Teacher Certification Exams: Study Tips

Written by Sasha Blakeley

What are Teacher Certification Exams?

The process of becoming a certified teacher consists of several educational and training steps. One of the big steps on the way to becoming a teacher is the completion of a series of certification exams. These exams are usually assigned to those who have already completed an undergraduate degree in education and their student teaching requirements. The point of a teacher certification exam is to assess an individual's knowledge and skills. It covers a great deal of ground as it attempts to verify that anyone taking the test to become a teacher is fully prepared for the rigors of classroom life. Teacher certification exams can take various forms; they differ from state to state. Some exams can be completed in one day, while others may have several parts. Some states require teachers to complete a teaching portfolio in addition to an exam.

Anyone aiming to become a teacher should ensure that they do their research to see what exams their state requires them to take. These exams are extensive, so it is generally advisable to start studying several months in advance. Most undergraduate degrees that train educators will provide some guidance for test-takers. However, aspiring teachers must take the initiative to ensure they are thoroughly prepared for their exams. Going into any teacher certification exam with as much foreknowledge as possible — not just about the contents of the exam but also about its structure — can make a big difference in test-takers' success.

Types of Teacher Tests

Each state's teacher test procedure will be slightly different. There are a few exams that are common in multiple states, while some states have unique requirements. One of the most well-established tests across the country is the Praxis exam. This comprises a series of tests that can check teachers' knowledge of core competencies; there are also subject-specific tests. It is common for states to expect teachers to pass a general Praxis test and subject exams when relevant.

The National Evaluation Series (NES) is another form of teacher certification exam. It is less prevalent but can sometimes be an acceptable substitute for the Praxis test or other exams. It also sometimes makes up one of the options for alternative teacher certification. Those who are interested in taking the NES should check whether their state accepts NES results instead of other exams.

State requirements change regularly. Currently, most states accept or require the Praxis test. Some ask students to complete the edTPA, a teaching portfolio that can stand in for some exam requirements. For any given state, alternative options may be open to some or all teachers. The Praxis tests included below are sometimes only required for a specific academic focus (such as Speech and Language Pathology in Georgia) or available as alternatives (such as the Praxis tests in Massachusetts), so it is always a good idea to double-check state guidelines. The following list of exams is a resource that is subject to change. However, it can give prospective teachers a sense of what kind of assessment they will likely need to complete.

There are several Praxis tests, and some states require that teachers pass more than one. Some may also assign a Praxis exam in addition to a state-specific assessment. Teachers who trained in one state before moving to another state will often be able to transfer their teaching license between school districts without having to undergo further testing, but it is a good idea for anyone in that position to do their research on additional requirements. States listed in the Praxis and edTPA sections usually require both qualifications.

Importance of Teacher Preparation Programs

Some of the best resources available for aspiring teachers who want to do well on their exams are teacher preparation programs. Also known as an education preparation program or teacher training program, these curricula are part of the undergraduate degree teachers must receive before instructing in a classroom. Teacher preparation programs are typically compulsory for anyone who wants to become a teacher.

However, teachers can obtain a teaching license without completing a teacher preparation program in particular states and with specific criteria. Usually, this is because they have a degree in a particular subject they want to teach and prior work experience. These teachers can obtain alternative forms of licensure by completing alternative teacher preparation programs, and they can sometimes be earned even after a teacher has started working.

How to Study for Teacher Certification Tests

Many aspiring teachers get stressed about taking their exams. These tests are extensive, and passing them is one of the last crucial steps to becoming a teacher. Fortunately, while teacher certification tests can be challenging, they are not designed to be impossible. There are tried and true study strategies that aspiring teachers can use to guarantee that they succeed on their exams the first time around. Those strategies include familiarizing oneself with the test structure, creating an effective study plan, and utilizing practice tests. The right study plan will differ for each person, so it is a good idea for anyone preparing to take these tests to understand their study style well in advance. Knowing when and how to ask for help is also valuable; talking to college professors, fellow students, and current teachers can significantly boost test scores.

The Test Structure

To begin with, students should read up on the structure of the test or tests they will need to pass. Does the exam occur over several days? How many hours does it take? How many sections are there in the test, and what does each consist of? What kinds of questions are asked on the exam? The Praxis tests are the most common teacher certification exams . There are several Praxis exams, including the Praxis Core tests, Praxis Subject Tests, and the Praxis Content Knowledge for Teaching (CKT) assessment. Teachers may have to take just one of these tests, or they may take several. Each exam has a unique structure.

