It takes a lot of work to become a teacher. In addition to training, studying, and student teaching, in many cases you also have to pass teacher certification exams. Every single U.S. state requires exams of some sort, but each one is very different.
Whether you are studying for the Praxis, NES or a state-required exam, take a look at this list to get an idea of the tests you may need to take to earn your certificate or license by state.
Teacher Certification Exam Overview
Here are a few notes on teacher tests in general:
- If you’re earning your initial teaching license or certificate through your college training program, good news! They’ll tell you which tests you need to take and may help you arrange for them.
- While most new teachers earn their licenses through college teacher training programs, many states offer alternative routes. In most cases, required tests remain the same, but this can vary by state.
- If you’re moving from one state to another and need a new license, you may or may not need to take teacher certification exams. Use the state-level links on this page to find more information.
- Many states use at least some nationally standardized tests, usually from organizations like ETS Praxis or Pearson NES. You’ll find more info about those tests on the companies’ websites, linked here for your convenience.
- Some states offer endorsements on licenses or certificates, which can require additional tests. Not all of those tests may be listed here, so be sure to check with the state if you have questions.
- Some states require tests for substitute teachers and teachers’ aides, which aren’t listed here. Check with your state for requirements.
And finally: States are constantly changing, revising, and updating their testing requirements. This information is accurate as of summer 2022 but can change at any time. So always verify the tests you’ll need to take before signing up. And now, on to the testing requirements by state!
A – F States
G – L States
M – N States
O – T States
U – W States
Alabama
In Alabama, teachers take two types of exams:
- edTPA: This exam verifies your knowledge of educational planning, instruction, and assessment for the age and area you wish to teach. Find more details about the Alabama edTPA exams here.
- Praxis Subject Assessments: These tests measure your content area knowledge. Learn more about Alabama’s Praxis Subject Assessments here.
Alaska
Alaska requires two types of tests for teacher certification:
- Basic Competency Exam (BCE): Alaska accepts multiple exams for this category, including the Praxis CASE test, ACT and SAT scores, GRE, and more. See their website for a list of the exams and minimum score requirements.
- Content Area Examinations: All content exams for Alaska are administered through Praxis, with different requirements based on the ages and subjects you wish to be certified in. See the complete list on their site.
Arizona
In Arizona, there are three areas in which teachers must prove their proficiency, known as the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments:
- Professional Knowledge: Elementary and secondary education professional knowledge tests for Arizona are administered by NES. For early education, Arizona has its own customized assessment.
- Subject Knowledge: Depending on the subject, Arizona uses several kinds of tests. Most subjects are measured by standard NES exams. When NES exams aren’t available for a subject, Arizona has created customized tests that conform to their learning standards. In some cases, a college degree with at least 24 semester hours in this subject area can waive this testing requirement. Learn more here.
- Constitutions of Arizona and the U.S.: For this requirement, you can either pass an approved college course or take the 2.5-hour Constitutions of the United States and Arizona test.
Arkansas
Arkansas exam requirements depend on the age and subject(s) you plan to teach.
- Foundations of Reading: Elementary Education K-6 and Special Education K-12 certifications require this exam. It tests your knowledge and understanding of reading and writing development, and it is administered by Pearson.
- Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT): Take the appropriate exam for the age level you’ll be teaching.
- Subject Assessments: You’ll need to pass Praxis exams in your area of subject matter expertise, depending on the age and subjects you’ll be teaching. See the list of required subject matter exams here.
California
California administers its own set of teacher certification exams (note that Praxis II exams are no longer accepted, with the exception of Speech-Language Pathology). Required tests vary by age and subject and include:
- California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST): This tests your basic reading, writing, and math skills. All teachers must pass this test, unless they meet one of the equivalent qualifications.
- California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET): CSETs cover specialized subject matter knowledge, usually in a series of subtests. Learn more about them here.
- Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA): For a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential or Education Specialist Teaching Credential, you must pass the RICA. It tests your knowledge of effecting reading instruction.
- Assessment of Professional Knowledge: All teachers must pass the NES Professional Knowledge assessment applicable to their grade level (Elementary or Secondary).
Colorado
In Colorado, you can bypass testing by completing approved college programs in many cases. Some endorsements do require Praxis content knowledge tests. Learn more here.
