primary time!

“Do not forget that many individuals take these exams greater than as soon as earlier than incomes their certification; needing a number of makes an attempt is regular,” assures Kathleen. In truth, in accordance with Robin, solely 45% of individuals move these exams on their first attempt!

“These assessments measure a really particular mixture of content material data and test-taking technique—and lots of robust educators want a couple of try,” Robin shares. “And on the finish of the day, passing isn’t about realizing the whole lot—it’s about realizing sufficient of the appropriate issues.”

With that in thoughts, listed below are some suggestions from these take a look at execs to assist calm your take a look at nervousness:

• “Remove the concern of the unknown. Understanding the construction and specs of the examination is the easiest way to scale back nervousness,” Kathleen recommends. That’s why she suggests downloading the take a look at blueprint prematurely.
• Use observe assessments to get accustomed to the query type. Robin says, “Plenty of nervousness comes from not realizing what to anticipate. The extra you observe with questions that appear like the precise examination, the much less intimidating it turns into.”
• Don’t let your examine periods stress you out. “Break learning into small, structured periods,” urges Robin. “Concentrate on one matter at a time as an alternative of making an attempt to cowl the whole lot without delay. Small wins construct confidence shortly.”
• One final tip from Robin: “Concentrate on progress, not perfection. You don’t want to know the whole lot to move. These exams are designed so you’ll be able to miss questions and nonetheless succeed. The aim is regular enchancment—not perfection. You possibly can at all times flag an issue and return to it to eradicate the strain of getting each merchandise right.”

Get more general test-taking tips and strategies here.

State-by-State Testing Necessities for 2026

And now, on to the testing necessities by state! Keep in mind, this data is correct in accordance with particular person state web sites as of spring 2026. All the time examine along with your instructor prep program or state division of training for essentially the most up-to-date data because it applies to your individual private journey towards turning into a instructor.

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The Alabama Educator Certification Evaluation Program (AECAP) requires lecturers to move these exams:

Alaska requires two sorts of assessments for instructor certification:

Arizona makes use of a mix of NES and AEPA assessments, collectively known as the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments.

Arkansas examination necessities rely upon the age and topic(s) you intend to show.

California administers its personal set of instructor certification exams. Required assessments differ by age and topic and embody:

In Colorado, you could not must take any content material data assessments for those who full accredited instructor prep faculty packages. Some endorsements or different paths to certification might require Praxis topic assessments. Learn more about Colorado licensing exams here.

Connecticut requires content material data exams, primarily supplied by Praxis and Pearson.

In Delaware, you’ll must move content material data exams.

Florida makes use of its personal instructor certification exams program, often known as FTCE (Florida Instructor Certification Examinations). There are three sorts of assessments all lecturers must move:

• General Knowledge Test: This four-part take a look at measures your fundamental studying, writing, and math expertise. It contains multiple-choice questions and an essay.
• Professional Education Test: The pedagogy {and professional} expertise take a look at is comprised of roughly 120 multiple-choice questions.
• Subject Area Examinations: Topic space examinations could also be multiple-choice solely or may embody written and oral sections, relying on the topic and age. Some assessments have a number of subtests.

Georgia has developed its personal instructing testing program, GACE (Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators). Starting in 2025, these assessments are administered via Analysis Methods, Pearson. Checks embody:

• Content material Examinations: These take a look at your data of subject material. Completely different assessments are required primarily based on the age and topic(s) you intend to show. See the full list of Georgia content exams here.
• Georgia Ethics Assessment: This evaluation contains coaching modules and scenario-based questions centered on moral decision-making and the Georgia Code of Ethics for Educators. It’s required for candidates in search of instructor certification in Georgia.

Hawaii permits candidates to display required instructing competencies via accredited preparation packages, Praxis exams, or different verification strategies, relying on the certification pathway. See full details of Hawaii Praxis tests here.