Most of the time, Praxis exams can be completed either online or at an in-person testing site. Online assessments require strict identification and monitoring but can be completed from home. Some Praxis tests require aspiring teachers to write essays, but for the most part, questions are delivered in a multiple-choice format. In fact, most teacher certification exams are primarily multiple-choice. Many questions will cover how best to handle various classroom scenarios. However, subject-specific tests will function more like academic tests, checking aspiring teachers' knowledge of the subject they are planning to teach.

A Good Study Plan

Knowing how to study for a teacher certification test means building an effective study plan. Typically, it is recommended that students who need to take any teacher certification exam begin reviewing several months in advance. That means creating a study plan that can be returned to every day or every week in the lead-up to the exam. The plan should allot time for a review that does not conflict with other responsibilities. Ideally, the study plan should cover all of the material that will be on the exam and then some. This is why it is so important to find out exactly what the structure of the exam will be — it is the first step in creating a study plan that will match up well with the demands of the test. Sometimes, it may not be possible to study during the scheduled times. Life happens, and things do not always go according to plan. For that reason, it is a good idea for aspiring teachers to create extra time in their study plans to ensure that they do not fall behind.

Practice Tests

Most teacher certification tests will offer practice tests that mimic the format and difficulty level of the real test. Some of them are available for free online; however, even when there are costs associated with these exams, it is a good idea to make use of them. Taking practice tests allows prospective teachers to get as close to the genuine experience as possible. This can remove a lot of the stress and uncertainty from the process. It is also a good idea to time the practice test just like the real exam to confirm that it is possible to answer all questions within the time limit. Practice tests can improve chances of success on the actual test because teachers will know what to expect and which areas of the test tend to be more or less challenging for them.

Tips and Preparation for Teaching Exams

Preparation for teaching exams can feel overwhelming, especially in the beginning. However, each teaching exam is ultimately designed to be passed, provided test-takers have been paying attention. There are some strategies that work best for students before an exam, as well as some tips that aspiring teachers should keep in mind while taking the exam. Test-taking is not everyone's strong suit, but that does not mean that success will be elusive. The following tips — as well as a solid study plan — can help make teacher exams less overwhelming and more straightforward.

Things to Do Before an Exam

In the weeks leading up to an exam, there are several things aspiring teachers should remember to do. These tips will help make preparation simpler and guarantee success on the test day. Things to do before an exam might include the following:

• Stick to the study plan
• Talk to other aspiring teachers
• Ask for help
• Take practice tests
• Focus on areas of difficulty
• Eat enough food and get enough sleep
• Avoid cramming for the exam

If it is too late to maintain a good study schedule and it becomes necessary to cram, the most important thing is to avoid panicking. Concentrate on significant gaps in knowledge, taking care to focus on exam areas that carry the most weight in terms of the final score. When things get down to the wire, it is a good idea to prioritize sleep over continuing to study; most people will do better on an exam if they are well-rested, even if they could have spent more hours cramming.

Things to Do During a Teaching Exam

It is completely normal to find exams stressful, particularly for a major national teacher exam. Test anxiety can make it much more challenging to complete a teaching exam successfully, even for people who know the material well. There are some things that everyone should keep in mind while taking an exam, including the following:

• Don't panic. Take deep breaths to regain focus
• Skip challenging questions and come back to them later
• Read each question carefully
• Keep track of the time
• Write something for each question, even if it is a guess

There are no two ways about it: Exams are stressful and challenging. Keeping a cool head throughout the test is essential to having a successful exam experience. It is also helpful to remember that in most states, aspiring teachers who fail their exams will have some form of recourse to try again if things did not go well the first time.

Teacher Test Preparation Resources

Test preparation resources can take many forms. The Praxis test website offers free study guides for each of their subject exams. These study guides explain how long the exam takes, how many questions there are, and what test-takers should expect. The guides go into detail about the content of the test, usually providing extensive discussion questions to help aspiring teachers get into the right head space for the exam. Reviewing the relevant guides in detail is a good, accessible way to improve confidence before taking the exam. While they are not complete practice tests, these study guides include sample questions to help aspiring teachers see what they could come up against on the exam. The answers to these sample questions are included at the end of each guide. For state-specific tests, similar guides may be available, and aspiring teachers should explore their state's website to learn more. College programs that train teachers will often also have resources for their students.

Where to Find Practice Teacher Certification Tests

For practice teacher certification test options, the best resource is the test website. Praxis offers an online test for teachers for a fee. The FTCE provides free online practice tests for each subject, as does the TExES website. When taking these assessments, try to find a quiet space that closely resembles a testing environment. For those who live with others, it is helpful that everyone knows not to disturb them during the test-taking process. Whatever resources are available during the actual exam should be at the test-taker's disposal during any practice, but it is not a good idea to use any other resources. For instance, if a math subject test must be completed without a calculator, it is a bad idea to practice with a calculator. Some colleges may offer more specialized practice tests for their own state requirements.