Teacher Certification Test — What You Need To Know

Sheila, a 38-year-old mother of two, has always had a thirst for learning. She originally got a degree in social work but never felt truly fulfilled in her career. After years of working at her kid’s school, she realized that teaching was her true desire.

Now, she’s ready to return to school to earn her teaching degree and certification. Sheila’s first step is to check her state’s requirements. She’ll have to earn her bachelor’s in education or a master’s in teaching, depending on what her state requires for teachers. Since she already holds a degree, she is considering an alternative path. This was Sheila’s story. Maybe this is you too? Let’s pretend it is and take it from there. 

If you’re like Sheila, you might: 

• Desire to make an impact: Sheila wants to inspire and shape young minds, creating a positive learning environment for students.
• Seek personal fulfillment: She feels a deep sense of purpose in teaching and wants a career that aligns with her passion for education.
• Aim for job stability and growth: Sheila seeks a career with opportunities for professional development, possibly specializing in special education or literacy programs.
• Strive to be a role model for children: By going back to school, she hopes to show her own kids that it’s never too late to follow one’s dreams.

This article will take a deeper look into educator certification exams. We will discuss the importance of teacher certification exams, when they are required and provide practical tips and resources for early preparation. We’ll also highlight key states like Texas and Florida, explaining their specific certification requirements.

Teachers play a critical role in preparing the younger generations to become productive and engaged members of society. Because of this, teacher certification is necessary, as it’s designed to ensure that students are taught by competent teachers who understand evidence-based pedagogy and have extensive knowledge in their subject areas. State licensure or certification is a way to promote quality practice.¹

The National Council on Teacher Quality conducted a survey of research studies that examined the relationship between teachers’ performance on licensure tests and their students’ outcomes. Of the 15 research studies surveyed, the majority (11) discovered that there is indeed a positive relationship between the certification tests and student outcomes. In other words, teachers who perform well on the tests are generally better prepared to contribute to better student outcomes.²

Who Needs To Pass a Test To Become a Teacher?

A passing score on the licensure or certification test is a requirement for every aspiring teacher who wishes to teach in public schools in any state. All states require teachers pursuing licensure to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and complete a student-teaching program, and some require teachers to obtain a master’s degree after earning certification and gaining some work experience.¹

Private schools are not required to hire only teachers who have met state standards for licensure. Despite this, it’s common for private schools to prefer to hire teachers who have at least a bachelor’s degree.¹

Becoming a certified teacher involves several important milestones, from selecting the right pathway to completing exams and gaining hands-on experience. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide along with helpful resources to support you on your journey to the classroom.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

The first stop on the road is earning a bachelor’s degree. You might major in education or the content area you want to teach, such as history or math. If you already have a degree, consider an alternative route to teaching. More on this later.

Before taking the test to become a teacher, make sure you choose an accredited institution to ensure your credits are recognized by state boards of education according to your state’s education website.

Step 2: Enroll in a State-Approved Teacher Preparation Program

Again, check your specific state. However, you’ll likely need to complete a TPP or a teacher preparation program. 

This will include certain classes pertaining to:

• Child development
• Methods of teaching (pedagogy)
• Classroom management
• Lesson planning
• Ways to assess
• Field experiences involving observation and teaching

Step 3: Complete Student Teaching or Residency

Many states require a minimum of one semester of student teaching or a teacher residency. Apprenticeship and residency programs are relatively new pathways to entering the teaching profession.

• Paid apprenticeship pathways: Programs like Alabama’s Teacher Apprentice initiative offer aspiring teachers the opportunity to earn a salary while they train, creating a more financially accessible path to becoming certified educators.³
• Mentored, hands-on experience: Teacher residency and apprenticeship models emphasize immersive, year-long classroom experiences under the guidance of mentor teachers. This approach helps bridge the gap between theory and practice, enhancing preparedness and retention.⁴
• Addressing teacher shortages and diversity: Grow Your Own (GYO) and Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) are expanding nationwide to combat teacher shortages and promote workforce diversity by recruiting and training educators from within local communities.
• Paid work-based learning: You may be able to teach while you complete your certification, potentially earning a salary with an intern or emergency certificate.⁵

Step 4: Pass Certification Exams

Your next step is to take the necessary test to become a teacher. Every state requires you to pass certification and these are the main exams:

• Praxis® Core and Subject Tests
• NES® (National Evaluation Series)
• edTPA® performance-based assessments
• State-specific exams like TExES (TX), MTEL (MA), FTCE (FL) or CBEST/CSET (CA)

Visit your state’s department of education website or check out ETS Praxis State Requirements for necessary exams. 

Step 5: Apply for State Licensure

You’ve passed your tests and completed the steps above — now what? Now you're eligible to apply for your license. 

Check your state for its process, but generally, you’ll need to submit:

• Official transcripts
• Test scores
• Background check clearance
• Application and fee

Many states will honor other states’ licenses with minimal additional requirements.⁶

Step 6: Continue Professional Development (PD)

Engage in ongoing professional growth, continually building new skills and knowledge to stay at the forefront of your field. You’ll need to renew your license every few years and complete ongoing PD hours.⁷

To help you find what you need, here is a quick look at available resources and what they offer:

• ETS Praxis: Exam details, prep and state requirements
• GCU College of Education: Programs, degrees and alternative paths
• State DOE websites: State-specific requirements and applications

Some states use Praxis Core and Praxis Subject Assessments, while others may require different tests such as edTPA, National Evaluation Series (NES) or state-specific exams. Each state has a teacher certification test and the specific exam you’ll take depends on your state’s requirements.