• Praxis Core Tutorial Abilities for Educators: This assessments your fundamental studying, writing, and math expertise. Candidates can generally meet the fundamental expertise requirement via SAT/ACT scores or different measures.
• Rules of Studying and Educating: There are a number of variations of the PLT take a look at, primarily based on the age stage(s) you intend to show.
• Praxis Topic Evaluation Checks: You’ll take a special take a look at or sequence of assessments relying on the age and topic(s) you’ll be instructing.

Idaho requires the suitable Praxis Subject Assessments for the world and topic(s) you intend to show. Some assessments have a number of subtests in-built. Learn more about Idaho’s required Praxis tests here.

NOTE: Illinois beforehand required the edTPA. In 2025, this requirement was suspended and is at the moment waived via August 31, 2029.

• ILTS Content Knowledge Tests: Illinois requires candidates to move the suitable Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) content-area take a look at, administered by Pearson, for the topic and grade stage they plan to show.

Indiana makes use of Praxis to manage its instructor certification assessments, listed under. Learn more about Indiana Praxis tests here.

• Rules of Studying and Educating: There are a number of variations of the PLT take a look at, primarily based on the age stage(s) you intend to show.
• Praxis Topic Assessments: The required content material data exams differ primarily based on the certification you’re in search of.

In Iowa, for those who full a state-approved instructor prep program, licensure exams usually are not required. You’ll be granted your preliminary instructing license after finishing this system and assembly state necessities.

If transferring to the state of Iowa, lecturers want to point out proof of finishing an accredited out-of-state program together with transcript evaluate. Learn more about Iowa’s out-of-state program here.

As of 2023, Kansas now not requires the Rules of Studying and Educating (PLT) Praxis examination. Kansas still requires Praxis Subject Assessments particular to the ages and topic(s) you’ll be instructing.

Kentucky has a number of instructor testing necessities. Learn more about Kentucky Praxis tests here.

• Praxis Core Tutorial Abilities for Educators: This assessments your fundamental studying, writing, and math expertise. Instructor prep packages require it for admission (minimal ACT and GRE scores may accepted).
• Rules of Studying and Educating (PLT): There are a number of variations of the Praxis PLT take a look at, primarily based on the age stage(s) you intend to show.
• Praxis Topic Assessments: These take a look at your data of the topic space(s) you want to train, relying on grade stage. See the Kentucky required tests here.

Louisiana requires the next instructor exams. Find out more about Louisiana’s Praxis exams here.

• Rules of Studying and Educating (PLT): There are a number of variations of the Praxis PLT take a look at, primarily based on the age stage(s) you intend to show.
• Praxis Topic Assessments: These take a look at your data of the topic space(s) you want to train, relying on grade stage. See the full list of required Louisiana tests here.

In 2022, Maine eradicated its Praxis testing necessities. As an alternative, lecturers should full an accredited instructor prep faculty with a median GPA of three.0 in required programs, OR bear a portfolio evaluate by the Maine Division of Training. Learn more about Maine’s teacher certification process here.

Maryland has a number of instructor testing necessities. Explore the Maryland Praxis assessments here.

• Praxis Core Tutorial Abilities for Educators: This assessments your fundamental studying, writing, and math expertise. You could waive this examination requirement with minimum scores on the ACT, SAT, or GRE.
• Praxis Topic Assessments: These take a look at your data of the topic space(s) you want to train, relying on grade stage. See the Maryland required tests here.
• Pedagogy Efficiency Evaluation: Maryland is in a transition interval for this evaluation class. Till August 31, 2026, the Praxis Rules of Studying and Educating (PLT) examination, the edTPA, OR the Praxis PPAT (Praxis Performance Assessment of Teachers) are all acceptable choices. Starting September 1, 2026, candidates should take the edTPA to meet this requirement.

The Massachusetts Checks for Educator Licensure (MTEL) program oversees instructor testing within the state. Right here’s an outline of the present take a look at necessities for many instructor licensure candidates:

NOTE: In 2025, Massachusetts started accepting accredited options to the MTEL assessments for some candidates. Find out more about these alternatives for Massachusetts here.

You’ll must move the suitable MTTC (Michigan Test for Teacher Certification) content material exams. These Pearson-administered assessments differ primarily based on the ages and topic(s) you’ll be instructing. Some candidates should additionally move the MTTC Skilled Information and Abilities examination that evaluates instructing and pedagogical data. Learn more about MTTC exams here.

As of 2023, Minnesota removed the statutory MTLE exam (Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exams) requirements for Tier 3 and 4 candidates who full an accredited licensure program. Nonetheless, practically all candidates do must take the edTPA to meet Minnesota licensure requirements.

Mississippi has a number of testing necessities. See the Mississippi Praxis test details here.

In Missouri, instructor candidates should move Praxis Topic Assessments, which differ primarily based on the ages and topics you intend to show. Explore Missouri’s required Praxis exams here.

Montana candidates may take the Praxis Subject Assessments tests acceptable to the ages and topic(s) they’ll be instructing, or meet this requirement with a passing rating on a scholar instructing portfolio verified by the suitable faculty/college official from the EPP, OR a 3.00 or greater coursework GPA, as verified by the suitable faculty/college official from the EPP.

In Nebraska, candidates who full an accredited instructor preparation program are now not required to take Praxis exams. Another pathways to instructor certification should still require these assessments. Learn more about Nebraska’s teacher certification here.

Nevada makes use of Praxis exams—find the specific tests required for Nevada teachers here.

• Praxis Core Tutorial Abilities for Educators: This assessments your fundamental studying, writing, and math expertise. (You might be able to submit qualifying scores from other exams such as the ACT, SAT, or GRE to satisfy this requirement.)
• Rules of Studying and Educating (PLT): There are a number of variations of the Praxis PLT, primarily based on the age stage(s) you intend to show. Elementary Training endorsement candidates are not required to take this take a look at.
• Praxis Topic Evaluation Checks: These take a look at your data of the topic space(s) you want to train, relying on grade stage. See the Nevada required tests here.

New Hampshire’s instructor testing necessities embody:

• Basic Academic Skills Assessment: To point out proficiency in studying, writing, and math, you could have a number of choices. You possibly can take the Pearson Important Tutorial Abilities take a look at, OR rating at or above the fiftieth percentile within the ACT, SAT, GRE, and different assessments, or use different choices. Learn more here.
• Pearson Topic Space Checks: These take a look at your content material data of the topic space(s) you want to train, relying on grade stage. See the New Hampshire required tests here.

New Jersey makes use of Praxis Topic Assessments, which differ primarily based on the topic(s) and ages you intend to show. (The state now not requires the Praxis Core Tutorial expertise take a look at.) Find out more about New Jersey’s Praxis tests here.

New Mexico makes use of a instructing portfolio evaluation instead of standardized exams for a lot of candidates. Nonetheless, all elementary training candidates should take the Praxis Educating Studying: Elementary Examination. Particular training licenses require the Praxis: Particular Training: Foundational Information examination. See New Mexico’s Praxis exams here.

These Pearson exams are required in New York:

North Carolina requires a number of assessments for instructor certification.

North Dakota makes use of Praxis exams for instructor licensure. See the full set of North Dakota Praxis exams here.

• Praxis Core Tutorial Abilities for Educators: This assessments your fundamental studying, writing, and math expertise. Instructor prep packages require it for admission.
• Rules of Studying and Educating (PLT): There are a number of variations of the Praxis PLT, primarily based on the age stage(s) you intend to show.
• Praxis Subject Assessments: These take a look at your data of the topic space(s) you want to train, relying on grade stage. See the North Dakota required tests here.

In Ohio, these are the testing necessities:

Oklahoma requires these assessments:

Most candidates in Oregon take the suitable Oregon Educator Licensure Assessments (ORELA), administered by Pearson. A couple of topic areas nonetheless require Praxis assessments as a result of Oregon has not adopted a corresponding ORELA examination.

