Introduction
Becoming a certified teacher is a dream for many individuals across the country. With the many unique state requirements and testing standards, understanding each state’s certification process can be confusing. This article is your ultimate guide to understanding teacher certification exams in every state, so you can feel more prepared and confident as you embark on your quest to become an educator.
Alabama
The Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program (AECTP) includes three components: the Basic Skills Assessment (BESA), the Praxis II Content Knowledge exam, and the Praxis II Pedagogy exam. Prospective teachers must pass each of these tests to obtain certification.
Alaska
Alaska measures educator proficiency through the Praxis Core, Praxis Subject Assessments, and Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) tests. All teachers must pass these exams in order to be certified.
Arizona
Arizona requires aspiring teachers to pass the National Evaluation Series (NES) Essential Academic Skills test, as well as a subject knowledge exam and a professional knowledge exam relevant to their desired teaching level.
California
California teacher candidates must pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), as well as either the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) Multiple Subject test or a Single Subject test depending on their focus.
Colorado
Teachers seeking licensure in Colorado must pass the PLACE (Program for Licensing Assessments for Colorado Educators) or NES exams, depending on the specific subject area or endorsement.
Connecticut
Aspiring educators in Connecticut need to pass the Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test along with the Praxis II Content Knowledge exam and PLT tests related to their specific subject area.
Delaware
Delaware’s teacher certification process revolves around passing Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators, appropriate Praxis Subject Assessments, and PLT tests.
Florida
Florida requires prospective teachers to master three exams as part of the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) program, including the General Knowledge Test, the Professional Education Test, and the Subject Area Examinations.
Georgia
The Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) program mandate Basic Skills, Content Knowledge, and Pedagogy assessments for teacher licensure in Georgia.
Hawaii
Hawaii relies on Praxis Core, Praxis Subject Assessments, and Hawaii-specific teacher performance assessments to assess educator competency.
Idaho
Idaho teachers must pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators tests, relevant Praxis Subject Assessments, and PLT tests.
Illinois
The Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) includes the Test of Academic Proficiency, content-area tests, and the Assessment of Professional Teaching depending on grade level endorsement.
Indiana
In Indiana, prospective teachers must complete the Indiana CORE Assessments, which include tests in basic skills; developmental/pedagogy; and subject areas.
Iowa
Iowa uses the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam, Praxis Subject Assessments, and PLT tests to measure teacher competency.
Kansas
Kansas evaluates teaching candidates through Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exams and appropriate content assessment exams from either ETS or Pearson.
Kentucky
Kentucky requires individuals to pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam series along with appropriate subject-matter specific Praxis tests and Kentucky Teacher Internship Program assessments.
Louisiana
Louisiana prospective educators must pass a subject-matter exam through either the PRAXIS or NTE series before being certified.