Now, let’s dive deeper. According to step four above, you’ll likely take more than one exam, and these assessments generally cover the following:

• Basic skills in reading, writing and math (often tested through Praxis Core or similar exams)
• Subject-area knowledge specific to the content you plan to teach
• Pedagogical knowledge to evaluate your understanding of teaching methods and classroom management

These exams are designed to ensure you're prepared to meet the professional standards required in today’s classrooms. It’s important to check your state for which ones you will need to take. We will discuss what you need to know in the next section. 

When Do I Take These Tests?

You’ll want to take these tests during your teacher prep program, although you can wait until after. Some programs and states, such as GCU, may allow you to teach under a provisional certificate while completing your exams.

How Do I Prepare?

Here are some ways to set yourself up for success:

• GCU (for example) offers many test prep classes.
• Practice, practice, practice! There are many ways to take practice exams on the state exams' websites.
• Schedule your test date early. This may give you the opportunity to retake it, if necessary.

Like Sheila, who’s ready for a career change, you’re driven by a desire to make an impact — or perhaps you’re seeking personal fulfillment on your own unique path. Whether you live in Arizona, Colorado, Texas or beyond, you want to gain confidence that you’re meeting all the requirements.

GCU’s strengths lie in preparing educators with all the skills and tools that align with state-specific licensure standards. GCU can help you navigate this process. Each state sets its own rules for teacher licensure, including:

• Required degrees
• Certification exams
• Background checks
• Professional preparation programs
• Student teaching or residency experiences

GCU’s College of Education is structured to meet or exceed these requirements, with tailored support depending on where you plan to teach.

You will receive step-by-step, one-on-one guidance from a GCU student services counselor to help you understand the exact requirements for your state.

The beauty of GCU is not one size fits all. However, it does ensure that you are meeting both national and state standard licensure requirements while offering state-specific licensure prep programs.

The core competencies include:

• Curriculum design and instruction
• Child and adolescent development
• Classroom management
• Culturally responsive teaching
• Educational technology

Preparation is built in to ensure that education students can pass the state exam. GCU programs integrate test-relevant material directly into your courses. Your advisor will also make sure you are receiving support with practice questions and program-specific guidance on when and how to register.

In terms of field experience and student teaching, each state has different requirements. GCU ensures that you meet your state standards for:

• Hands-on teaching (practicum)
• Observation hours
• Student teaching
• Emergency teaching certificate options (or internships) while working in your school
• You will get field experience placement help from field experience counselors.

GCU also provides personal guidance with:

• Enrollment counselors
• Program advisors
• Clinical practice coordinators
• Faculty mentors

GCU offers alternative route programs for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree (in any field) and want to become licensed teachers without completing a traditional teacher preparation program. 

If you already have a degree but want to teach K-12, there are programs for the following focus areas, which all lead to licensure and include student teaching:

• MEd in Elementary Education: Grades K-8
• MEd in Secondary Education: Specific subjects (math, English, etc.)
• MEd in Special Education: K-12
• MEd in Early Childhood Education: Birth through grade 3

Ready to take the next steps toward becoming a high school teacher? Here’s a pathway to help guide you:

Check out GCU’s alternative paths:

• Canyon L.E.A.P. to Teach Program 
• Graduate Certificate Programs 
• Canyon Teacher Residency Pathways 

If you're already teaching or plan to teach soon, ask about intern certificates or provisional licenses.

Certification exams like the Praxis, NES, FTCE or TExES don’t have to be overwhelming — preparation is everything. Although resources may differ from test to test, you can likely find a study guide for the teacher certification test online at the testing company’s website, in addition to other official prep resources.

Start by finding out:

• Which exams your state requires
• The format and content areas
• The passing scores for each subtest

Note: Check your state’s Department of Education or use the ETS Praxis website for details.

Next, get ready:

• Use practice tests to identify your strengths and gaps
• Take advantage of the study guide(s) for teacher certification tests and prep classes (GCU coursework provides both)

Pro tips:

• Register during a less stressful time
• Set aside at least two months to study
• Don’t delay — many test during student teaching or even earlier

Texas and Florida are among the fastest-growing states for new teachers — and GCU is here to support future educators every step of the way.⁸

For Texas educators:

• GCU’s degree programs align with the TExES exam requirements (required exam in Texas)
• Internships are available, allowing you to start teaching while completing your degree
• GCU partners with Texas districts to assist with student teaching placement
• Advisors help with test registration, paperwork and exam prep
• Support is available for finding Texas residency program opportunities

For Florida educators:

• GCU prepares students for the FTCE and Florida’s benchmark standards (required exam in Florida)
• Support includes student teaching and observation placements across the state
• Students receive FTCE study guides and mentorship
• Flexible, fully online degrees let Florida-based students study while working or completing residency

With real classroom experiences and alternative certification routes for non-education students, GCU can be a good option. GCU advisors provide ongoing support, ensuring students feel encouraged and guided throughout their educational journey.

Sheila discovered GCU while working at her child’s school — and found the flexibility and support she needed to pursue her teaching goals. Her story reflects GCU’s broader mission: to prepare aspiring educators with the tools, guidance and confidence needed to meet state-specific certification requirements, especially in Texas, Florida and Arizona. With a commitment to teacher readiness that goes beyond the basics, GCU empowers future teachers to take the first step on their journey.