Listed here are Pennsylvania’s instructor certification examination necessities:

Rhode Island makes use of Praxis assessments for instructor certification. These assessments embody pedagogy and content material data evaluation. See Rhode Island’s testing requirements here.

South Carolina instructor assessments embody:

South Dakota makes use of these tests:

Tennessee makes use of the next assessments:

Instructor certification exams in Texas embody:

In Utah, instructor candidates incomes their instructing license within the areas of early childhood, elementary training, and particular training should move the Utah Foundations of Reading Assessment.

Vermont requires a number of Praxis assessments. See the details for Vermont’s test requirements here.

In Virginia, testing necessities embody:

Washington requires two sorts of instructor assessments:

West Virginia makes use of Praxis assessments for instructor licensing. See the full list of West Virginia Praxis tests here.

• Praxis Core Tutorial Abilities for Educators: This assessments your fundamental studying, writing, and math expertise. It’s required for admission to instructor prep packages, however can be waived with minimum ACT/SAT scores or by meeting other requirements.
• Rules of Studying and Educating (PLT): There are a number of variations of the Praxis PLT, primarily based on the age stage(s) you intend to show.
• Praxis Topic Assessments: These take a look at your data of the topic space(s) you want to train, relying on grade stage.

Wisconsin instructor certification exams embody:

Wyoming has solely these necessities:

• Content Knowledge: Solely two preliminary licensures require these Praxis assessments—Early Childhood, Elementary Training, and Social Research Composite.
• U.S. & Wyoming Constitution: You possibly can meet this requirement by passing an accredited faculty course or passing two 20-question multiple-choice assessments.

Instructor Certification Exams FAQs

How do I do know which exams to take?

Each state has its personal instructor certification necessities, lots of which require standardized exams. For those who’re enrolled in a instructor prep program within the state the place you intend to show, they’ll enable you perceive the native testing necessities. For those who’re planning to show in a special state after you graduate out of your program, go to the person state’s web site (listed above) for all the main points.

How a lot does it price to take instructor certification exams?

The overall prices of the exams varies relying in your state and the assessments which are required. For standardized assessments supplied by firms like Praxis, assessments are likely to vary from $90 to $200. Most states require a couple of take a look at, so common testing prices might vary from about $400 to $650.

Vital notice: Some states provide assessments at no cost, reimburse lecturers as soon as they move, or provide vouchers to assist cut back prices. Verify along with your state for full particulars. For those who’re having bother affording the testing charges, discuss to your instructor prep program advisor about potential monetary assist choices.

The place do you go to take instructor certification exams?

As soon as once more, this varies from state to state. Many standardized assessments are supplied in-person at testing facilities, and also you might be able to take a few of them on-line from a distant location. Be aware that you just’ll must register in your assessments prematurely—you’ll be able to’t simply present up on the testing day.

What’s the easiest way to arrange for certification exams?

Obtain the take a look at blueprint (do a seek for your take a look at title and quantity with the phrase “take a look at blueprint”) to be taught the precise content material, studying goals, and cognitive ranges of an examination. Examine in brief increments over an extended time period, somewhat than making an attempt to cram . Take observe exams, and replicate the testing situations as intently as potential (timing, setting, and many others.). The extra you put together, the extra acquainted the whole lot might be on testing day—and the extra relaxed you’ll really feel.

I failed my instructor certification examination—now what?

Don’t panic! Many individuals don’t move these tough exams on their first attempt. Study your take a look at’s particular retest insurance policies (you’ll often must pay the payment once more for retakes). Then, take into consideration the components of the take a look at you discovered most tough, and evaluate any data the take a look at directors offered about your efficiency. Spend a while specializing in these particular areas earlier than you try a retake. Nonetheless struggling? Think about working with a one-on-one tutor for customized help.

Don’t neglect to seize your free instructing portfolio templates earlier than you go!

A powerful instructing portfolio may help you land your first instructing job! Learn to put one collectively and get free customizable templates by clicking the button under and filling out the shape.

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Plus, take a look at 40 Philosophy of Education Examples for Job-Hunting Teachers.