Connecticut
ADVERTISEMENT
Connecticut requires content knowledge exams, offered by Praxis and Pearson.
- Praxis Content Knowledge Assessments: Content knowledge exams are required by age and subject area. See details here.
- Foundations of Reading Test: This Pearson test is required for Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Special Education.
Delaware
In Delaware, you’ll need to pass content knowledge exams.
- Praxis Content Knowledge Assessments: Content knowledge exams are required by age and subject area—see details here.
- ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) Tests: Some foreign languages require the appropriate ACTFL test, administered by Language Testing International (LTI). Visit Delaware’s Department of Education site to learn more.
Florida
Florida uses its own teacher certification exams program, known as FTCE (Florida Teacher Certification Examinations). There are three types of tests all teachers need to pass:
- General Knowledge Test: This four-part test measures your basic reading, writing, and math skills. It includes multiple-choice questions and an essay.
- Professional Education Test: The pedagogy and professional skills test is comprised of approximately 100 multiple-choice questions.
- Subject Area Examinations: Subject area examinations may be multiple-choice only or might include written and oral sections, depending on the subject and age. Some tests have several subtests.
Georgia
Georgia has developed its own teaching testing program, GACE (Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators). Tests include:
- Program Admission: This basic skills test of reading, writing, and math is required to enter a teacher-training program in Georgia. Other test scores like the SAT and ACT may exempt you from taking this exam. Check with your teacher-training program for more info.
- Content Examinations: These test your knowledge of subject matter and teaching skills. Different tests are required based on the age and subject(s) you plan to teach. See the full list here.
- Georgia Ethics Assessment: This assessment includes built-in training modules with assessments throughout. It’s required for all teachers.
Hawaii
Most Hawaii teacher exams are offered through ETS Praxis. Here’s what the state requires:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: This tests your basic reading, writing, and math skills.
- Principles of Learning and Teaching: There are several versions of the PLT test, based on the age level(s) you plan to teach.
- Praxis Subject Area Tests: You’ll take a different test or series of tests depending on the age and subject(s) you’ll be teaching.
Idaho
Idaho requires the appropriate Praxis Content Knowledge tests for the area and subject(s) you plan to teach. Some tests have multiple subtests built in. Learn more about Idaho’s required Praxis tests here.
Illinois
In Illinois, you need to pass two types of teacher certification exams.
- edTPA: This exam verifies your knowledge of educational planning, instruction, and assessment for the ages and area you wish to teach. Learn more here.
- Content Knowledge Tests: Illinois content knowledge tests are administered by Pearson. Learn more about them here.
Indiana
Indiana transitioned to Praxis Subject Area tests as of September 1, 2021. These verify your knowledge of subject matter and teaching skills for the ages and subject(s) you’ll be teaching. Learn more about the Indiana Praxis Subject Area Tests here.
Iowa
In Iowa, if you complete a state approved teacher prep program, exams are not required. You’ll be granted your initial teaching license after completing the program and meeting state requirements.
If moving to the state of Iowa, teachers need to show proof of completing an accredited out-of-state program including transcript review. Learn more here.
Kansas
Kansas requires two types of teaching certification tests:
- Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT): There are several versions of the Praxis PLT test, based on the age level(s) you plan to teach.
- Praxis Content Knowledge Tests: You’ll take a different test or series of tests depending on the ages and subject(s) you’ll be teaching. Learn more here.
Kentucky
Kentucky has several teacher testing requirements:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: This tests your basic reading, writing, and math skills. Teacher prep programs require it for admission (minimum GRE scores are also accepted).
- Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT): There are several versions of the Praxis PLT test, based on the age level(s) you plan to teach.
- Praxis Content Knowledge Tests: These test your knowledge of the subject area(s) you wish to teach, depending on grade level. See the Kentucky required tests here.
Louisiana
Louisiana requires the following teacher exams:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: This tests your basic reading, writing, and math skills. Teacher prep programs require it for admission. (You can waive this requirement with minimum ACT/SAT scores.)
- Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT): There are several versions of the Praxis PLT test, based on the age level(s) you plan to teach.
- Praxis Content Knowledge Tests: These test your knowledge of the subject area(s) you wish to teach, depending on grade level. See the full list of required tests here.
