The Teaching Certificate Praxis Exam
National Exams - PRAXIS
Each state sets its own examination requirements. Some states create their own exam such as California's CBEST test, and other states use a national exam such as the PRAXIS. Examination requirements change frequently, so you'll need to find up-to-date information about teaching examinations in your state. Find your state's department of education website.
As the most widely used teaching examination, the PRAXIS covers language arts, math, science, social science, physical education, fine and performing arts, and human development. This test is required for early childhood, elementary and middle school licenses.
High school teachers take the PRAXIS to allow them more flexibility as they pursue their career. Teachers who want a subject-area endorsement must pass PRAXIS II tests in their specific subject matter.
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The Praxis II exam is a more advanced test of teaching skill and subject area content knowledge. They are generally taken while enrolled in, or towards the end of, a teacher preparation program. Most middle schools will hire teachers who have a bachelor's degree in the subject area - say, English or math - even if they don't take the PRAXIS II.
The Praxis III Classroom Performance Assessment is designed to assess the skills of novice teachers in their own classroom settings. The assessment utilizes written descriptions of the class and subject matter, direct observation of the teacher's classroom practices by a trained assessor, and interviews structured around the classroom observation.