Which States Do Not Require Praxis^®?

Praxis State Requirements

The Praxis Series tests are a vital step to becoming a certified teacher in many states. These exams - which are administered by computer and provided at many sites around the nation - are designed to test your skills in academic disciplines such as mathematics, reading, and writing. Praxis exams are administered by the Educational Testing Service, which is a non-profit organization specializing in testing and preparing educators around the world.

Of the several exams used to become a licensed educator in the U.S., the Praxis is the most widely used. You're in good company if you need to take it! Scores upon scores of teachers in the U.S. have sat through Praxis exams. This is not surprising, since they're required in more than 40 states and several U.S. territories. However, not all states require the Praxis. It is these states that we will be focusing most closely on in this article.

Which States Do Not Require Praxis?

Praxis test requirements differ from state to state. In all, 46 states and the District of Columbia utilize them in some capacity or another. Some states feature Praxis exams heavily in their licensing processes, whereas others only require Praxis tests for specialty areas (such as Praxis II Speech Language Pathology or Psychology). Currently, the only states in which the exams are not utilized at all are the following:

• Arizona
• Florida
• Illinois
• Michigan

Because education standards are set by individual state governments, the requirements can change from year to year and state to state. Some states used to require Praxis exams but have since switched to other tests. Other states have done the opposite - they have recently transitioned to Praxis from another standard of testing.

If you are looking to take a Praxis test, you should be sure to thoroughly check your state's requirements for the subject(s) you want to teach. Some states also require specialty exams in addition to Praxis tests, and some colleges and universities require the Praxis as a condition of entrance to their educator programs. Additionally, testing can look different depending upon the subject area. For instance, a state might require a Praxis test for school psychologists but not English or Mathematics teachers.

How Many States Require the Praxis Test?

The official website of the Praxis exam states that over 40 states and territories require the Praxis for teacher licensure. When we step back and view everything at arm's length, however, we find that the picture is just a bit more complex.

Some states - such as Alabama, Indiana, and Montana, to name a few - use Praxis exams as a central part of their licensing procedures. Other states (such as Iowa, Maryland, and Ohio) use the Praxis test in conjunction with other standardized tests. Still, others, like California and Missouri, require the Praxis only for very specific educational areas.

In total, 46 states and the District of Columbia require the Praxis exam to some extent. U.S. overseas territories like American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands may also utilize these tests. As shown earlier on in this article, only four states - Arizona, Florida, Illinois, and Michigan - do not use the Praxis at all. It is worth noting that these states may still accept the Praxis for certification of teachers who come from other states.

State-Specific Exams to be a Licensed Educator

Some states have developed their exams for the licensing of teachers. These exams may be used in conjunction with Praxis exams, or they may replace the Praxis entirely. Here is a list of some state-specific educator exams:

• Georgia: GACE (Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators). Like the Praxis, the GACE is a computer-administered test. It was also developed in part by the Educational Testing Service, which is the company that also produces the Praxis exam. The GACE is specific only to Georgia.
• Arizona: AEPA (Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment) and NES (National Evaluation Series). The AEPA has been developed specifically for Arizona educators, while the NES is produced by Pearson for use nationwide.
• Florida: FTCE (Florida Teacher Certification Examinations) and FELE (Florida Educational Leadership Examination). Prospective educators in Florida must take the FTCE to obtain their license, and prospective school administrators must take the FELE. Both exams have been developed specifically for the state of Florida. There are 39 subject area examinations, ranging from music to special education to guidance counseling.

It's important to note that these are just a few of the several different state-specific educator exams. Other states, such as New York and Texas, have their exam systems as well. You should thoroughly check your state's exam requirements to see what test(s) you will need to take to become licensed.

Prepare for Praxis

Picture this: you've done your homework, and you have determined that you need to take the Praxis. What do you do next?

Here's a basic look at what you'll need to know.

For starters, the exam is subject-specific. If you're looking to become an English teacher, for instance, you will not have to take a mathematics exam. Likewise, prospective music teachers won't have to know biology. The duration of the exam depends on what specific test you take - exams range from 1 to nearly 5 hours in length.

Registration: You can register for the Praxis test online, where you are free to choose the date and location of your exam. Tests are generally provided year-round and are available at scores of Praxis exam sites around the nation. Hopefully, you shouldn't have too much of a problem finding a time and place to take the test!

Fees & Payment: There is no Praxis registration fee for registering for the Praxis, but there is a fee for the actual test itself. These fees range from $50 to over $200, with the amount dependent upon which specific Praxis exam you take. You can pay via credit or debit, check or e-check, or even via money orders. Praxis fee waivers are available, but only to college students receiving financial aid and are required to take the Praxis.

Scores: You will receive your Praxis exam scores no later than three weeks after the date of your exam. If you pass, your scores will be valid not only in the state in which you took the exam but in all states that require or accept the Praxis.

Study Tips: If you do end up having to take the Praxis exam, there are ample study materials available online and through various bookstores and retailers. The Praxis is one of the most widely taken tests in the country, which means there are a lot of great resources available! In general, you should be sure to break your studying up into manageable chunks. Don't try to take on too much at one time. Set measurable and attainable goals for yourself and commit to achieving them. You should also take plenty of Praxis practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format of the test.

Something as large and consequential as the Praxis exam might seem daunting or even overwhelming but with proper perspective and preparation, it is well within your grasp to not only pass but pass with flying colors.

Expert Contributor

Bryan McMahon

Bryan McMahon, M.A. is a high school biology and special education teacher in New Jersey with over 14 years of experience. He has hundreds of hours of experience tutoring aspiring teachers to take the CSET/CBEST exam suite. He has successfully passed the science and special education Praxis exams. Bryan completed a B.S. in Education from Seton Hall University and an M.A. in Teaching from Mangrove College.