Teacher Certification

As you prepare to start your career as an educator, you will likely need to take and pass a teacher certification exam.

To help you prepare for your exam, check out the free practice tests and other resources below.

Teaching Certification Resources

• AEPA Early Childhood Education Practice Test
• AEPA Principal Practice Test
• ABCTE Professional Teaching Knowledge (PTK) Practice Test
• Arkansas Foundations of Reading (190) Practice Test
• CASA Practice Test
• CBEST Practice Test
• Connecticut Foundations of Reading Practice Test
• CPACE Practice Test
• CSET Exams
• CTEL Practice Test
• Early and Middle Childhood/Literacy: Reading-Language Arts
• FTCE Exams
• GACE Exams
• ILTS Exams
• MEGA Elementary Education Multi-Content Practice Test
• MoGEA Practice Test
• MTEL Communication Literacy Skills Practice Test
• MTEL Early Childhood Practice Test
• MTEL English Practice Test
• MTEL Foundations of Reading Practice Test
• MTEL General Curriculum Practice Test
• MTEL Sheltered English Immersion Practice Test
• MTTC Exams
• National Board Certification: Mathematics (A&YA)
• National Board Certification: Mathematics (EA)
• National Board Certification: Science (A&YA)
• National Board Certification: Science (EA)
• National Board Certification: Generalist – Early Childhood
• NES Exams
• North Carolina Foundations of Reading Practice Test
• NYSTCE Exams
• OAE Assessment of Professional Knowledge Practice Test
• OAE Early Childhood Special Education Practice Test
• OAE Educational Leadership Practice Test
• OAE Elementary Education Practice Test
• OAE Foundations of Reading Practice Test
• OAE Special Education Practice Test
• OSAT Exams
• ParaPro Assessment Practice Test
• PECT PreK-4 Practice Test
• PECT Special Education PreK-8 Practice Test
• Praxis Core Tests
• Praxis Tests
• SLLA Practice Test
• TExES Exams
• TX PACT: Essential Academic Skills Practice Test
• VCLA Practice Test
• WEST-B Practice Test
• WEST-E Social Studies Practice Test
• WEST-E Special Education Practice Test

How to Get a Teaching Certificate

Obtaining a teaching certificate in the United States involves a series of steps to ensure that educators are well-prepared to teach in K-12 schools. The specific requirements can vary from state to state, but here’s a general overview of the process:

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Most states require aspiring teachers to have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. It’s essential to choose a major that aligns with the subject or grade level you intend to teach.
2. Complete Teacher Preparation: Enroll in a state-approved teacher preparation program. This can be a traditional university-based program or an alternative route like Teach for America. These programs typically include coursework in pedagogy, classroom management, and student teaching experience.
3. Pass Required Exams: Most states require prospective teachers to pass a series of exams. The Praxis series is commonly used, including the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) test and Praxis Subject Assessments for specific content areas.
4. Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check and provide fingerprint clearance. Schools prioritize the safety of students.
5. Apply for Certification: Submit an application for teacher certification to your state’s education department or board. Be prepared to provide transcripts, exam scores, and proof of completion from your teacher preparation program.
6. Continuing Education: Many states require teachers to complete continuing education credits to renew their teaching certificate periodically. This ensures that educators stay updated with the latest teaching methods and standards.

It’s crucial to check with your state’s education department for the most accurate and up-to-date information, as certification requirements can vary widely across states. Additionally, some states offer alternative routes to certification for individuals with non-traditional backgrounds or career changers.
 

By Eric Richter

Eric is the Product Development Manager responsible for developing and updating the Mometrix Teacher Certification and K-12 products. Eric has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a master’s of education in Teaching ESOL.