Maine
Maine has three required teacher tests:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: This tests your basic reading, writing, and math skills.
- Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT): If you do not complete a state-approved teacher preparation program, you’ll need to take the PLT. There are several versions, based on the age level(s) you plan to teach.
- Praxis Content Knowledge Tests: These test your knowledge of the subject area(s) you wish to teach, depending on grade level. See the Maine required tests here.
Maryland
Maryland has several teacher testing requirements:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: This tests your basic reading, writing, and math skills. You may waive this exam requirement with minimum scores on the ACT, SAT, or GRE.
- Praxis Content Knowledge Tests: These test your knowledge of the subject area(s) you wish to teach, depending on grade level. See the Maryland required tests here.
- Pedagogy Skills Assessment: Currently, there are two ways to meet this requirement. You can take the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam, or you can complete the edTPAandPraxis PPAT (Praxis Performance Assessment of Teachers. Beginning July 1, 2025, all teachers must complete the edTPA and PPAT.
Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) program oversees teacher testing in the state. They are currently trying a pilot program of alternative assessments, so you may have a variety of options to meet each testing requirement. Be sure to visit Massachusetts’ Department of Education website to find the latest information. Here’s an overview of the current test requirements:
- MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills: This reading and writing test is required for all teachers, but there are several alternative assessments being piloted, including the Praxis CORE exam.
- Subject Matter Tests: These are offered by Pearson and vary depending on the subject(s) and ages you’ll be teaching.
Michigan
You’ll need to pass the appropriate MTTC (Michigan Test for Teacher Certification) content exams. These Pearson tests vary based on the ages and subject(s) you’ll be teaching. Learn more here.
Minnesota
The Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE) cover several areas. The state has a tiered licensing system, with varying tests required at each tier.
- Basic Reading, Writing, and Math Skills: You may meet this requirement by taking the Essential Academic Skills (EAS) Test. You can also use qualifying scores from other tests like the SAT, ACT, GRE, and more.
- Pedagogy: These Pearson tests are required for Tier 3 and 4 licenses and are specific to age level. See more here.
- Content Area Tests: These Pearson tests are required for Tier 1 renewal and all initial Tier 3 and Tier 4 licenses. They can also be used with the associated pedagogy tests as an option for a Tier 2 license. Learn more.
Mississippi
Mississippi has multiple testing requirements:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: This tests your basic reading, writing, and math skills. Teacher prep programs require it for admission, although some institutions accept minimum ACT scores instead.
- Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT): There are several versions of the Praxis PLT, based on the age level(s) you plan to teach.
- Praxis Content Knowledge Tests: These test your knowledge of the subject area(s) you wish to teach, depending on grade level. See the Mississippi required tests here.
- Foundations of Reading Test: This Pearson test is required for Elementary Education candidates.
Missouri
Missouri has its own set of teacher certification exams called MEGA (Missouri Educator Gateway Assessments), administered by Pearson. They include:
- Missouri General Education Assessment (MoGEA): This series of tests covers general knowledge of reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Teacher prep programs require them for admission.
- Content Assessments: Missouri’s content assessments vary based on the ages and subject(s) you’ll be teaching. Learn more here.
Montana
Montana requires the Praxis Content Knowledge tests appropriate to the ages and subject(s) you’ll be teaching. Learn more about the required Praxis tests here.
Nebraska
Nebraska uses Praxis testing for teacher certification. These tests include:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: This tests your basic reading, writing, and math skills. Teacher prep programs require it for admission.
- Praxis Content Exams: To earn endorsements on your license, you must pass the appropriate Praxis Content Exams. Learn more here.
Nevada
Nevada uses Praxis exams, including:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: This tests your basic reading, writing, and math skills. Teacher prep programs require it for admission.
- Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT): There are several versions of the Praxis PLT, based on the age level(s) you plan to teach. Elementary Education endorsement candidates are not required to take this test.
- Praxis Content Knowledge Tests: These test your knowledge of the subject area(s) you wish to teach, depending on grade level. See the Nevada required tests here.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s teacher testing requirements include:
- Basic Academic Skills Assessment: To show proficiency in reading, writing, and math, you have several options. You can take the Praxis Core Exam, score at or above the 50th percentile in the ACT, SAT, GRE, and other tests, or use other options. Learn more here.
