What is Praxis Test? List of U.S. States That Require Praxis Test

The Praxis test is a series of standardized examinations used in the United States to assess the knowledge and skills of aspirational teachers. Administered by Educational Testing Services (ETS), these tests are often a significant requirement to obtain teacher certification in many states. The Praxis chain includes the Praxis Core, which evaluates the basic educational skills, and the subject assessment, which measures knowledge in specific material fields and teaching methods. While not all American states make these exams compulsory, the majority continue to use them as part of their teacher license process completely or partially. Understanding that states are required for future teachers, it is necessary for future teachers to implement or complete their certification process in the United States. 

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What is Praxis Test? 

The Praxis test is a series of standardized exams designed to assess the knowledge and skills required to become a certified teacher in the United States. Administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), Praxis exams are widely used by states and educational institutions as part of their teacher licensing and certification processes.

The Praxis test series is divided into multiple categories:

1. Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: This test evaluates basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. It is often taken early in a teaching candidate’s education program.
   

2. Praxis Subject Assessments (Praxis II): These tests measure knowledge of specific subjects (such as English, math, science, or social studies) and include pedagogy exams that assess teaching strategies for different age groups.
   

3. Praxis Content Knowledge for Teaching (CKT): Designed for elementary education candidates, these focus on how subject knowledge applies to teaching.
   

States use Praxis scores to ensure that candidates meet minimum competency levels before entering the classroom. However, not all states require Praxis exams, as some have developed their own licensure tests. For those pursuing a teaching career, understanding the Praxis requirements of the state where they plan to work is crucial for certification success.

States That Use Praxis Test

Many US States use Praxis scores as part of their teacher certification process to ensure that candidates meet the necessary academic and professional standards. These scores are essential in states such as Alabama, Georgia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and South Carolina. Licensing requires Praxis Core or Praxis subject assessment. Some states only need Praxis subject tests, while others command both major and content exams. However, some states, such as California, Florida, New York, Texas, and Illinois, use their own exams instead of Praxis. It is crucial to understand which states use Praxis scores to understand that requirements vary based on state policies and certification routes.

States That Do Not Use Praxis Test

These states have replaced Praxis with their own teacher certification exams: