Assessment Requirements & Preparation Guide

Praxis is a series of standardized teacher certification exams administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) that are required for teacher licensure in Tennessee and many other states across the country. These exams assess the academic skills and subject-specific knowledge essential for becoming a highly qualified educator.

Each state sets its own testing requirements and passing scores, so it is important to understand which exams you will need to take, when to take them, and what scores you will need to achieve your teaching goals in Tennessee or any other state where you plan to teach.

The tests required vary by major and/or concentration. Please contact Kevin Fee, teacher licensure coordinator in the APSU Office of Teacher Education & Partnerships, for any questions regarding Praxis tests required for initial licensure. 

Please note that these exams must be completed and passed in order to be eligible for student teaching. You can schedule to take the computer-based version of these tests at Prometric, (931) 647-2003, which is located at 220 Forbes Ave, Clarksville, TN 37040.

The tests and/or cut-off scores in effect at the time of licensure will be required. 

Register for Praxis Exams

Congratulations on reaching the Praxis stage of your teaching journey! The Eriksson College of Education is here to support you every step of the way. This page provides resources and tips to help you prepare for and conquer the Praxis exams with confidence.

Click the link below for a step-by-step guide to complete your Praxis registration online. 

Registration How-To Guide (PDF)
Preparation Tips

• Identify Your Praxis Exams:

  • Determine the specific Praxis tests required for your desired teaching license and content area.

  • Visit the ETS Praxis website for a comprehensive list.

• Utilize Preparation Resources:

  • Explore these preparation resources to help you better understand and prepare for test format, content areas and sample questions:

    • Study.com - Study guides and test prep materials

  • Learn more about disability accommodations, or taking your exam online or at a testing center.

• Develop a Study Plan:

  • • Create a personalized study schedule that fits your needs and learning style.

    • Allocate dedicated study time each week and break down the material into manageable sections.

    • Utilize a variety of study methods like flashcards, practice tests and group study sessions.

• Practice Makes Perfect:

  • • Take advantage of practice tests available online and through official resources.

    • Analyze your performance to identify areas needing improvement and adjust your study approach accordingly.

• Manage Test Anxiety:

  • • 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.

Additional Preparation Resources

Passage Preparation is a new virtual study tool for Praxis available for undergraduate students. Click below to request access to this free tool. 

• Students must complete at least one (1) practice test of their choice within the concentration area with a score of 80% or above on the Passage Preparation website.
  
• Once completion is verified, students will receive one (1) voucher that provides a free Praxis exam registration.

Praxis Voucher Application

Access practice books and online resources through the APSU Library, and reach out to your professors or program advisors for specific guidance and recommendations. The College also hosts Praxis workshops and study sessions periodically to support your preparation.

Assessments Required for Teacher Licensure In Tennessee 

Depending on endorsement area, there are different assessment that teacher candidates must pass in order to qualify for licensure. The assessments listed below are required to be certified in Tennessee. Other states may have different licensure requirements. 

For licensure or assessment questions, please contact Kevin Fee. 

The assessment types offered at Austin Peay State University include: 

• Praxis: Learn more about these exams on the Praxis website.
• NT/NES: Learn more about these exams on the National Evaluation Series (NES) website. 
  

Assessments for the endorsement areas listed in bold are not required if you are completing or have completed a degree in that content area.

To pass the Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects test, you must receive a passing score on each subtest.* If you wish to take all four subtests (5002, 5003, 5004, 5005) at the same time, select Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5001) when registering. If you wish to take or retake an individual subtest, you may register to take just that subtest.

Please be aware that it if an endorsement area requires you to pass multiple assessments that you will need to pass the assessment from the same testing agency (ex, K-5 pass either Praxis 5001 and 5205 OR NES 113, 114 and 890).