- Praxis Content Knowledge Exams: These test your knowledge of the subject area(s) you wish to teach, depending on grade level. See the New Hampshire required tests here.
New Jersey
New Jersey uses Praxis testing for teacher certification. These tests include:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: This tests your basic reading, writing, and math skills. Teacher prep programs require it for admission.
- Praxis Content Exams: These tests vary based on the subject(s) and ages you plan to teach. Learn more here.
New Mexico
New Mexico is in the process of changing its testing requirements.
- Praxis PLT and Content Exams: Those graduating from a New Mexico approved teacher prep program in 2022 and 2023 must still take the appropriate Principles of Learning and Teaching and content exams by age and subject. Beginning in spring 2024, only out-of-state applicants will be required to take these exams.
- Praxis Teaching Reading: Elementary Exam: Per state statute, all Elementary Education candidates will continue to take this exam, now and in the future.
New York
- Educating All Students (EAS): This Pearson test is required for all teachers and measures your ability to teach diverse student populations.
- Content Specialty Tests (CST): These tests are administered by Pearson and vary based on the subject(s) and ages you wish to teach. Do a search here to learn more.
North Carolina
North Carolina uses Pearson and Praxis tests for teacher certification.
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: This tests your basic reading, writing, and math skills. It’s required for admission to a teacher-training program, but you can waive this requirement with minimum ACT/SAT scores.
- Performance Assessment: Teacher prep programs in North Carolina require the edTPA or PPAT (Praxis Performance Assessment Test).
- Foundations of Reading Test: This Pearson test is required for Elementary (K-6) and Special Education candidates.
North Dakota
North Dakota uses Praxis exams for teacher licensure:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: This tests your basic reading, writing, and math skills. Teacher prep programs require it for admission.
- Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT): There are several versions of the Praxis PLT, based on the age level(s) you plan to teach.
- Praxis Content Knowledge Tests: These test your knowledge of the subject area(s) you wish to teach, depending on grade level. See the North Dakota required tests here.
Ohio
In Ohio, these are the testing requirements:
- Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE): These Pearson tests measure professional, pedagogical, and subject-specific knowledge and skills.
- ACTFL/LTI World Languages Examinations: These tests provide a system of assessing and ensuring your spoken and written language proficiency.
- Praxis II: Ohio uses Praxis tests for initial licensure in school audiology, school speech pathology, and school psychology.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is in the middle of revising many of its test requirements. The state eliminated the OGET (Oklahoma General Education Test) as of May 6, 2022. However, it still requires these tests:
- Content Knowledge: Teachers can now take either the appropriate OSAT (Oklahoma Subject Area Tests) or Praxis Content Knowledge Tests to fulfill their content knowledge exam requirements. Visit each test’s website to learn more.
- PPAT (Praxis Performance Assessment Test): This test replaced the OPTE (Oklahoma Professional Teacher Examination) in September 2021. You’ll complete it as part of and throughout your student teaching. Learn more about the PPAT.
Oregon
In Oregon, there are several types of testing requirements:
- Oregon Educator Licensure Assessments (ORELA): Most teacher licenses in Oregon require these tests, administered by Pearson. Though Oregon used to use more Praxis tests, they no longer do, so check this list to ensure you’re taking the right test before you sign up.
- Praxis Content Knowledge Exams: Almost all Praxis exams have been replaced with ORELA, except for a few subjects listed here.
Pennsylvania
Here are Pennsylvania’s teacher certification exam requirements:
- Basic Skills Assessment: Before being formally accepted into a teacher-training program, candidates must prove their basic skills in reading, writing, and math. There are a variety of ways to do this (see list here), including the Praxis Core Asessment, the Pearson PAPA, and other tests like the ACT and SAT.
- PreK-4 and Special Education: For these licenses, the appropriate tests are administered by Pearson. See more information here.
- Praxis Content Knowledge Exams: All other licenses require the appropriate content knowledge exams by age and subject(s).
Rhode Island
Rhode Island uses Praxis tests for teacher certification. These tests include pedagogy and content knowledge assessment. See Rhode Island’s testing requirements here.
