Content Area Assessment Requirements

Praxis is a series of standardized teacher certification exams administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Required for teacher licensure in Tennessee and many other states, these exams measure the academic skills and subject-specific knowledge needed to become an effective educator.

Each state sets its own testing requirements and passing scores. Knowing which exams apply to your endorsement area, when to take them, and what scores you need is essential for planning your path to licensure — whether you intend to teach in Tennessee or elsewhere.

Required tests vary by major and concentration. Contact the APSU Office of Teacher Education & Partnerships with questions about which exams apply to your program.

All required assessments must be completed and passed before you are eligible for student teaching. The tests and cut-off scores in effect at the time of your licensure application will apply.

Which Assessments Do You Need?

The licensure table at the bottom of this page lists every endorsement area and the assessments required for certification in Tennessee. For most endorsement areas, you'll choose between two exams — both are accepted, and you only need to pass one option per required test.

The assessment types offered at Austin Peay State University include:

ETS Praxis  and  NT/NES (National Evaluation Series)

For specific questions about licensure or assessment requirements, contact Kevin Fee.

How to Register

Praxis Guide on How to Register for a Test

Tennessee and APSU-specific requirements the Praxis guide doesn't cover:

• Have your Social Security number ready. Tennessee requires a complete, accurate SSN to process score reports and educator certification applications. An incorrect or missing SSN will delay your licensure application.

• Select Austin Peay State University as your Educator Preparation Program (EPP) when prompted during registration. This ensures your scores are automatically sent to us for licensure verification.

• Add the Tennessee State Department of Education as a score recipient. ETS includes up to four free score recipients when you register — use one for the Tennessee State Department of Education.

• Apply your voucher code at checkout. If you earned a Passage Preparation voucher, be sure to enter it at checkout to apply your discount.

NES's Registration Overview for NT Tests (PDF)

To schedule a computer-based exam locally, contact:

Prometric Testing Center
(931) 647-2003
220 Forbes Ave
Clarksville, TN 37040

How to Prepare for your Exam

1. Identify your exams

   Use the licensure table below to confirm which assessments are required for your endorsement area.

   You can also browse the full list of available exams on the ETS Praxis website.

2. Utilize study resources

   • Study.com Praxis Test Prep — study guides, practice tests, and prep materials

   • APSU Library Praxis Resources — practice books and digital resources through the library

   • Disability accommodations — request testing accommodations through ETS

   • Learn more about your testing options:

     • at a testing center

     • at home/online

3. Build a study schedule

   Break the material into sections, set aside consistent time each week, and mix your methods — flashcards, practice tests, and group study all reinforce different types of content.

4. Practice before you test

   Practice tests reveal exactly where you need to focus. Take advantage of practice tests available online and through official resources. Review your results to identify areas needing improvement and adjust your study approach accordingly.

   The Eriksson College of Education hosts Praxis workshops and study sessions periodically. Ask your program advisor about upcoming dates.

5. On test day

   • Familiarize yourself with the testing format and environment beforehand.

   • Develop relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises to manage test anxiety.

   • Get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast before your test day.

Free Exam Voucher: Passage Preparation

Passage Preparation is a free virtual study tool available to APSU undergraduate students. Complete a qualifying practice test and earn a voucher for one free Praxis exam registration.

To earn your voucher:

1. Complete at least one practice test in your concentration area on the Passage Preparation website

2. Score 80% or above

Once your score is verified, you'll receive your free Praxis exam voucher.

Apply for a Praxis Exam Voucher

Assessments Required for Teacher Licensure in Tennessee

The assessments below are required to earn a teaching license in Tennessee. Requirements in other states may differ.

Before reading the table:

• Endorsement areas listed with a diamond (♦) do not require a content assessment if you are completing or have already completed a degree in that content area.

• Most areas offer a choice of testing agency — you only need to pass one option per required test.

• If an endorsement requires multiple assessments, all must come from the same testing agency. You cannot combine Praxis with NT/NES options (for example, K–5 requires either the full Praxis/NES set or the full NT set — not a mix).

Contact Kevin Fee with any questions.