South Carolina
South Carolina teacher tests include:
- Program Admission Assessments: There are several ways to meet the criteria for this requirement to prove your basic reading, writing, and math skills. These include the Praxis Core Academic Skills Exam or minimum ACT or SAT scores. Learn more.
- Praxis Content Knowledge: These exams vary by age level and subject(s). See the full list here.
- Pedagogy Assessment: To fulfill this requirement, you can complete the Praxis Performance Assessment Test (PPAT)or the Praxis Principles of Teaching and Learning Test(s)or the edTPA administered by Pearson.
South Dakota
South Dakota uses these tests:
- Pedagogy and Performance Assessment: Teacher candidates can take either the PPAT (Praxis Performance Assessment Test)or the appropriate Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching Exam(s) for their subject and age ranges.
- Content Knowledge: Praxis offers most of the standard academic content knowledge exams for North Dakota, but a few subjects are covered by NOCTI (National Occupational Competency Testing Institute). See a full list here.
Tennessee
Tennessee uses the following tests:
- Pedagogy: You can take either the Pearson edTPAor the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) tests for the subject(s) and ages you plan to teach.
- Praxis Content Knowledge Exams: Tennessee requires the appropriate tests depending on the subject(s) and ages you’ll be teaching. Learn more here.
- Pearson Mathematics Tests: Two of the tests required for mathematics are offered by Pearson.
Texas
Teacher certification exams in Texas include:
- TExES (Texas Examinations of Educator Standards): These Pearson-administered tests cover content knowledge for the subject(s) and ages you plan to teach.
- ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) Tests: Some foreign languages require the appropriate ACTFL test, administered by Language Testing International (LTI). Learn more here.
Utah
Utah requires two types of tests:
- Content Knowledge Exams: Candidates take the appropriate Praxis Content Knowledge Tests, ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) Tests, or NOCTI (National Occupational Competency Testing Institute) tests for the subject(s) and ages they plan to teach. See test requirements here.
- Pedagogical Performance Assessment (PPA): To earn a Professional Educator License, candidates must complete a PPA. You can use the Pearson edTPA or Praxis Performance Assessment Test (PPAT).
Vermont
Vermont requires the following tests:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: This tests your basic reading, writing, and math skills. You may waive this exam requirement by meeting other criteria, including minimum scores on the ACT, SAT, or GRE.
- Praxis Content Knowledge Tests: These test your knowledge of the subject area(s) you wish to teach, depending on grade level. See the Vermont required tests here.
Virginia
In Virginia, testing requirements include:
- Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA): This Pearson-administered exam tests your reading and writing skills and is required for all applicants.
- Praxis Content Knowledge: These test your knowledge of the subject area(s) you wish to teach, depending on grade level. For some licenses/endorsements, you will also need to take the Teaching Reading Exam. See all testing requirements here.
Washington
Washington requires two types of teacher assessments:
- WEST-B (Washing Educator Skills Test-Basic): You must prove your basic reading, writing, and math skills before you can enter a teacher training program. One option is the WEST-B, administered by Pearson. See more Basic Skills test options here.
- Content Knowledge: These tests vary based on the subject(s) and ages you wish to teach. Most tests are administered by Pearson (see list here). ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) administers some foreign language exams.
West Virginia
West Virginia uses Praxis tests for teacher licensing:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: This tests your basic reading, writing, and math skills. It’s required for admission to teacher prep programs, but can be waived with minimum ACT/SAT scores or by meeting other requirements.
- Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT): There are several versions of the Praxis PLT, based on the age level(s) you plan to teach.
- Praxis Content Knowledge Tests: These test your knowledge of the subject area(s) you wish to teach, depending on grade level. See the West Virginia required tests here.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin teacher certification exams include:
- Subject Area Competency: All candidates take the appropriate Praxis Content Knowledge Tests or ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) Tests for the subject(s) and ages they plan to teach.
- Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Test: This is required for all elementary-regular education or special education candidates, or for a license as a reading teacher or reading specialist. See more here.
Wyoming
Wyoming has only these requirements:
- Content Knowledge: Only two initial licensures require these Praxis tests—Elementary Education and Social Studies Composite.
- U.S. & Wyoming Constitution: You can meet this requirement by passing an approved college course or passing two 20-question multiple-choice tests. Learn more here.
